strawberries

by Nancy Garrison, Former Urban Horticulture and Master GardenerProgram Coordinator with U.C. Cooperative Extension

Revised 20-Feb-2003

Varieties

Strawberries can be grown in the home garden and will provide a sweet tangy fruit high in vitamin C. There are two general classes of strawberries, the "day neutral" or as they are also called, "everbearers" and the "short-day" types. The day neutral types flower and produce fruit all year round; although, the bulk of the fruit will be from April through October. The short-day types produce when day lengths are shorter as in the fall through early spring. Pajaro, Seascape, Chandler and Tioga are short-day types, while Aptos, and Fern are day-neutral types. Day-neutral varieties can bear fruit about 3 months after planting, if favorable growing temperatures prevail. Varieties to choose from for best flavor are Aptos, Chandler, Seascape, Tioga, Fern, and Pajaro.

Factors Affecting Growth

Long days and warm temperatures favor the growth of leaves and runners, while short days and cool temperatures are necessary for flower formation in the short-day varieties. Strawberries will have more flavor when grown in areas where days are sunny and nights are cool. Strawberries that grow during cool temperatures have firmer fruit than those grown during warm humid weather. Temperatures of 70 to 80 F during the day and 60 to 65 F during the night result in a ripening period of about 30 days.