What Are the Different Types of Strawberry Plant

Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits in the world. Their sweet and tangy flavor, vibrant color, and juicy texture make them a favorite among people of all ages. But did you know that there are actually different types of strawberry plants? Each type has its own unique characteristics, such as size, flavor, and growing conditions. In this article, we will explore the different types of strawberry plants and discover what makes each one special.

1. June-Bearing Strawberries

June-bearing strawberries, also known as short-day strawberries, are the most common type of strawberry plant. As the name suggests, they produce a large crop of berries in early summer, typically during the month of June. These strawberries are known for their firm texture and intense flavor.

One of the advantages of June-bearing strawberries is that they have a concentrated fruiting period, which makes them ideal for harvesting and preserving. However, they require specific conditions to thrive, including a certain number of daylight hours and a period of cold dormancy. This makes them best suited for regions with distinct seasons.

Some popular varieties of June-bearing strawberries include Chandler, Jewel, and Seascape.

2. Everbearing Strawberries

Everbearing strawberries, also known as day-neutral strawberries, are a type of strawberry plant that produces multiple crops throughout the growing season. Unlike June-bearing strawberries, which have a concentrated fruiting period, everbearing strawberries produce berries from spring until fall.

The advantage of everbearing strawberries is that they offer a continuous harvest over a longer period of time. This makes them a popular choice for gardeners who want a steady supply of fresh strawberries throughout the growing season. They also tend to be more adaptable to different growing conditions compared to June-bearing strawberries.

Some popular varieties of everbearing strawberries include Albion, Quinault, and Fort Laramie.

3. Alpine Strawberries

Alpine strawberries are a unique type of strawberry plant that is often grown for its ornamental value rather than its fruit production. These strawberries are small and delicate, with a sweet and aromatic flavor. They are often referred to as wild strawberries due to their resemblance to the berries found in the wild.

Alpine strawberries have a trailing growth habit and are perfect for growing in containers or hanging baskets. They are also known for their cold tolerance, making them suitable for colder climates where other types of strawberries may struggle.

Some popular varieties of alpine strawberries include Alexandria and Mignonette.

4. Hybrid Strawberries

Hybrid strawberries are a result of crossbreeding different varieties of strawberries to create new and improved cultivars. These strawberries often possess desirable traits such as disease resistance, increased yield, or enhanced flavor.

One example of a hybrid strawberry is the popular variety called Tristar. Tristar strawberries are known for their excellent flavor and high productivity. Another example is the Seascape strawberry, which is a hybrid between June-bearing and everbearing varieties. Seascape strawberries offer the best of both worlds – a concentrated fruiting period in early summer and additional crops throughout the growing season.

Hybrid strawberries provide gardeners with a wide range of options when it comes to selecting the right variety for their specific needs and growing conditions.

5. Fragaria vesca (Woodland Strawberries)

Woodland strawberries, also known as Fragaria vesca, are another type of strawberry plant that is often grown for its ornamental value. These strawberries are small and intensely flavored, with a slightly tart taste. They are native to woodland areas and can be found growing wild in many parts of the world.

Woodland strawberries have a low-growing habit and spread by runners, making them an excellent ground cover option for shady areas in the garden. They are well-suited for naturalizing in woodland gardens or under trees where other plants may struggle.

Some popular varieties of woodland strawberries include ‘Ruegen’ and ‘Yellow Wonder’.

In conclusion, there are several different types of strawberry plants to choose from, each with its own unique characteristics. Whether you prefer the large and flavorful berries of June-bearing strawberries, the continuous harvest of everbearing strawberries, or the delicate beauty of alpine and woodland strawberries, there is a strawberry plant to suit every gardener’s taste and growing conditions. So why not add some strawberry plants to your garden and enjoy the delight of harvesting your own fresh, juicy strawberries?