Strawberries are one of the most loved fruits. Their juicy goodness can be eaten on its own, blended into smoothies, baked into cakes and pies or simply dunked in chocolate. And as the saying goes, “Life is short, eat dessert first!” When it comes to choosing the right variety of strawberry plants, the options are aplenty, but three options stand out - June Bearing, Day Neutral and Everbearing. If you are wondering which variety is ideal for you, read on to get your answers.

Factors to Consider for Strawberry Selection

Before deciding on a strawberry variety, you should examine a few key factors that will determine the success of your strawberry plants:

  • Disease Resistance: Choose varieties known for their resistance to common strawberry diseases, such as verticillium wilt, powdery mildew, and botrytis fruit rot, which can thrive in damp conditions.
  • Climate Suitability: Ensure the variety is well-suited to the Pacific Northwest, capable of withstanding cool temperatures and making the most of the rainfall without succumbing to root rot or other water-related issues.
  • Berry Quality: Opt for varieties with a good balance of sweetness and acidity, firmness for handling, and a pleasing aroma, which will make them as enjoyable to eat as they are robust in growth.
  • Plant Vigor: Look for plants with vigorous growth that will establish quickly and sustainably in your garden, providing you with a bountiful harvest year after year.

June Bearing Strawberries

June Bearing strawberries are a popular choice for gardeners and farmers in the Pacific Northwest.  These are the varieties of strawberries we grow for u-pick at Swans Trail Farms. They typically produce a large quantity of fruit in late May or early June. June bearing strawberries require rich soil, regular feeding, and adequate moisture to ensure excellent growth and fruit production. They are known to produce a large flush of berries in a short period of time, usually three to four weeks. Harvesting them is a fun, family activity, that can lead to a fruitful experience!

Day Neutral Strawberries

Day Neutral strawberries are a good choice if you want consistent fruit production from June to October. You can have strawberries till our pumpkin patch. They are not influenced by day length and will produce fruit under a wide range of light conditions. Day neutrals are known for their uniform growth, and small stature, making them ideal for small container gardens. The plants can be harvested anytime the fruit is red. Day Neutral strawberries are perfect if you want berries throughout the season without the responsibility of intensive maintenance.

Everbearing Strawberries

Everbearing strawberries are the perfect variety if you want strawberries throughout the season. Unlike June-bearing strawberries, everbearing will bear fruit twice per growing season, usually late spring and late summer/early fall. They are the perfect plant for continual fruit yields. And the best part is they don’t require any special care, making them a popular choice for home gardeners. Everbearing Strawberries can be eaten fresh, frozen whole, or made into jam for a delicious spread.

Conclusion

There are so many varieties of strawberries that you can plant, but choosing the right one is key. The Pacific Northwest typically enjoys cool weather, with some heat in mid-summer, and that's excellent for growing these juicy berries. June Bearing, Day Neutral, or Everbearing, no matter how you slice them, these strawberries are sure to delight your taste buds. Whether you're interested in a quick season with June Bearing or want Everbearing all season, or if you want the ease of care that Day Neutral provides, there's a strawberry plant that will fit perfectly in your garden. So, head to your local nursery to pick your favorite variety and enjoy having fresh, homegrown strawberries in your kitchen! We recommend our local friends at Snohomish Garden Center for strawberry plants!