Strawberry Cambridge Favourite: Your Guide to the Juicy Mid-Season Delight
Fragaria × ananassa
Position
- Full sun
- Sheltered position
- South or west-facing aspect
- Protected from strong winds
Hardiness
- Hardy down to -15°C (5°F)
Soil Type
- Well-drained fertile soil
- Rich in organic matter
- Moisture-retentive
- Can tolerate heavier soils better than many varieties
Soil PH
- Slightly acidic to neutral
- Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
Height
- Height: 20-30cm (8-12 inches)
- Spread: 30-45cm (12-18 inches)
Seasons of Interest
- Flowering: Late spring (white flowers)
- Fruiting: Mid to late summer
Additional Notes
- Reliable British variety introduced in 1942
- Very popular for home growing
- Good disease resistance, particularly to verticillium wilt
- Produces medium-sized, bright red fruits
- Excellent flavour when fully ripe
- Good for fresh eating, cooking and freezing
- Heavy cropping variety
- Plants remain productive for several years
- Vigorous runner production
- Plant 45cm apart in rows 75cm apart
- Replace plants every 3-4 years for best results
- Suitable for container growing
- Good resistance to frost damage
- Tolerates wet weather better than many varieties
Strawberry Cambridge Favourite: A Timeless Mid-Season Favourite for UK Garden
Strawberry Cambridge Favourite is one of the most well-known and reliable mid-season varieties, adored by gardening enthusiasts for its flavour, vigorous growth, and exceptional cropping. This article explores everything you need to know about growing this delicious strawberry plant, offering tips to help you achieve a bumper crop of juicy orange-red fruits. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or starting, you’ll discover why Strawberry Cambridge Favourite deserves a place in your garden.
What Makes Cambridge Favourite Special?
Cambridge Favourite was bred in 1938 and remains a trusted choice for gardeners. This mid-season strawberry plant is known for its excellent disease resistance, reliable cropping, and ability to thrive in various soils. It’s perfect for those seeking a strawberry plant that’s both easy to grow and rewarding. The orange-red fruits have excellent flavour and texture, making them ideal for fresh eating, desserts, or processing into jams and preserves.
This variety stands out because it combines vigorous growth with consistent yields. Whether grown in containers, hanging baskets, or traditional garden rows, it adapts well to various gardening methods, ensuring accessibility for everyone. Its reliable performance under different conditions makes it a favourite for gardeners who want consistent results.
How to Prepare the Soil for Strawberry Cambridge Favourite
Strawberry Cambridge Favourite thrives in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Aim for a sunny position with free-draining soil to prevent waterlogging, which can harm the root system. Adding a thick layer of mulch around each plant helps retain moisture and suppress weeds.Clear the area by removing weeds and debris, then incorporate compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to provide essential nutrients. Avoid planting in heavy clay or waterlogged soil, and improve drainage with sand or grit if necessary. Aim for a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5 for optimal growth.Enhance your soil’s fertility by rotating crops and avoiding planting strawberries in the same spot consecutively for more than three years. This helps reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases and maintains a healthy growing environment.How to Plant Cambridge Favourite Strawberries
Bare-root plants are a popular choice for Cambridge Favourite strawberries. They are easy to handle and ensure excellent root establishment. When planting, space each crown of the plant 30cm apart in rows 75cm apart.Soak the roots in water for an hour before you begin planting. Ensure the holes are wide enough to accommodate the roots without bending. Position the plant’s crown at soil level, spread the roots evenly, cover with soil, and water thoroughly to settle the soil and support the root system.If growing in containers, choose pots with a diameter of at least 20cm filled with a high-quality, free-draining potting mix. Containers are a fantastic solution for balconies or patios with limited space.When Is the Best Time to Plant Cambridge Favourite?
For optimal results, plant bare-root Cambridge Favourite strawberries in late spring. This allows the plants to establish before the growing season, ensuring a healthy crop of juicy orange-red fruits during mid-season.
Consider planting under a greenhouse or polytunnel for those in cooler climates to extend the growing season. This provides a controlled environment that protects young plants from unexpected frosts.
How to Care for Strawberry Cambridge Favourite Plants
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. During dry spells, water the plants generously to ensure they remain hydrated, particularly as fruits develop. Apply a balanced fertiliser during the growing season to promote healthy growth and fruit production. Organic matter, such as compost and well-rotted manure, can also provide long-lasting nourishment.Mulch around the plants with straw or wood chips to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect developing fruits from soil contact. Regularly check for weeds and remove them promptly to reduce competition for nutrients and space.Cambridge Favourite is a low-maintenance variety, but regular pruning of runners and dead leaves ensures the plant’s energy focuses on fruit production. Prune after the fruiting season to encourage new growth.What Pests and Diseases Affect Cambridge Favourite?
Strawberry Cambridge Favourite is known for its good disease resistance. However, you should watch for common issues such as slugs, snails, aphids, and powdery mildew. Use barriers or organic slug pellets to deter slugs and snails, remove them by hand, use insecticidal soap to treat aphids, and ensure good air circulation to avoid mildew.Birds can also threaten ripening fruits. Protect your crop with netting or horticultural fleece. Keeping the area clean and removing fallen fruits can deter pests and reduce disease risks.How to Harvest Cambridge Favourite Strawberries
Harvest strawberries when they are fully ripened and orange-red in colour. Pick the fruit carefully to avoid damaging the plant. Regular harvesting encourages the plant to produce more fruit.
