Position
- Full sun to light partial shade
- Protected from strong winds
- Ideal for open ground, raised beds or pots
Hardiness
- Survives down to -20°C (-4°F)
- Good winter hardiness
- Early flowers need frost protection
Soil Type
- Well-draining, fertile soil
- High in organic matter
- Avoid heavy clay soils
Soil PH
- Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0-7.0)
- Grab a soil test kit and ensure the perfect conditions for growth
Height
- Height: 20-25cm
- Spread: 30-40cm
Seasons of Interest
- Flowers: April-May
- Fruits: Early June
Additional Notes
- Early mid-season variety
- Particularly sweet, aromatic fruits
- Good disease resistance to crown rot
- Moderate runner production
- Excellent for fresh eating
- Fruits can be soft in wet weather
- Best replaced after 3 years
- Strong performer in cooler climates
- Good pollinator attractor
Grow Strawberry Korona: A High-Yielding, Flavour-Packed Variety
Strawberry Korona is a productive and disease-resistant strawberry plant known for its large, juicy fruits and excellent flavour. Whether you are a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this variety is easy to grow and offers a rewarding harvest. In this guide, we will explore everything you need to know about growing Strawberry Korona, from planting tips to ensuring heavy yields of high-quality fruits. Read on to discover why this strawberry variety is necessary for your garden.
What Makes Strawberry Korona So Special?
Strawberry Korona is a favourite among gardening enthusiasts for its combination of flavour, disease resistance, and productivity. This early-season variety produces abundant, dark red fruits that are juicy and sweet, making it perfect for desserts, jams, and fresh eating. Its resistance to common diseases such as verticillium wilt and grey mould ensures a healthy crop with minimal effort. If you are looking for a strawberry variety that delivers consistently high yields, Korona is the one to grow.
How Do You Prepare the Soil for Strawberry Korona?
Preparing the soil is a crucial first step in growing healthy Strawberry Korona plants. Start by choosing a sunny position with free-draining soil to prevent root diseases like verticillium wilt. The soil should be well-manured and rich in organic matter to support the plant’s vigorous growth. Ensure the soil pH is between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal nutrient absorption. It’s a good idea to test your soil’s pH before planting using a simple home test kit or digital meter—adjust with lime to raise the pH or sulphur to lower it if needed. Getting the pH right will give your strawberry plants the best chance to thrive.Before planting, loosen the soil and remove any weeds, slugs, or snails. This step creates the perfect condition for planting and allows the roots to establish quickly. Place the strawberry plants in the soil at a level where the crown of the plant is just above the surface. Spacing each plant every 45cm with rows leaving 75cm in between ensures adequate air circulation and room for new growth.When is the Best Time to Plant Strawberry Korona?
The best time to plant Strawberry Korona is in late spring when the soil is warm and the risk of frost has passed. If planting bare-root plants, soak the roots in water for 30 minutes before placing them in the soil. This helps to rehydrate the roots and promote healthy growth.
For greenhouse or polytunnel cultivation, planting can begin earlier in the season. Please ensure all plants get enough light and water to encourage fruiting by early summer. Freshly dug strawberry plants are also available from late winter for gardeners who prefer an early start.
How Do You Care for Strawberry Korona Plants?
Strawberry Korona is easy to grow, but proper care is essential for achieving heavy yields of large, juicy fruits. Here are some key care tips:- Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to botrytis (grey mould).
- Fertilising: During the growing season, feed the plants with a balanced fertiliser rich in potassium to support fruit development.
- Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around each plant to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect fruits from soil splashes.
- Pest Control: Regularly check for slugs, snails, and other pests. Use organic pest control methods to protect your plants.
How Does Strawberry Korona Perform in Different Growing Conditions?
Strawberry Korona is well-suited to various growing conditions, making it a versatile choice for gardeners. This variety thrives in growbags, planters, or hanging baskets, allowing you to grow strawberries even in small spaces. Please ensure the location is sheltered from strong winds but receives ample sunlight for outdoor planting.
A greenhouse or polytunnel in colder regions can extend the growing season and protect plants from late frosts. Strawberry Korona’s disease resistance ensures reliable performance, even in challenging conditions.
How to Maximise the Yield of Strawberry Korona Plants?
To achieve heavy cropping, provide optimal care throughout the growing season. Regularly remove strawberry runners to direct the plant’s energy into fruit production. Space the plants adequately to reduce competition for nutrients and light.
