Description
Eversweet strawberries produce medium-sized, bright red berries with a sweet flavour. The plants are very vigorous and produce a high yield.
As the name suggests, Eversweet strawberries are everbearing, producing fruit continuously throughout the growing season. This results in multiple harvests each year, generally in Spring, Summer, and sometimes into Autumn, depending on the climate.
Overall, Eversweet strawberries are a popular choice among home gardeners and commercial growers alike for their delicious flavour, continuous fruit production, and ease of cultivation.
Harvesting
Eversweet strawberries are ready for harvest when the fruits are fully ripe and have developed a deep red colour. It’s best to pick them in the morning when the temperatures are cooler and the fruits are firm. Harvesting carefully to avoid damaging the delicate berries.
Size
Strawberry plants grow to a height of about 30 centimetres and have a spread of between 60 and 90 centimetres.
Position:
Eversweet strawberries thrive in full sunlight and well-drained, fertile soil. They are relatively easy to grow and cultivate in garden beds, containers, or hanging baskets.
Adequate moisture and regular fertilisation can help promote healthy growth and fruit production.
Plant about 30 centimetres apart. The rows should be between 90 centimetres and 1.5 metres apart. This spacing allows the plants enough room to spread and produce runners without overcrowding, which can lead to competition for nutrients and increased susceptibility to disease. Additionally, proper spacing promotes good air circulation around the plants, reducing the risk of fungal infections.
DO NOT bury the crown when planting. Plant to the same level as in the bag.
Soil
Strawberries enjoy well-draining loose soil. Sandy, loamy soils are ideal, while clay is not a good choice. This loose soil allows water to run through, feeding the plant without waterlogging the roots. pH 5.3 – 6. Add a bag of acid compost to the soil for healthy plants, or use our berry mix.
Mulch
Use a light mulch or organic matter around your plants to prevent too much water from evaporating from the soil. This also keeps weeds at bay, to an extent. Pine bark, hay, and wood chips work well. Mulch is especially important to protect your plants in the chilly winter months. In spring, it can be pulled back a little.
Watering
Keep the strawberry beds relatively moist, but be careful not to over-water them. Don’t allow the plants to be waterlogged. If your plant isn’t yet established, a more regular watering may be required for a short time.
Fertilising
Apply our slow-release Berry/All-plant Fertiliser. For young trees, apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months. The roots will absorb what they need.
Pruning
In the first year of the plant’s growth, you can pinch the flowers off to help the plant to focus its resources on feeding a thick stem. Once your plant is established, it should only be pruned mid-winter. At any other time of year, you can remove dead or diseased leaves, especially from plants that aren’t thriving.
Pest and Disease Management
Like other strawberry varieties, Eversweet strawberries may encounter certain pests and diseases, including aphids, slugs, snails, and fungal infections such as powdery mildew and grey mold.
However, with proper sanitation, pest management practices, and disease prevention measures, you can rest assured that these issues can be minimized, ensuring the health and productivity of your plants.
We recommend Effective Microorganisms (EM Control) and organic Neem Oil to prevent and control the spread of these pests and diseases.
EM Control puts you firmly on the green path when using it in your garden. EM is certified organic, non-toxic, and environmentally friendly. Because EM boosts the soil, your garden will flourish without the use of any chemicals. The soil’s vitality equals the vitality of the plants and fruits they produce. EM is a biocontrol measure, controlling pests by releasing microorganisms into the soil. With EM, pests and pathogens are controlled or suppressed by means of natural processes.
Agricultural Neem Oil is a powerful oil that is kind to your garden, fighting against even the most challenging infestations. Our Neem oil is an agricultural grade and is highly effective in controlling roughly 600 different types of insects! Targeted at insects that suck and chew leaves, it doesn’t extend its damage to the rest of the plant or its surrounds. It is Biodegradable, cold pressed and 100% organic.
Propagation
Propagate using runners. Simply root them in soil or containers to establish new plants. It’s essential to plant strawberry runners when the soil is moist and the weather is relatively cool. This helps minimize transplant shock and promotes healthy establishment. Make sure to choose a sunny location with well-drained soil for planting.