The ideal time to harvest is in the early morning when the fruits are cool and firm. Store them in a cool, dry place and consume them within a few days for the best flavour and texture.
How to Maximise Your Strawberry Crop
Strawberry runners can be propagated to create new strawberry plants. Peg the runners into pots filled with soil until they establish roots, then transplant them to a new location. Cambridge Favourite is also well-suited to growing in containers for a space-saving solution. Ensure the pot is at least 20cm wide and use a well-draining potting mix.Use netting to prevent birds and other animals from eating the fruits. Remove the straw mulch after harvesting to prevent pests from overwintering.Feeding your plants regularly with a high-potassium fertiliser, such as tomato feed, can enhance fruit production. Consider companion planting with marigolds or garlic to deter pests and improve growth.Long-Term Maintenance for Cambridge Favourite Plants
To keep your strawberry patch productive, replace plants every three years. This helps maintain healthy growth and reduces the risk of disease buildup in the soil. You can also rotate your strawberry crop to a new location or refresh the soil with compost and organic matter.Clean tools and containers regularly to prevent the spread of diseases. Remove old leaves and debris during winter to minimise pest habitats and prepare your garden for the next growing season.From Darren’s Patch
Cambridge Favourite has been a staple in my garden for years, and for good reason. It’s one of those dependable varieties that just gets on with the job — vigorous, hardy, and incredibly generous with its fruit. I grow mine in raised beds and a few containers near the patio, and every summer they reward me with bowls of sweet, orange-red strawberries that never disappoint. What I love most is how little fuss they need — a bit of compost, some mulch, regular watering, and they thrive. If you’re just starting with strawberries or want something you can count on year after year, I genuinely recommend giving Cambridge Favourite a go. It’s one of those classic varieties that earns its place in any garden, big or small.
Key Points to Remember:
- Mid-Season Variety: Cambridge Favourite produces a bumper crop of juicy orange-red fruits with an excellent flavour
- Ideal Conditions: Plant in well-drained soil with plenty of organic matter and a sunny position
- Care Tips: Water well, mulch around the plants, and feed regularly for optimal growth
- Disease Resistance: Known for its good disease resistance and reliability
- Propagation: Use strawberry runners to grow new plants
- Versatile: Suitable for growing in containers, greenhouses, or open gardens
- Pest Prevention: Use netting, barriers, and organic methods to protect your crop
- Harvesting Tips: Pick fruits at peak ripeness for the best flavour and texture.
The variety’s impressive combination of disease resistance, fruit quality, and consistent yields makes it an excellent choice for novice and experienced gardeners.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Strawberry ‘Cambridge Favourite’?
A: Strawberry ‘Cambridge Favourite’ is a mid-season Strawberry from the Fragaria × ananassa species. It’s renowned for producing medium-sized strawberries that are delicious and perfect for a wide range of recipes!
Q: How do I care for my Strawberry ‘Cambridge Favourite’ plant?
A: To keep your strawberry plant thriving, ensure it receives plenty of sunlight and is planted in free-draining soil. If using a planter, ensure excellent drainage. Regular watering is crucial, especially during dry periods.
Q: When can I expect to harvest strawberries from this plant?
A: This strawberry produces a bumper crop from June to July. Get ready to enjoy those tasty fruits throughout the summer months!
Q: Are there specific conditions I must provide for this strawberry plant?
A: Yes! Your strawberry plant needs shelter from strong winds and ample sunlight. A reliable and tolerant environment promotes healthy plant growth.
Q: Can I grow Strawberry ‘Cambridge Favourite’ in containers?
A: Absolutely! These plants are well-suited to container growing, making them a great space-saving option. Ensure the container is large enough for the root system and has adequate drainage.
Q: Where can I buy Strawberry ‘Cambridge Favourite’ plants?
A: You can find strawberry plants for sale at your local garden centre or online at various gardening retailers. A simple online search for “buy strawberry plants” should reveal numerous options.
Q: Do I need to worry about pollinating insects when growing strawberries?
A: Attracting pollinating insects is beneficial for fruit production. However, consider using light netting in windy areas to prevent insects from being blown away from the flowers. Ensure the netting doesn’t obstruct sunlight.
Q: What if I have limited space in my garden?
A: Don’t worry! Consider growing strawberries in vertical planters or hanging baskets. This allows you to enjoy delicious strawberries even in a small garden.
Q: How can I extend the strawberry season by planting early, main, and late varieties?
A: To enjoy fresh strawberries over a longer season, plant a mix of early, main, and late-season varieties:
- Early-Season: Start with Strawberry Honeoye, an early and reliable variety known for its sweet flavour and firm fruit.
- Main-Season: Add Strawberry Cambridge Favourite, a classic choice that produces juicy, aromatic berries in the middle of the season.
- Late-Season: Finish with Strawberry Florence, a late-season variety that delivers large, sweet, and rich-tasting fruit.
Combining these varieties allows you to harvest delicious strawberries from early summer to late summer. Buy the collection here.