Growing Guide: Strawberries
Strawberries are a delicious, healthy, low-calorie fruit high in Vitamin C. All these varieties can be enjoyed fresh, frozen or made in jams or pies.
AL'S 2026 VARIETIES |
FRUIT BEARING TIMEFRAME |
CHARACTERISTICS |
|
Eclair* |
June Bearing |
Gourmet - Extremely sweet and aromatic with hints of orange and raspberry. |
|
Flamingo* |
June Bearing |
Gourmet - Pale pink skin, juicy texture, sweet, slightly tart flavor. |
|
Honeoye* |
June Bearing |
An Al's Favorite - Cold hardy, early season classic flavor. |
|
Quinalt* |
Everbearing |
Large red berries late spring through fall. |
|
Seascape |
Everbearing |
Large red berries late spring through fall. |
Ripening Times
June-bearing varieties produce one crop per year in late spring or early summer. Start fertilizing as soon as the growth starts and again after it’s done fruiting. Day-neutral (Everbearing) varieties produce all season long from early summer through fall. Everbearing types prefer consistent light feeding.
Planting
Plant the crown above the soil level. Strawberry starts can be planted 12 inches apart. Feed with Al’s Transplant Fertilizer at planting time and Espoma Garden-Tone or 16-16-16 for established plants. Plants prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Strawberries need consistent moisture during the ripening season. Remove runners as needed to prevent over crowding. Replant every three years in a different spot.
Containers
Strawberries can be grown in small spaces. They do well in terra cotta “strawberry pots” on the deck. These are the round pots with the openings on the side. Fill the pot partially with a layer of Al’s Potting soil and a sprinkle of Al’s Transplant Fertilizer. Tuck one plant into each hole and continue layering with soil, transplant fertilizer and plants until you’ve reached the top of the pot.
* New for 2026
•June bearing indicates the plant(s) produce one large crop of fruit in the early summer.
•Everbearing strawberry plants produce smaller crops continually over the course of summer and into fall.