The Disease Resistance of Eversweet Strawberries

Disease Resistance

• Among the many diseases that strawberries are vulnerable to are foliage diseases such as leaf spot; various root rots and fruit rots; gray mold and viruses. Eversweet strawberries have "good" disease resistance, according to the Missouri Botanical Garden and garden supply businesses. Eversweet Strawberries are particularly susceptible to root rot and must be planted in well-draining soil, according to De Groot Inc., with their crowns -- the area where the plant's stem meets the roots -- set at soil level. For healthiest plants, the Colorado State University Extension advises growing only certified disease-resistant, disease-free certified strawberries. Strawberries are also occasionally the target of mites, aphids, leaf rollers, slugs, strawberry weevils and other pests. The home gardener can control pests with pesticides or insecticidal soaps.

Disease Protection

• Winter damage and poor cultural management make strawberry plants susceptible to diseases, says the Colorado State University Extension, and they are most susceptible to disease-causing organisms when stressed. Mulching after the ground freezes can help prevent winter damage, frost heaving and plant stress. Also, limit plant stress by not planting strawberries in clay or high-salt soils or in too much shade. Plant strawberries at the correct depth and provide adequate -- but not too much -- water.

Planting Tips

• Don't use plants from an old strawberry patch or neighbor's garden, advises the University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County, because this will likely spread disease organisms. Instead, purchase new plants from reputable businesses. Don't plant strawberries in ground that is heavily infested with perennial weeds; control will be a difficult. Don't plant strawberries in areas where other strawberries, tomatoes, potatoes and peppers grew in the previous two years to prevent root disease problems.

Growing Eversweet Strawberries

• Eversweet strawberries are suited for U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones five through nine. They reach a height of 8 to 10 inches and should be planted in well-draining soil, preferably organically rich, sandy loamy soil, in full sun, 12 to 24 inches apart. Plant them in spring, as soon as ground thaws. Soak plants in water for a few minutes before planting. Spade the soil deeply and then dig a hole large enough for roots to extend their entire lengths. Place plants with the crown level with the soil surface, and backfill soil. Water thoroughly. One week after planting, apply a starter fertilizer. The University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension in Lancaster County recommends adding 2 or 3 tablespoons of a complete, water-soluble fertilizer, such as 5-10-5 or 10-10-10, to each gallon of water, and applying 1 to 2 cups to each plant. Removing their blossoms for a time helps everbearing strawberries become established. Remove blossoms until early July, and allow the rest to develop into fruit. Also, remove any runners -- horizontal stems that produce new plants -- for best fruit production. Five-petal, white flowers with yellow centers emerge from the plants from spring until frost, gradually producing strawberries.