PLANT SALE Jewel Strawberry (Copy)
Fragaria ananassa
The Jewel strawberry is a highly regarded June-bearing variety, celebrated for its large, flavorful berries and adaptability across various climates. Here's an in-depth look at its origins, characteristics, culinary applications, and cultivation tips. Vigorous native will carpet the ground with deep violet flowers in spring. The early leaves are a very mild tasting green, used as a tonic in herbal medicine.
Developed by Cornell University's AgriTech program in 1985, it has since become a favorite among both commercial growers and home gardeners due to its consistent performance and high-quality fruit.
Appearance & Plant Traits
- Berry Size & Shape: Produces large, firm, wedge-shaped berries with a glossy, deep red hue.
- Flavor & Texture: Offers a sweet, mildly aromatic flavor with a firm texture, making it ideal for various uses.
- Plant Habit: Compact, low-growing plants that spread via stolons (runners), typically reaching about 12 inches in height and width.
- Hardiness: Suitable for USDA Zones 4–8, demonstrating good cold tolerance and disease resistance, particularly against leaf spot and scorch
Culinary Uses: Jewel strawberries are versatile in the kitchen: Excellent for eating out of hand, in fruit salads, or as a topping for desserts. Their firmness and flavor make them ideal for jams, jellies, and freezing. They also hold up well in baked goods like pies and tarts due to their texture and moisture content.
Growing Tips: To cultivate Jewel strawberries successfully plant in early spring as soon as the soil is workable. Choose a site with full sun exposure and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.5 and 6.8. Space plants about 12 inches apart to allow for adequate air circulation and runner development. Remove flowers during the first growing season to encourage strong root and crown development.
Apply mulch to retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect roots during winter. Maintain consistent moisture, especially during fruit development, but avoid overwatering to prevent root diseases. After harvest, mow the foliage, thin the plants, and fertilize to rejuvenate the bed for the next season.
