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

Water

The strawberry variety 'Verity' should be watered deeply, ensuring water reaches the roots, approximately once a week, but frequency should be adjusted based on weather conditions. During hot, dry periods, watering may need to be increased to twice per week. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Generally, it’s recommended to provide about one to one and a half gallons of water per plant per week. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it is important to allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Light

Strawberry 'Verity' thrives in full sunlight, which means it requires at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for planting is in a location where it can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day. If grown indoors, a sunny windowsill or a spot under a grow light where it receives ample light can work well.

Temperature

Strawberry 'Verity' does best in temperatures between 60°F and 80°F but can tolerate a range from 35°F to 85°F. Frost can damage the plant, so it is important to protect it if temperatures drop below the minimum. Consistently warm temperatures within the ideal range encourage better flowering and fruiting.

Pruning

Pruning strawberry 'Verity' is essential for maintaining plant health and productivity. Remove dead or diseased leaves and stems regularly to encourage better air circulation and reduce disease risk. After fruiting, it's also important to remove old leaves and runners, which can encourage new growth for the next season. Pruning is best done after the harvest in late summer or early fall.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Strawberry 'Verity' thrives best in well-draining soil with a mix of loam, peat, sand, and compost, ensuring proper nutrient balance and moisture retention. Ideal pH for this hybrid strawberry should be between 5.5 and 6.8 for optimal growth.

Repotting

Strawberry 'Verity' typically should be repotted every year or when the plant outgrows its container, this ensures they have enough space for root development and access to nutrients.

Humidity & Misting

Strawberry 'Verity' prefers moderate humidity levels; aim to maintain humidity around 65-75% for this plant to thrive without the need for excessive moisture.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in well-lit spot, ensure good air flow, water evenly.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, protect from slugs.

• Hardiness zone

  5-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life cycle of the Fragaria × ananassa 'Verity' (commonly known as strawberry plant) begins with germination from seed or the spreading of runners from an existing plant, which then take root and develop into new plants. After germination, the plant enters the vegetative stage, where leaves, stems, and roots grow rapidly. Upon reaching maturity, the plant produces flowers, which are then pollinated by insects or wind. Following successful pollination, the flowers develop into fruit -- the strawberries -- which when ripe, are typically red and contain seeds for the next generation. Once the fruit is harvested or falls away, the plant either enters a period of dormancy, particularly in colder climates, or continues the cycle by producing more runners for propagation. The life span of a Fragaria × ananassa 'Verity' plant can extend over several years with proper care and favorable conditions, going through numerous cycles of fruiting and dormancy.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• Fragaria × ananassa 'Verity' (PBR), commonly known as the garden strawberry, is most commonly propagated by runners, which are horizontal stems that grow out from the base of the plant. As the runners extend away from the parent plant, they develop small plantlets at their nodes, which touch the ground. These plantlets will eventually form their own roots, establishing a new plant identical to the mother plant. To propagate, one simply waits until these runners and plantlets have developed enough to be self-sufficient, which typically occurs in late summer or early fall. Once they have rooted, they can be cut from the parent plant and transplanted to a new location. This method of vegetative propagation ensures a quick and reliable way to create new plants while maintaining the genetic characteristics of the original.