Ever-bearing strawberries get their name from their ability to produce multiple harvests during the growing season. The first harvest is usually collected in June or July, depending on the variety, the second in August, and the third in autumn. The second harvest is the most abundant, comprising 60–80% of the total yield.
Due to continuous fruiting, ever-bearing strawberry varieties have an accelerated lifecycle. By the next season, large fruits may become smaller, while regular strawberry varieties typically retain their size for 2–3 years. However, following a few simple guidelines can help mitigate this downside:
- Planting Runners
- From July to September, transplant runners from mother plants into a new bed. Alternatively, plant seeds.
- Remove all blossoms from these plants until late autumn to ensure a healthy and early harvest next season.
- Post-Harvest Care
- At the end of the fruiting season, remove all old plants from the bed before the first frost.
- Mulch the bed with dry grass, twigs, leaves, or similar materials to protect the soil. Leaving the bed exposed is not recommended.
- Ideal Growing Conditions
- Ever-bearing strawberries thrive in well-lit, narrow beds with fertile soil. Maintain at least 40 cm between plants and 60 cm between rows.
- Plant garlic between rows to deter slugs. Crushed eggshells sprinkled around the base of the plants can also be an effective barrier against slugs, as their soft bodies avoid sharp surfaces.
Care Requirements for Ever-Bearing Strawberries
Compared to regular varieties, ever-bearing strawberries require more attention:
- Frequent and Generous Watering
- The constant fruiting demands consistent hydration.
- Enhanced Fertilization
- As these plants produce fruit throughout the year, they need an ample supply of nutrients to sustain their growth.
- Pest and Disease Control
- Continuous blooming and fruiting make it challenging to combat pests and diseases with chemical treatments. Instead, closely monitor plant health and act promptly at the first signs of trouble.
Despite these additional care requirements, ever-bearing strawberries offer significant advantages over regular varieties. Following these straightforward care tips will reward you with a bountiful harvest from May or June (depending on the variety) until the first frosts.
Popular Ever-Bearing Strawberry Varieties
- Queen Elizabeth II
- Monterey (California)
- San Andreas
- Capri (Italy)
- Linosa Aromas (Aromas Strawberry)
- Bourbon (Belle Bourbonnaise)
- Irma and others.
Ever-bearing strawberries provide multiple harvests per season, making them a rewarding choice for dedicated gardeners.