Strawberry Cupid: The Disease Resistant Variety for Late-Season Fruit

Fragaria × ananassa

Cupid is the ultimate late-season variety for gardening enthusiasts who crave vibrant, juicy fruit with a superior aromatic flavour. Strawberry Cupid is a game-changer in strawberry plants, known for its disease resistance and uniform, conical berries. Whether new to growing strawberries or a seasoned pro, this variety offers a rewarding and easy-to-grow experience. In this article, we’ll guide you through everything you need to know to make the most of Strawberry Cupid in your garden.

What Makes Strawberry Cupid Unique?

Strawberry Cupid is a late-season variety that stands out for its heavy crops of medium-sized, glossy berries. This plant produces fruit with an excellent flavour, blending sweetness with a hint of tangy acidity. Its uniform, conical berries are delicious and visually appealing, making them perfect for fresh eating or desserts.

Strawberry Cupid’s most remarkable feature is its resistance to common strawberry diseases, including crown rot, verticillium wilt, powdery mildew, and black spot. Developed through cutting-edge breeding programmes, it ensures a reliable harvest even in challenging conditions.

Why Choose Strawberry Cupid for Your Garden?

Strawberry Cupid is an excellent choice for gardeners who value quality and reliability. It thrives in UK gardens, producing heavy crops from late June to late July. This variety is perfect for extending your growing season and ensuring a steady supply of delicious fruit into late summer.

Whether planted in rows, grow bags, or containers, Strawberry Cupid adapts beautifully to various growing methods. Its attractive berries and robust nature make it a favourite among gardeners who want to combine beauty and productivity.

How to Plant Strawberry Cupid Bare Root Plants?

1. Timing: For the best results, plant your bare root plants in early spring or late autumn.
2. Preparation: Choose a sunny, sheltered spot in your garden or patio.
3. Spacing: Place the plants 30cm apart in rows, leaving 75cm between rows for proper airflow.
4. Planting: Dig a deep hole to accommodate the roots, ensuring the crown sits at soil level.

What Soil Does Strawberry Cupid Thrive In?

• Remove weeds and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility.
• Ensure the pH is between 5.5 and 6.5, as strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil.
• Avoid waterlogged areas to prevent crown rot and other issues.

How to Care for Strawberry Cupid Plants?

• Watering: Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser during the growing season to support healthy growth and fruit production.
• Mulching: Use a straw mulch to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
• Pruning: Remove damaged leaves and runners to encourage more fruit production.

Can Strawberry Cupid Be Grown in Containers or Hanging Baskets?

Yes! Strawberry Cupid is well-suited for container gardening and hanging baskets, making it perfect for those with limited garden space. Here’s how to get the best results:

1. Choose a container or basket with good drainage.
2. Use a soil-based compost for pots to provide stability and nutrients.
3. For hanging baskets, opt for a moisture control compost to help prevent the plants from drying out too quickly.
4. Plant the Strawberry Cupid bare root plants and place them in a sunny spot, ideally with at least six hours of sunlight daily.

Growing in containers lets you enjoy the sweet flavour and vibrant fruit of Strawberry Cupid even on patios, balconies, or small urban gardens.

How to Harvest and Enjoy Strawberry Cupid Fruit?

1. Pick the berries when they are orange-red, glossy, and fully ripe.
2. Use scissors or gently twist the fruit from the stem, leaving a small part of the stem attached.
3. Store the berries in a cool, dry place and consume them within two to three days for the best taste.

What Makes Strawberry Cupid Disease Resistant?

Strawberry Cupid is the only variety available that is resistant to verticillium wilt, crown rot, black spot, and powdery mildew. This makes it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance, high-yield plant.

The plant’s resistance to these diseases allows it to thrive in various conditions, reducing the need for chemical treatments and ensuring a healthy crop. Its robust nature is a testament to advanced breeding techniques, making it a favourite for gardeners across the UK.

Gardeners’ Reviews: Why Gardeners Love Strawberry Cupid

Gardeners who have tried Cupid often praise its ease of growth, heavy yields, and excellent flavour. Here are some highlights:

• Ease of Growth: Many customers love how easy Strawberry Cupid is to grow, even for beginners.
• High Yields: The heavy crops produced by this variety make it a rewarding choice for home gardeners.
• Great Taste: The berries’ aromatic flavour and juicy texture consistently receive high marks from growers.

If you’ve grown Strawberry Cupid, please let us know your experience—we’d love to hear from you!

Additional Information and Tips for Growing Strawberry Cupid

• Despatch Timing: Bare root plants are typically available from late autumn to early spring. Plan your planting accordingly.
• Space Management: Ensure adequate spacing between plants to improve airflow and reduce disease risk.
• Growing Conditions: A sunny, sheltered spot with moist, well-drained soil is ideal for Strawberry Cupid.

Following these tips can maximise the rewards of growing this fantastic late-season variety.

