Reap rewards with STRAWBERRIES

• Published date: 24 May 2023
• Publication title: Kapiti News

Plants purchased from the garden centre generally give three years of good fruiting before they peter out and should be replaced. In that time, each plant produces a multitude of sweet, delicious fruits that far outweigh the effort and cost

Strawberry plants can be planted for much of the year; however, the best results by far come from those planted during May.

VARIETIES There are several varieties available that do well here in Whanganui.

Strawberry varieties fall into two main categories — short-day varieties and day-neutral varieties. The biggest difference is the fruiting peak falls at a different time, so if you plant a mixture of these varieties, you will be harvesting fruit for a longer period. I have been harvesting fruit throughout the summer with a mixture of both types of plants and harvested my last bowlful only two weeks ago in late April. The first ones were ready in October.

Short-day varieties initiate flowering when, as the name suggests, the days are short in winter and spring. Subsequently, the bulk of the fruit of these varieties will start in early November, mostly finishing after Christmas. Camarosa is a short-day variety that produces large, well-flavoured fruit right around Christmas. It is a real winner. Another is Ventana.

Day-neutral varieties, in contrast, will fruit any time of the year when the temperatures are warm enough for growth. Day-neutral varieties include Monterey, Aromas, Albion and Cabrillo.

Two top strawberry varieties: Camarosa will be available as bare root bundles for a limited time. The Camerosa varieties are in store now. Monterey varieties are due in the next week or so. This is the most economical way to buy strawberry plants. Otherwise, all the mentioned varieties will be available from late May or early June in pots and punnets.

While strawberry plantings can be made year...