Everbearing strawberries offer a distinct approach to home gardening, known for their prolonged fruiting period rather than a single, concentrated harvest. This characteristic sets them apart from other strawberry types, providing gardeners with a more extended opportunity to enjoy fresh fruit from their plants. Understanding this unique growth habit is key to successfully cultivating these popular berries in a home setting.
Understanding Everbearing Strawberry Fruiting
Everbearing strawberries typically produce two main harvests during a single growing season. The first significant crop usually emerges in late spring or early summer, followed by a second, often abundant, flush in late summer to early fall. Some varieties may also offer a lighter, more continuous yield of berries in the period between these two primary harvests. This prolonged production pattern is influenced by factors such as day length and temperature, contributing to their “everbearing” designation.
These plants form flower buds when day length extends to 12 hours or more per day, allowing for multiple fruiting cycles. While their production is extended, individual harvests are generally not as large as the single, concentrated yield of other strawberry types. This consistent, smaller output suits them for regular fresh consumption throughout warmer months.
Everbearing, June-Bearing, and Day-Neutral Varieties
Strawberry plants are broadly categorized into three main types, each with a distinct fruiting pattern. June-bearing varieties are known for producing a single, substantial crop over a two to three-week period, typically in late spring or early summer. These plants put significant energy into generating numerous runners, which are horizontal stems that form new plantlets.
Everbearing strawberries generally offer two main harvests: one in late spring and another in late summer or early fall. They produce fewer runners compared to June-bearing types, directing more energy into fruit production across multiple cycles. This moderate runner production means less sprawling and a more contained growth habit.
Day-neutral strawberries are often grouped with everbearing types due to their extended fruiting, but they are distinct in their ability to fruit continuously. These varieties can flower and produce berries as long as temperatures remain moderate, typically between 35 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, regardless of day length. Day-neutral plants produce very few runners, making them ideal for small spaces or container gardening.
Caring for Everbearing Strawberries
Consistent watering is important for everbearing strawberries, especially during their extended fruiting periods. Plants generally need about one inch of water per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to prevent root rot. Proper drainage is crucial for healthy plant development and fruit production.
Regular fertilization supports the continuous fruit production of everbearing plants. Incorporating well-aged compost into the soil before planting provides a slow-release source of nutrients. Additional balanced fertilizer applications can be beneficial, but it is important to avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit.
While everbearing strawberries produce fewer runners than June-bearing types, managing them remains important. Removing excess runners helps the plant focus its energy on developing fruit rather than propagating new plants. For new plants, pinching off early flowers in the first year can help establish a stronger root system, leading to more robust fruit production in subsequent seasons.
Benefits and Considerations of Everbearing Strawberries
Everbearing strawberries offer an extended harvest season. This makes them an excellent choice for gardeners who prefer a steady supply of berries for fresh eating rather than a single, large crop.
However, there are some considerations when choosing everbearing varieties. The individual fruits may be smaller in size compared to those from June-bearing plants. The total yield might also be less than a large, single flush from June-bearing varieties. Consistent care, including regular watering and feeding, is important for everbearing types due to their continuous production cycle.