RED HOT

Strawberries are a true summertime treat, and with a little understanding of the horticultural characteristics of this lush fruit, you can extend your enjoyment into fall.

BY LINDA BROOKS

California produces 90% of strawberries nationally, with most coming from Monterey and Ventura Counties. However, after our rough winter, the California Strawberry Commission is estimating a possible $200 million loss this year, which might result in higher prices and limited availability for consumers.

But you don’t need grand expanses of soil to grow your own. Because of their shallow roots, it’s best that strawberries be planted in containers so that their fruit doesn’t touch the ground. Nurseries are stocked with seedlings and mature plants, some already potted and ready to take home. Should you wish to take things into your own hands this year, here are a few tips to ensure you’ll grow enough strawberries to enjoy throughout the season.

Plant What You Enjoy

› Unique strawberry varieties have found their way into restaurants and farmers markets, as well as specialty food stores like Erewhon. If you like the famous, sought-after-by-chefs Harry’s Berries, found at the Victory Park location of the Pasadena Certified Farmers’ Market, try growing Seascape,

Chandler, and Wolfgang Puck’s favorite, Mara Des Bois varieties at home.

Grow Like A Pro

› The key to success is planning ahead and selecting the type of strawberry for the time of year it produces fruit. If short-day varieties are planted in the spring (the beginning of longer days), they will not flower and fruit adequately. Specific varieties for California have been developed to create larger yields and address higher temperatures and disease-resistant properties. Consult your local nursery for the variety that’s best for your objective.

Strawberries fall into one of two types: (1) June-bearing (short-day), which are harvested in the spring and produce a larger, sweeter yield over a shorter period of time. You can extend harvesting by incorporating early-, mid-, and late-season varieties. Consider Chandler, which produce early/mid-season and is popular at California roadside fruit stands, and Sequoia, which produce late spring and may bear into fall. (2) Ever-bearing (produces two crops) and day-neutral (producing throughout the season), which are harvested in summer and fall. These produce smaller crops and send out fewer runners than June-bearing varieties. Consider Seascape, producing June through fall, which are red inside and out, and the popular Albion, producing May through August, a perfect dessert fruit because of its high sugar content.

Plant Thoughtfully

› Choose a location that provides at least six to eight hours of direct sun. The more sun you can provide, the better the fruit. Soil should be a sandy loam with good drainage and slightly acid with a pH of 5.5–6.8. The crown of the plant, where the green leaves sprout, should be above the soil. Plant bare-root strawberries in a hole deep enough to avoid J rooting (the roots should be straight not bent). Containers should not be too deep or too wide. The classic strawberry pot, stacking or hanging pots, or adapting a rain gutter with good drainage to create a window box are the easiest to work with.

In-ground planting, with drip irrigation, is best done in fall or spring to establish strong roots for the summer heat. Amend soil and include time-released fertilizer. Form raised beds high and wide enough to support the cascading fruit. Mulch with straw to protect the soil or cover with plastic and plant through holes in the plastic. Place plants 12 inches apart. Runners from the mother plant produce daughter plants that can be transplanted once they establish roots.

Provide Ongoing Care

› Cut back runners to promote the plants’ growth toward flowers and fruit. Pinch off flowers until there are no more than five or six leaves to prevent weak fruit. Water to prevent drying out but do not drench. Roots are shallow, so consider mulch to protect them from the hot direct sun when necessary. Fertilize with slow-release, balanced berry food or organic material. Pollination is not an issue, but fruit could be improved by using your hand to rustle the leaves once flowers are present. Harvest when the fruit is vine ripened. Using your fingers, snap off the vines instead of plucking, which damages the cooling system of the plant. Store unwashed fruit in the refrigerator, layered in between dry paper towels and sealed in an airtight container.

Did You Know …

n A strawberry is actually a false fruit or “pseudocarp,” with many tiny individual fruits embedded in a fleshy receptacle.

n The outer seeds on the fruit can be planted to produce more fruit of the same variety.

n In Japan, strawberries are valued as a luxury fruit to receive as a gift. The Bijinhime (beautiful princess) strawberry, as large as a baseball at 100 grams and 15 years in the making, has sold for as much as 500,000 yen ($3,800) each.

n Don’t Miss: California Strawberry Festival, Ventura County Fairgrounds, May 20–21, castrawberryfestival.org