Strawberries

Question 1

What are the three groups of strawberries?

Answer 1

• Summer fruiting (shorter cropping season, fruit late May to mid July. Prop by runners)
• Perpetual fruiting (crop irregularly from summer to autumn, may stop mid-summer. Prop by runners/division)
• Alpine (small. Fruits continually June to Nov. Grown from seed).

Question 2

Name 3 summer fruiting strawberries.

Answer 2

• Christine
• Pegasus
• Florence.

Question 3

Name 1 perpetual fruiting and 1 alpine strawberry.

Answer 3

• Perpetual: Aromel
• Alpine: Baron Solemacher.

Question 4

Explain site and soil selection for strawberries.

Answer 4

• Best grown as a short-term crop (reduce P&D)
• Sun or light shade
• Any well-drained soil except chalky or poorly drained
• pH of 6 - 6.5.

Question 5

Explain soil preparation for strawberries.

Answer 5

• Carry out in early to mid summer in prep for planting
• Select a site where not grown for at least 3 yrs
• Incorp plenty of well-rotted organic matter
• Form soil into slightly raised rows, 75cm.

Question 6

Explain planting of strawberries.

Answer 6

• Most planted late summer, early autumn
• Choose certified virus-free stock
• Plant 45cm apart with base of crown at soil level, firm soil around plants and water well
• Can be planted through black plastic sheeting.

Question 7

Explain cultivation of strawberries.

Answer 7

• Water until established after planting and as necessary during growing season
• Weed regularly
• Mulch with straw
• Net fruit from birds
• Use cloches to encourage earlier crops and protect flowers from frost
• Harvest regularly to prevent botrytis
• Remove the straw after harvesting.

Question 8

Name a pest and a disease of strawberries, including symptoms and control methods.

Answer 8

Botrytis

• Grey fungal bloom appears on stems, leaves and fruit; fruit deteriorates rapidly
• Improve air circulation, regularly remove fruit and infected material, avoid overhead irrigation, use approved fungicide.

Birds

• Whole fruit eaten
• Use bird scarer deterrents; nets.