The Best Strawberry Plants to Use in Ohio

Red Chief

• Ohio is located in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 and 6. Because the Red Chief strawberry thrives in both climate zones, it is ideal for planting in Ohio. It is a vigorous strawberry that produces large fruit and a high yield midway through the growing season. The strawberries are firm and juicy and are suitable for freezing and using in desserts. Red Chief strawberry plants are susceptible to leaf spot but resistant to leaf scorch, red stele and powdery mildew. Verticillium wilt triggers an intermediate reaction. Red Chiefs are easy to grow and require an annual feed with a slow-release fertilizer.

Midway

• The Midway strawberry is also a variety that thrives in both climate zones of Ohio. It was released to growers by the USDA in 1960 and is one of the highest-yielding mid-season strawberries. It produces medium to large fruit with a firm, smooth texture and prominent seeds. It is ideal for freezing and using in desserts. Midway strawberries are susceptible to both leaf spot and leaf scorch but resistant to red stele. Verticillium wilt triggers an intermediate reaction.

Delite

• According to Ohio State University, the Delite strawberry variety is another that grows well in Ohio. It produces large fruit and a high yield, ripening later in the season than Red Chief and Midway. Delites are fine for freezing and desserts, although not as suitable as the Red Chief and Midway varieties. The Delite variety is highly susceptible to many diseases, including leaf spot, leaf scorch, red stele and verticillium wilt.

Lateglow

• Another late-season variety, Lateglow strawberries are also tolerant of both climate zones in Ohio. They produce large fruit and are suitable for both freezing and using in desserts, although not as suitable as Red Chief or Midway strawberries. The Lateglow is highly resistant to diseases such as leaf spot, leaf scorch, red stele and verticillium wilt. Lateglow strawberries tend to be firm and flavorsome. Plants are moderately vigorous and thrive in warmer climates.