Sweet, Sweet Strawberries

There are three main types of strawberries which have a different time and duration of fruiting.    

• June-bearing – one large crop typically mid to late June 

• Ever-bearing – typically two modest crops in June and another in fall 

• Day-neutral – three peak periods, typically in June, mid-July and late August 

For the longest harvest, grow both June-bearing and either day-neutral or an ever-bearing type to provide berries from June through fall. 

Growing Conditions:  
 
Berries thrive in full sun with rich loamy soil and liberal amounts of organic matter.  They like slightly acidic soil with excellent drainage.  Consider using raised beds to avoid wet feet and root rot conditions.  Mulching will suppress weeds, improve water retention and protect their shallow roots from excessive heat. A fresh layer just before the fruit begins to ripen will help keep the fruit free of dirt and pests.  Consistent moisture is required throughout the growing season.  Apply fertilizer when first planting or at the beginning of the new season and then regularly throughout the growing season.  Remove excess runners (baby plants) to increase the size and quality of the berries.  Avoid excessive cultivation as this can disturb their shallow root system. 

Some of our customer favorites include: 

June-bearing 

The berries tend to be larger, have a longer shelf life and are generally more flavorful than other types.  They produce a large, vigorous crop over an average three-week harvest period. The larger crop size and more focused production time makes this the desirable type to grow if you want to make jam or other preserves 

• ‘Chandler’: Large firm berries are exceptionally juicy and can produce as early as March.  Developed by the University of California.  

• ‘Sequoia’: Large, sweet, juicy berries.  Though considered a June-Bearing type, this variety does produce spring through summer.  Developed for coastal California. 

Ever-bearing 

They produce two small crops, typically one in June and another in fall.  The berries are smaller and are not as sweet as the June-bearing types.  However, the plants are less vigorous, requiring less care and maintenance. 

• ‘Eversweet’: Large, firm berries spring through fall.  They can produce in temperatures above 80 degrees and are disease resistant. 

• ‘Albion’: Long, conical firm fruit.  Introduced by UC Davis. 

Day-neutral 

They are considered to be as sweet as June-bearing and produce over three seasons. The near continuous production for this type leads to smaller initial crop size; great for eating, not for canning or preserving. 

• ‘Seascape’: Sweet, large berries approximately three months after planting.  Heat tolerant and disease resistant.  Bred for California. 

• Alpine Strawberries ‘Pineapple’: Exceptionally sweet white 1” berries with a hint of pineapple and vanilla aroma.  

Keep an eye out for our Strawberry Growing guide, coming soon!