Everbearing Strawberries Vs June-Bearing: Everbearing strawberries have three harvests in late spring, summer, and fall, while June-bearing types have two harvests in late spring and summer with larger fruit. In choosing between everbearing and June-bearing strawberries, it is essential to understand the distinct characteristics and benefits of each variety.
Everbearing strawberries provide a more extended harvest season with multiple yields throughout the year, making them a popular choice for home gardeners looking for continuous supply. On the other hand, June-bearing strawberries typically offer larger fruit and a concentrated harvest period, appealing to those who prefer a bumper crop all at once.
By weighing the pros and cons of each type, gardeners can select the variety that best suits their preferences and gardening goals.
[ez-toc]
Characteristics
Everbearing strawberries are known for their versatility in terms of growth patterns and harvest seasons. On the other hand, June-bearing strawberries are recognized for their distinct characteristics. Let’s explore their respective characteristics to understand the differences between these two types of strawberries.
Growth Patterns
- Everbearing strawberries tend to grow more compactly, making them suitable for containers and small gardens.
- June-bearing strawberries have a sprawling growth pattern and are ideal for larger garden spaces.
Harvest Seasons
- Everbearing strawberries offer three harvests in late spring, summer, and fall.
- June-bearing strawberries typically have two harvests in late spring and summer, yielding larger fruits.
Best Varieties
Everbearing and June-bearing strawberries are popular choices for home gardens. Each offers unique benefits. Let’s explore the top varieties within each category.
Top Everbearing Types
- Fragaria ‘Ozark Beauty’: Considered the best everbearing variety for its consistent production throughout the season.
- Fragaria ‘Seascape’: Known for its excellent flavor and continuous fruiting.
- Fragaria ‘Albion’: A popular choice for its large, firm berries and robust growth.
Popular June-bearing Varieties
- Hood: A classic June-bearing strawberry known for its sweet taste and large fruit size.
- Susan: Another popular variety that produces a bountiful harvest in early summer.
- Totem: Ideal for gardeners looking for a reliable, high-yielding strawberry plant.
Cultivation
Everbearing strawberries and June-bearing strawberries are both delightful options for your garden, but they differ in their cultivation requirements.
Planting And Maintenance Tips
When planting everbearing strawberries, choosing a sunny location with well-draining soil is important. Ensure the soil has a pH level between 5.5 and 7.0 for optimal growth. Plant the strawberries in raised beds or containers, providing enough space to spread.
On the other hand, June-bearing strawberries thrive in similar conditions but require a slightly different approach. Before planting, prepare the soil by adding organic matter and ensuring proper drainage. It’s recommended to grow them in rows, spacing the plants about 12-24 inches apart.
Maintaining your strawberry plants is key to a successful harvest. For everbearing strawberries, remove the runners to encourage compact growth and focus on fruit production. Additionally, remove any damaged or diseased leaves to keep the plants healthy.
Similarly, for June-bearing strawberries, removing the flowers during the first season is essential to allow the plants to establish a strong root system. This ensures better yields in subsequent years. Regularly check for pests and diseases, and apply a balanced fertilizer to promote vigorous growth.
Expected Yields
Regarding expected yields, everbearing strawberries are known for their generous production. With their three harvests in late spring, summer, and fall, you can anticipate a continuous supply of delicious berries throughout the growing season. However, it’s important to note that each harvest may produce smaller quantities than June-bearing strawberries.
On the other hand, June-bearing strawberries are renowned for their larger fruit size and higher yields during their two harvests in late spring and summer. These robust berries are perfect for enjoying fresh or used in various culinary applications.
Whether you choose everbearing or June-bearing strawberries, both varieties offer appealing benefits in cultivation and expected yields. Remember to provide the proper care and maintenance to ensure a fruitful harvest.
Eating And Usage
Flavor And Texture Differences
The flavor and texture profiles differ significantly when comparing everbearing strawberries with June-bearing strawberries. Everbearing strawberries are characterized by a more consistent and uniform flavor throughout the season. June-bearing strawberries tend to taste richer and juicier during peak harvesting time. Everbearing strawberries have a firm and slightly crunchy texture, making them great for snacking or adding a fresh, crisp element to dishes. On the other hand, June-bearing strawberries are often softer and juicier, making them perfect for making jams or adding a burst of sweetness to desserts.
Culinary Uses
Regarding culinary uses, both everbearing and June-bearing strawberries offer unique advantages. Everbearing strawberries are ideal for incorporating into various culinary creations due to their consistent availability and versatile flavor. They can be used fresh in salads, smoothies, or topping for desserts throughout the season. With their intense sweetness and juiciness, June-bearing strawberries are perfect for making preserves, pies, and other sweet treats that require a burst of strawberry flavor. Their larger size makes them a popular choice for visually appealing dessert presentations.
Frequently Asked Questions On Everbearing Strawberries Vs June-bearing
How Do You Tell If My Strawberries Are Everbearing?
Everbearing strawberries are identified by their compact growth and three separate harvests in late spring, summer, and fall. In contrast, June-bearing strawberries have two harvests in late spring and summer and produce larger fruit.
What Is The Best Ever Bearing Strawberries?
Fragaria ‘Ozark Beauty’ is a top choice for the best everbearing strawberries. It offers three harvests in late spring, summer, and fall.
Do June Bearing Strawberries Come Back Every Year?
Yes, June-bearing strawberries come back yearly, producing a single crop yearly.
Can You Eat Everbearing Strawberries The First Year?
Yes, you can eat everbearing strawberries in the first year, although their yield may not be as abundant as in subsequent years. To ensure a strong perennial crop, it is recommended to pinch off any flower buds that appear in the first few weeks after planting.
Can You Explain The Difference Between Everbearing Strawberries And June-bearing Strawberries?
Everbearing strawberries produce three separate harvests in late spring, summer, and fall while June-bearing strawberries have two harvests in late spring and summer.
Which Type Of Strawberry Is Best For Continuous Fruit Production?
Everbearing strawberries like Fragaria ‘Ozark Beauty’ are considered the best for continuous fruit production.
Conclusion
Consider your desired harvest schedule and fruit size when choosing between everbearing and June-bearing strawberries. Both types offer unique advantages for home gardeners. Experiment to find the perfect fit for your needs and enjoy fresh, delicious strawberries throughout the growing season.
Happy gardening!
