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

Water

Strawberry 'Vibrant' requires regular watering to ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During the growing season, water the plants with about 1 inch of water per week, which equates to approximately 0.623 gallons per square foot. Increase the frequency to twice per week during particularly hot or dry periods. Always avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases. In winter, reduce watering as the plants require less moisture when dormant.

Light

Strawberry 'Vibrant' thrives in full sunlight, which means that it needs at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. The best spot for planting is in an area where it can receive unfiltered sunlight throughout the day, as this will ensure the best fruit production and plant health.

Temperature

Strawberry 'Vibrant' prefers moderate temperatures and grows best when daytime temperatures are between 65°F and 75°F. Frost can damage the plants, so ensure that temperatures remain above 20°F for the survival of the plant. Providing mulch can help insulate the plants from extreme temperatures.

Pruning

Prune Strawberry 'Vibrant' to remove dead or diseased leaves, and to shape the plants, which promotes better air circulation and sunlight penetration. Pruning is best done after harvesting in late summer, as this prepares the plants for the next growing season. Thin out dense foliage and remove runners to conserve the plant's energy for fruit production.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Strawberry 'Vibrant' thrives in well-draining soil enriched with organic matter, with an ideal pH range of 5.5 to 6.8. A suitable mix would be one part peat, one part sand, and two parts garden loam.

Repotting

Strawberry 'Vibrant' typically requires repotting every 1 to 2 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth, preferably in the spring.

Humidity & Misting

Strawberry 'Vibrant' prefers moderate humidity levels, aiming for a range of 40-60% for optimal growth; avoid excessively dry environments.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Ensure bright light, cool temps, and moist soil for indoor Strawberry 'Vibrant'.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, and regular watering for outdoor Strawberry 'Vibrant'.

• Hardiness zone

  5-8 USDA

Life cycle

The life of the Fragaria × ananassa 'Vibrant', commonly known as the strawberry plant, starts with seed germination where the seed must be in a cool, moist environment to sprout. Following germination, the seedling develops into a mature plant with a rosette of leaves at the soil surface. The mature strawberry plant then produces flowers which, after pollination, typically by insects, develop into fruit—the red strawberries we're familiar with. Once the strawberries are ripe, they can be harvested, and the seeds from the fruit can potentially start the cycle anew if they find suitable conditions. Alongside sexual reproduction, strawberry plants also propagate vegetatively through runners - long, horizontal stems that grow outwards from the main plant and root at nodes to form new plants. Lastly, the plant will go dormant during cold winter conditions, conserving energy to start a new cycle of growth in the spring.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring to Summer

• The most popular method of propagation for the garden strawberry, which is the common name for Fragaria × ananassa 'Vibrant' (PBR) (F), is through runner division. This process involves waiting for the strawberry plants to produce runners, which are long horizontal stems that grow outward from the main plant. As these runners touch the soil, they can develop their own roots and eventually form a new plant. The best time to propagate strawberries by runners is in late summer to early fall. Gardeners typically pin the runners down into the soil, either securing them with a u-shaped wire or a small stone, to encourage rooting. Once the runners have established a strong root system, they can be cut from the mother plant and transplanted to a new location. This technique allows for a quick multiplication of the strawberry plants while ensuring that the new plants are genetically identical to the parent.