Strawberry

• Albion Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa 'Albion')

Type: Day-neutral (similar to everbearing in that it produces fruit throughout the growing season)

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate to high

Height: 6-12 inches

Description: Albion Strawberry is a day-neutral variety, which means it is capable of producing fruit continuously throughout the growing season as long as temperatures are favorable (between 35 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit). Known for large, firm, and deep red strawberries, Albion is highly resistant to diseases and offers a sweet and aromatic flavor, making the berries ideal for fresh eating, desserts, and preserves.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in well-drained, fertile soil.
• Space plants about 12-18 inches apart.
• Water regularly to keep the soil moist, especially during dry spells.
• Use mulch to maintain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
• Protect plants from extreme temperatures with row covers if necessary.

General Planting Season for Strawberries in Texas:

• Fall Planting: In most parts of Texas, especially in areas with mild winters, the best time to plant strawberries is in the fall, around late September to early October. This allows the plants to establish themselves throughout the winter and start producing fruit early in the spring.
• Early Spring Planting: In some colder parts of Texas, where frost might damage young plants, early spring planting as soon as the ground can be worked is also viable.

Nativity to Texas: No

• Chandler Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa 'Chandler')

Type: June-bearing

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate to high

Height: 6-12 inches

Description: Chandler Strawberry is a June-bearing variety, which typically produces a large crop of berries over a 2-3 week period in late spring. Known for its high yields and large, juicy, sweet berries, Chandler is well-adapted to various climates and is particularly noted for its brilliant red color and deliciously sweet flavor.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in rich, well-drained soil.
• Space plants about 12-18 inches apart.
• Ensure consistent moisture, particularly during the fruiting period.
• Apply straw mulch to protect fruit from soil contact and to manage moisture.
• Consider netting to protect berries from birds.

General Planting Season for Strawberries in Texas:

• Fall Planting: In most parts of Texas, especially in areas with mild winters, the best time to plant strawberries is in the fall, around late September to early October. This allows the plants to establish themselves throughout the winter and start producing fruit early in the spring.
• Early Spring Planting: In some colder parts of Texas, where frost might damage young plants, early spring planting as soon as the ground can be worked is also viable.

Nativity to Texas: No

• Festival Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa 'Festival')

Type: June-bearing

Sun Requirements: Full Sun

Water Requirements: Moderate to high

Height: 6-12 inches

Description: Festival Strawberry is also a June-bearing variety, known for producing a concentrated harvest of large, firm berries in late spring. It is renowned for its sweet flavor and robust growth, along with good disease resistance. This variety is particularly favored in warmer climates and is well-suited for both commercial cultivation and home gardens.

Planting Tips:

• Plant in well-drained soil rich in organic matter.
• Space plants about 12 inches apart.
• Maintain consistent soil moisture.
• Use mulch to keep berries clean, conserve moisture, and suppress weeds.
• Regularly remove any runners to direct more energy into fruit production.

General Planting Season for Strawberries in Texas:

• Fall Planting: In most parts of Texas, especially in areas with mild winters, the best time to plant strawberries is in the fall, around late September to early October. This allows the plants to establish themselves throughout the winter and start producing fruit early in the spring.
• Early Spring Planting: In some colder parts of Texas, where frost might damage young plants, early spring planting as soon as the ground can be worked is also viable.

Nativity to Texas: No