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

Water

The garden strawberry, specifically 'Symphony', should be watered thoroughly, ensuring that the soil is moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, it's important to water the plants at least once a week with about 1 inch of water, which equates to roughly 0.623 gallons per square foot. Adjust watering frequency based on weather conditions; more frequent watering may be necessary during hot, dry spells and less when the weather is cool or rainy. Ensure that the water reaches the root zone by using a soaker hose or drip irrigation system to minimize water on the leaves and avoid overhead watering which can promote disease.

Light

Garden strawberries like 'Symphony' thrive in full sunlight, so the best spot for them is an area where they receive at least six to eight hours of direct sun each day. While they can tolerate partial shade, fruit production and quality may be compromised. Avoid placing them in heavy shade where they will not produce as well.

Temperature

Garden strawberries, including 'Symphony', prefer temperate conditions and grow best when daytime temperatures are between 65°F and 75°F. They can generally tolerate temperatures down to 20°F and up to 85°F, but prolonged exposure to temperatures outside this range can adversely affect plant health and fruit production. To achieve optimum growth and fruiting, maintain as close to the ideal temperature range as possible.

Pruning

Pruning garden strawberries like 'Symphony' involves removing any dead or diseased leaves and thinning out crowded beds to allow for air circulation and prevent disease. This should be done after fruiting, typically in late summer. Every few years, renovate strawberry beds by mowing or cutting back foliage to about an inch above the crowns right after harvest, and removing any old or weak plants to make room for new growth.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for growing Strawberry 'Symphony' should be well-draining, loamy soil enriched with organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure. Aim for a soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5 which is slightly acidic, providing an optimal growing environment for the strawberry plants.

Repotting

Strawberry 'Symphony' typically doesn't require frequent repotting as it is commonly grown as an annual or biennial plant. However, if you're growing them as perennials or in containers, repotting every 2 to 3 years is sufficient to refresh the soil and maintain plant health.

Humidity & Misting

Strawberry 'Symphony' grows well in moderate humidity levels. They do not require high humidity; average ambient humidity will suffice. Ensure the plants have good air circulation to prevent any fungal issues that can arise in stagnant, moist air.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, ensure good ventilation for Strawberries 'Symphony'.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from slugs for Strawberries 'Symphony'.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Fragaria × ananassa 'Symphony', commonly known as the Strawberry 'Symphony', starts with seed germination, where the seeds require a period of cold stratification before they sprout. Upon germination, seedlings establish and grow into vegetative plants, which form a rosette of leaves and develop a network of roots. When mature enough, the strawberry plants enter the flowering stage, producing white flowers that attract pollinators or can self-pollinate. Following successful pollination, flowers give way to the development of strawberries, the fleshy red fruit that contains seeds for the next generation. After fruiting, the plant will produce runners or stolons, which touch down on the soil and take root, creating new clone plants. Finally, as a perennial, the Strawberry 'Symphony' will go through a period of dormancy during the colder months, storing energy in its roots to resprout in the coming spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The most popular method of propagating Strawberry 'Symphony' is by runners, a form of asexual reproduction that the plant naturally undertakes. These runners, also known as stolons, are long, horizontal stems that grow out from the main plant. At various points along the runner, nodes develop, and it’s at these nodes where new strawberry plants can form. The process begins typically after the harvest in late summer when runners are produced. To propagate using this method, gardeners often pin the runner down into the soil where the node is in contact with the earth. This can be done by using a u-shaped wire or a small stone. Once the new plant has rooted, which usually takes a few weeks, it can be severed from the parent plant and will continue to grow independently. This allows for an economical and straightforward way to create new strawberry plants that maintain the characteristics of the 'Symphony' variety.