Prune old leaves in late autumn to promote new growth in spring. This practice also minimises the risk of diseases overwintering on the plant. With proper care, you can enjoy high yields of dark red, juicy fruits from mid-June to early summer.
What are the common challenges, and how can they be overcome?
Strawberry Korona may face challenges like powdery mildew and botrytis in humid conditions despite its strong disease resistance. To prevent these issues:- Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants correctly.
- Avoid overhead watering, which can create a damp environment for fungal diseases.
- Use fungicides sparingly and only when necessary to maintain plant health.
How to Harvest and Enjoy Strawberry Korona Fruits?
Strawberry Korona fruits are ready for picking when they turn dark red and are firm to the touch. Harvesting typically begins in mid-June and continues through early summer. Pick the fruits in the morning when cool and store them in a shaded place to preserve their freshness.
These strawberries are perfect for making desserts, jams, or freezing to enjoy later. Their juicy texture and excellent flavour make them a versatile addition to any kitchen. Whether eaten fresh or preserved, Strawberry Korona’s fruits are a delight to savour.
Where to Buy Strawberry Korona Plants?
You can buy Strawberry Korona plants from reputable nurseries or online gardening stores. Please look for fresh-dug or cold-stored strawberry plants to ensure they arrive in perfect condition for planting. Many suppliers offer 10 plants per pack, making establishing a productive patch in your garden easy.Why Choose Strawberry Korona for Your Garden?
Strawberry Korona is a productive strawberry variety that combines excellent flavour, disease resistance, and high yields. It is easy to grow and performs well in various growing conditions. Whether you have a large garden or a small patio, this variety is perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your summer harvest.
From Darren’s Patch
I’ve grown a lot of strawberry varieties over the years, but Korona consistently earns its keep in my garden. There’s just something about the rich flavour and reliable harvest that keeps me returning to it year after year. I love how little fuss it gives—resisting common diseases and producing bowls of juicy fruit with minimal effort. It’s the variety I recommend to friends new to growing strawberries, and it hasn’t let any of them down yet. Whether you’re tucking them into a pavlova or eating them warm off the plant, Korona delivers that authentic garden-grown taste we all love. Give it a go—you won’t be disappointed.
Key Points to Remember:
- Prepare free-draining, well-manured soil for planting
- Plant in late spring or early summer when the soil is warm
- Space plants 45cm apart with rows 75cm apart
- Water consistently and avoid wetting the foliage
- Mulch around each plant to retain moisture and prevent weeds
- Remove strawberry runners to maximise fruit production
- Protect plants from pests like slugs and snails
- Harvest fruits when they are dark red and firm
- Enjoy the juicy, sweet fruits fresh, in desserts, or preserved
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What are Strawberry ‘Korona’ plants?
A: Strawberry ‘Korona’ is an early to mid-season fruiting variety of the Fragaria ananassa species. It’s known for producing delicious, dark-coloured strawberries that are perfect for eating fresh!
Q: How do I plant bare-root Strawberry ‘Korona’ plants?
A: To plant bare-root strawberry plants, soak the roots in water for a few hours. Then, dig a hole approximately 20cm deep, place the roots inside, and cover them with well-manured, free-draining soil. Ensure the crown of the plant is just above soil level!
Q: How far apart should I space my strawberry plants?
A: It’s best to space your strawberry plants about 30cm apart. This gives them enough room to grow and ensures good air circulation, helping prevent disease.
Q: Are Strawberry ‘Korona’ plants resistant to any diseases?
A: Yes! The ‘Korona’ variety is resistant to verticillium wilt, which is excellent news for gardeners wanting to avoid disease in their fruit plants.
Q: When can I expect to harvest strawberries from my ‘Korona’ plants?
A: If planted correctly, you can expect to start harvesting strawberries in the early to mid-season, typically around late spring to early summer!
Q: What kind of soil do Strawberry ‘Korona’ plants prefer?
A: Strawberry plants thrive in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. Ensure the soil is free-draining to prevent waterlogged roots, which can cause problems.
Q: Can I grow Strawberry ‘Korona’ plants in growbags?
A: Absolutely! Strawberry ‘Korona’ plants can be grown in growbags, a great option if you have limited space or want to keep them off the ground.
Q: Are cold-stored strawberry plants available?
A: Cold-stored strawberry plants are available, which can help extend the planting season. Just ensure you plant them as soon as possible for best results!
Q: What’s the best time to plant Strawberry ‘Korona’ plants?
A: The best time to plant Strawberry ‘Korona’ plants is early spring, as soon as the soil is workable. This gives them plenty of time to establish before the growing season begins.