I haven’t got Strawberry Cupid in my patch yet, but it’s definitely on my wishlist. As a late-season variety with excellent disease resistance and top-notch flavour, it ticks all the boxes for what I look for in a productive strawberry. I’m always looking for varieties extending the harvest season, and Cupid seems like a perfect fit for filling that summer gap when the early types have finished. I’ve had a lot of success growing strawberries in containers and growbags, and I can see Cupid slotting in beautifully, especially with its glossy, uniform berries and strong, reliable growth. Cupid’s definitely worth a try if you’re after a dependable crop that delivers both in flavour and looks. Let me know how it gets on in your garden—I’d love to hear your results!

Key Points to Remember:

• Strawberry Cupid is a late-season variety with uniform, glossy berries and an excellent aromatic flavour
• This disease-resistant plant thrives in UK gardens, making it perfect for gardeners seeking reliable crops
• Plant bare-root plants in well-drained, fertile soil and maintain consistent moisture for the best results
• Strawberry Cupid adapts well to containers, making it ideal for small spaces and patio gardens
• Harvest ripe berries in late June through late July for a fresh, juicy, and aromatic treat

Strawberry Sweetheart is one of the best garden varieties for the UK. Easy to grow, highly rewarding, and undeniably delicious, this is the perfect choice for your soft fruit garden. Start growing your own Sweetheart strawberries today and enjoy the sweet rewards.

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For more information on Fruit for your garden, please click here.

Read about Strawberry Symphony here

Q: What are Strawberry ‘Cupid’ plants all about?

A: Strawberry ‘Cupid’ plants, scientifically known as Fragaria × ananassa, are a late-season variety producing medium-sized, flavoursome fruits. They are renowned for being easy to grow and having excellent disease resistance.

Q: How do I care for my strawberry plants?

A: Caring for your strawberry plants is straightforward! Ensure they receive plenty of sunlight, water them regularly, and watch out for pests like slugs. They can be grown in grow bags or garden beds, but they prefer well-drained soil for best results.

Q: What’s the best way to plant strawberry runners?

A: Planting runners is easy! Dig a hole that accommodates the plant’s crown without burying it too deeply. Leave space between them to spread and produce a mat of delicious strawberries.

Q: How many plants should I get for my garden?

A: It depends on your available space! Typically, start with 10 plants per growbag or garden section to ensure a healthy harvest without overcrowding.

Q: Are Strawberry ‘Cupid’ plants hardy?

A: Absolutely! These plants are vigorous and hardy so that they can withstand colder temperatures better than other varieties. They’re ideal for the UK climate.

Q: Why should I choose fresh-dug strawberry plants over shop-bought ones?

A: Freshly dug plants are healthier and more vigorous than shop-bought ones. Plus, growing your means you’ll experience the joy of cultivating strawberries right from the start!

Q: Can I grow Strawberry ‘Cupid’ plants in a pot?

A: Yes! Cupid grows well in pots, making them perfect for smaller spaces. Ensure the pot is deep enough to accommodate the roots and has good drainage.

Q: What is East Malling Research, and how does it relate to strawberry plants?

A: East Malling Research is a renowned horticultural research institution that has played a key role in developing many strawberry varieties, including ‘Cupid’. Their work ensures these plants are high-performing and reliable.

Q: What makes Strawberry ‘Cupid’ a late-season variety?

A: As a late-season variety, Strawberry ‘Cupid’ plants produce fruit later in the growing season, so you’ll enjoy sweet, juicy strawberries even when earlier varieties are no longer fruiting. It’s perfect for extending your harvest!

Q: What are Strawberry ‘Cupid’ plants and why are they special?

A: Cupid is a late-season variety of Fragaria × ananassa, producing medium-sized, delicious strawberries. They’re easy to grow, disease-resistant, and ideal for gardeners looking to enjoy homegrown fruit.

Q: When can I expect my strawberry plants to produce fruit?

A: Being a late-season variety, Strawberry ‘Cupid’ plants will start to fruit in late summer. Be patient; the wait will reward you with a plentiful, tasty crop.

Q: How many plants should I get for a decent harvest?

A: Aim for at least 10 plants per section or growing area. This ensures an abundant crop while allowing runners to grow and the plants to thrive.

Q: Are there any special tips for planting dormant strawberry plants?

A: Yes! Before planting dormant or cold-stored plants, soak the roots in water for a few hours to help rehydrate them. Plant them at the same depth they were previously growing and space them evenly to ensure strong growth.

Q: Can I grow ‘Cupid’ plants in growbags?

A: Absolutely! Growbags are an excellent option for these plants, especially if space is limited. They also help keep plants off the ground, reducing pest problems like slugs. Just ensure the bags have sufficient drainage.

Q: What makes Strawberry ‘Cupid’ plants a good choice for UK gardeners?

A: Cupid plants are hardy and disease-resistant and thrive in the UK climate. Their late-season fruiting ensures fresh strawberries well into summer, making them perfect for extending your growing season.

Q: How do I know if my strawberry plants are healthy?

A: Healthy plants have bright green leaves and strong, firm crowns. If you notice yellowing leaves or wilting, it could indicate stress, pests, or disease. Regular watering, sunshine, and pest control are key to maintaining health.

Q: Can I save seeds from my Strawberry ‘Cupid’ plants?

A: While saving seeds is possible, propagating through runners is far more effective. This ensures consistent quality and reliable fruit production. Focus on utilising runners to grow more plants!