Strongest Strawberry Plant Species

Plant Type

• Strawberry plants fall into three categories -- June-bearing, everbearing and day-neutral. June-bearing strawberries produce one large crop in early summer. These plants produce the best fruit and largest yields of the three types, but are often nipped by late spring frosts. They are the strongest strawberry species for Southern climates or regions with mild springs. Everbearing varieties are the most adaptable of the strawberry types. Everbearing strawberries produce a small crop in early summer, followed by a larger crop in the fall, as well as small amounts of fruit throughout the summer. They are often very cold hardy and produce good quality fruit. Day-neutrals produce small amounts of berries throughout the growing season. They do not tolerate heat and grow best in Northern regions.

Disease Resistance

• Disease resistance is an important consideration if you live in a hot, humid area prone to plant disease. Try Earliglow, Allstar, Delmarval, Tristar or Tribute varieties that are resistant to verticillium wilt. Annapolis, Honeoye, Cornwallis, Crimson King and Jewel are susceptible to diseases.

Cold Hardiness

• Cold hardiness is usually a more important consideration than disease resistance in the dry, cold areas of the Rocky Mountains. Everbearing varieties are generally preferred here because late spring frosts nip June-bearing types, eliminating the year's harvest. Fort Laramie is a common variety because it offers excellent cold hardiness with some disease resistance. Ogallala is another everbearing type with excellent cold-hardiness. June-bearing types with tolerance to cold include Masabi and Crimson King.

Alpine and Wild Strawberries

• Perhaps the strongest strawberry species are alpine strawberries and their cousins the wild strawberries. These plants produce small, highly flavorful berries and are disease resistant and cold hardy. They grow true from seed and adapt to a wide range of growing conditions, including partial shade and dry soil. Alpine strawberries grow well in containers, but ripen only a few fruits at a time. Grow them with other varieties for abundant yields.