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

Fragaria × ananassa

Strawberry Cupid: A Gardener’s Guide

Strawberry Cupid is the ultimate late-season variety for gardening enthusiasts who crave vibrant, juicy fruit with a superior aromatic flavour. Known for its disease resistance and uniform, conical berries, Strawberry Cupid is a game-changer in the world of strawberry plants. Whether you’re new to growing strawberries or a seasoned pro, this variety offers a rewarding and easy-to-grow experience. In this blog, 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 not only delicious but also visually appealing, making them perfect for fresh eating or desserts.

One of Strawberry Cupid’s most remarkable features 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 in late June through to late July. This variety is perfect for extending your growing season and ensuring a steady supply of delicious fruit into late summer.

Whether you’re planting in rows, growbags, 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 in their garden.

How to Plant Strawberry Cupid Bare Root Plants?

Bare root plants are a cost-effective and convenient way to start growing Strawberry Cupid. Follow these steps for success:

1. Timing: Plant your bare root plants in early spring or late autumn for the best results.
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 hole deep enough to accommodate the roots, ensuring the crown sits at soil level.

Water thoroughly after planting and apply a layer of straw or mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

What Soil Does Strawberry Cupid Thrive In?

Strawberry Cupid thrives in moist, well-drained soil rich in organic matter. To prepare the soil:

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

For container growing, use high-quality compost and ensure the container has excellent drainage to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

How to Care for Strawberry Cupid Plants?

Caring for Strawberry Cupid plants is simple and rewarding. Here are the key steps:

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

Regular care ensures your Strawberry Cupid plants thrive and produce juicy, aromatic berries throughout the late season.

Can Strawberry Cupid Be Grown in Containers or Hanging Baskets?

Yes! Strawberry Cupid is well-suited for container gardening and even hanging baskets. This makes it an ideal choice for those with limited garden space. Here’s how:

1. Choose a container or hanging basket with good drainage.
2. Fill it with high-quality compost and plant the Strawberry Cupid bare root plants.
3. Place the container in a sunny spot, ensuring at least six hours of sunlight daily.

Growing in containers allows you to enjoy the beauty and flavour of Strawberry Cupid even on patios, balconies, or small gardens.

How to Harvest and Enjoy Strawberry Cupid Fruit?

Harvesting Strawberry Cupid fruit is a rewarding experience. Follow these tips for the best results:

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.

Strawberry Cupid berries are perfect for eating fresh, adding to desserts, or making homemade jams and preserves.

What Makes Strawberry Cupid Disease Resistant?

Strawberry Cupid is the only variety available with resistance 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, 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 the risk of disease.
• Growing Conditions: A sunny, sheltered spot with moist, well-drained soil is ideal for Strawberry Cupid.

By following these tips, you can maximise the rewards of growing this fantastic late-season variety.

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.

To see the RHS article please click here

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

Frequently Asked Questions

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’re part of the Flower Knows collection and are known for being easy to grow with 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 keep an eye out for pests like slugs. They can be grown in growbags 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 allow for spreading and to 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, meaning 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: Fresh dug plants are healthier and more vigorous than shop-bought ones. Plus, growing your own 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. Just make sure 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, as 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 leaving room for runners to grow and for 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 a great 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: Hardy and disease-resistant, Cupid plants 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 it’s possible to save seeds, propagating through runners is far more effective, ensuring consistent quality and reliable fruit production. Focus on utilising runners to grow more plants!