Strawberry 'Elegance' Fragaria × ananassa 'Elegance' (PBR) (F)

Water

For the garden strawberry, water the plant thoroughly once or twice a week, providing about 1 inch of water at each session. During periods of hot weather or drought, watering may need to be increased to ensure the soil remains consistently moist – but not waterlogged. For potted garden strawberries, check the top inch of soil and water when it feels dry to the touch, which might be several times a week. Always aim to water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can promote disease.

Light

Garden strawberries like Fragaria × ananassa 'Elegance' thrive best in full sun, with at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Planting in a spot that receives early morning light can help the foliage dry quickly, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. Partial shade can be tolerated, but fruit production and sweetness may be reduced.

Temperature

Garden strawberries prefer a temperature range between 65°F and 75°F for optimal growth; however, they can withstand temperatures down to 20°F without significant damage. It's important to protect plants from extreme heat, as temperatures over 85°F may inhibit fruit production. Strawberries go dormant in winter, but if temperatures drop below 20°F, they will need protection with mulch or row covers.

Pruning

Prune garden strawberries to remove any dead or diseased leaves and to thin out crowded beds, which encourages airflow and reduces the risk of disease. The best time for pruning is right after harvest and in late fall to prepare for winter. Old, unproductive plants should be removed every few years to maintain the vitality of the bed.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Strawberries, such as 'Elegance', thrive in well-draining, loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. A mix of one-third peat, one-third quality garden loam, and one-third sand or perlite works well. Ensure the soil is rich in organic matter to provide nutrients.

Repotting

Strawberries like 'Elegance' typically don't need frequent repotting and can often remain in the same pot for several years. Repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and check root health.

Humidity & Misting

Strawberries, including 'Elegance', prefer moderate humidity levels of 40-60%. They can tolerate higher humidity with good air circulation.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, cool temps, and moist soil.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, and protect from frost.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of Fragaria × ananassa 'Elegance', commonly known as the garden strawberry, begins with seed germination, which occurs when the temperature and soil moisture levels are appropriate. After germination, the seedlings grow into juvenile plants, developing a rosette of leaves and a root system. As the plants mature, they enter the vegetative stage, producing runners (stolons) that spread out and can root at the nodes to form new plants. The strawberry then enters the flowering stage, characterized by the development of white flowers that are pollinated by insects, leading to the formation of fruit. After the fruits are developed, they ripen, turning from green to red, and become ready for harvest. Finally, the plant enters a dormant phase during colder months, conserving energy to begin the next growing cycle when the conditions become favorable again.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating the garden strawberry, Fragaria × ananassa 'Elegance' (PBR), is through runner division. Typically, the best time to do this is in late summer after the plant has fruited. The parent plant sends out long shoots, known as runners, which develop small plantlets at their tips. Once these plantlets have grown roots and a few leaves, they can be cut from the parent runner. It's ideal to wait until the roots are about 2 to 3 inches (about 5 to 7.5 centimeters) long before severing the connection to ensure they are capable of independent growth. After cutting, the plantlets can be transplanted into well-prepared soil where they can mature into fruit-bearing plants. Care should be taken to keep the soil moist until the new plants are fully established.