Strawberry Florence: A Late-Season Favourite for Sweet, Juicy Fruit

Fragaria × ananassa

Strawberry Florence

Strawberry Florence is the perfect late-season variety for gardeners looking to extend their harvest into the summer months. Known for its large, sweet fruit and excellent disease resistance, this summer-fruiting strawberry is a must-have for any strawberry patch. In this guide, we’ll show you why Strawberry Florence is such a standout, how to grow it successfully, and why it deserves a prime spot in your garden. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, this article is packed with practical tips to ensure success.

What Makes Strawberry Florence Special?

Strawberry Florence is a late-season variety that produces sweet strawberries from the end of June to the end of July. Its prolonged picking season makes it an excellent choice for gardeners who want to enjoy homegrown fruit throughout the summer.

The berries are consistently large and flavoursome, with a vibrant dark red colour that deepens as they ripen. These strawberries not only taste fantastic but also have a robust texture, making them perfect for fresh eating or using in desserts.

What sets Strawberry Florence apart is its good disease resistance, particularly to crown rot and many leaf diseases. It also has a tolerance to verticillium wilt, making it a reliable crop even in challenging conditions.

Why Choose Strawberry Florence for Your Garden?

Adding Strawberry Florence to your garden is a decision you won’t regret. This variety performs well in a variety of conditions, making it suitable for most UK gardens. It’s a heavy-cropping strawberry plant that produces large yields of quality fruit over an extended period.

Strawberry Florence is easy to grow and thrives in free-draining soil and a sunny position. Its resistance to common pests and diseases, like crown rot and verticillium wilt, ensures reliable harvests. Whether you’re growing in a dedicated strawberry patch, containers, or growbags, this variety delivers consistent results.

How to Plant Strawberry Florence Bare Root Plants

Planting Strawberry Florence bare root plants is an easy and rewarding process. Follow these steps to get started:

1. Choose the Right Time: Plant bare root plants in late autumn or early spring, when the soil is moist and workable.
2. Prepare the Soil: Use free-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Ensure the area is free from weeds.
3. Spacing and Placement: Space plants 30cm apart, with 75cm between rows to allow good airflow and access.
4. Planting: Position the crown of the plant at soil level and spread the roots evenly. Cover with soil and press firmly.

Water well after planting and mulch around each plant with straw or a thick layer of compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

What Soil Conditions Are Best for Strawberry Florence?

Strawberry Florence thrives in soil that is free-draining and rich in organic matter. Here’s how to prepare the soil:

• Remove any weeds and loosen the soil to improve aeration.
• Incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to enhance fertility.
• Maintain a pH of 5.5 to 6.5, as strawberries prefer slightly acidic conditions.

If you’re growing in containers, use high-quality compost and ensure proper drainage to keep the roots healthy. Avoid planting in waterlogged areas, as this can lead to crown rot.

How to Care for Strawberry Florence Plants

Caring for Strawberry Florence plants ensures a healthy crop and a prolonged fruiting season. Here’s what you need to do:

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting stages. Avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
• Feeding: Apply a balanced fertiliser during the growing season to support healthy growth and fruit production.
• Mulching: Mulch around the plants with straw or biodegradable material to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
• Pruning: Remove any dead leaves or runners to encourage the plant to focus its energy on fruit production.

Regular care will help your plants thrive and produce sweet, high-quality fruit throughout the late season.

Can Strawberry Florence Be Grown in Containers?

Absolutely! Strawberry Florence grows well in containers and growbags, making it an excellent option for small spaces or patio gardens. Here’s how to do it:

1. Choose a container with good drainage holes and fill it with nutrient-rich compost.
2. Plant the bare root plants, ensuring the crown sits at soil level.
3. Place the container in a sunny position and water regularly.

Container gardening allows you to move your plants to a sheltered spot if needed and enjoy fresh fruit right from your patio or balcony.

When and How to Harvest Strawberry Florence Fruit

Strawberry Florence is ready for harvest from late June to late July. Follow these tips for a successful harvest:

1. Pick the fruit when it’s dark red, firm, and glossy. Avoid leaving overripe berries on the plant.
2. Use scissors to snip the fruit, leaving a small piece of the stem attached.
3. Handle the berries gently to avoid bruising and store them in a cool, dry place.

Freshly picked Strawberry Florence berries are perfect for eating fresh, making jams, or freezing for later use.

What Are Strawberry Florence’s Disease-Resistant Qualities?

One of the key benefits of growing Strawberry Florence is its resistance to common pests and diseases. This variety is resistant to crown rot and most leaf diseases, making it a low-maintenance option for gardeners.

It also has a tolerance to verticillium wilt, which can devastate other strawberry varieties. By choosing Strawberry Florence, you’re investing in a reliable crop that performs well even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Tips for Buying Strawberry Florence Online

When buying Strawberry Florence plants online, keep the following tips in mind:

• Look for Bare Root Plants: Bare root plants are easy to handle and establish quickly in the garden.
• Check the Delivery Charge: Ensure the total cost, including the delivery charge, fits your budget.
• Order in Advance: Bare root plants are often available in late autumn, so plan ahead to secure your order.

By choosing a reputable supplier, you can ensure your Strawberry Florence plants arrive in excellent condition, ready for planting.

Key Points to Remember:

• Strawberry Florence is a late-season variety with a prolonged picking season from late June to late July
• This variety produces large, sweet fruit with a vibrant dark red colour and robust texture
• Disease resistance to crown rot, verticillium wilt, and most leaf diseases makes Strawberry Florence a low-maintenance choice
• Plant bare root plants in free-draining soil in a sunny position, spacing them 30cm apart
• Care tips include regular watering, feeding, mulching, and pruning to ensure healthy growth and high yields
• Strawberry Florence grows well in containers and adapts to small spaces or patio gardens
• Harvest ripe berries carefully and enjoy their sweet, aromatic flavour fresh or in desserts

To see the RHS article please click here

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What makes the Strawberry ‘Florence’ special compared to other strawberry plants?

A: Florence is a late-season delight! It’s renowned for its heavy cropping and dark red fruits that are wonderfully sweet. Plus, it’s bred for pest and disease resistance, ensuring you enjoy more strawberries with less effort.

Q: Can I grow Strawberry ‘Florence’ in hanging baskets?

A: Absolutely! Florence thrives in hanging baskets, making it ideal for patios or balconies. Just be sure to use free-draining soil to keep the roots healthy.

Q: When is the best time for planting Strawberry ‘Florence’?

A: The best time to plant is in late spring. This provides your plants with the right conditions to establish and start producing fruit slightly later than varieties like ‘Elsanta’.

Q: How many Strawberry ‘Florence’ plants should I buy online for a decent yield?

A: For a good harvest, it’s recommended to start with at least 10 plants. That way, you’ll have a great patch of these tasty strawberries to enjoy throughout the late season!

Q: Do Strawberry ‘Florence’ plants require a lot of maintenance?

A: Not at all! These plants are fairly low-maintenance once they’re established. Keep an eye out for pests like slugs and snails and address them as needed. Regular watering and feeding will support healthy growth and bountiful fruit.

Q: What type of soil do Strawberry ‘Florence’ plants prefer?

A: Florence prefers free-draining soil. Preparing a well-drained environment for their roots helps avoid problems like powdery mildew and keeps the plants healthy.

Q: Can I grow Strawberry ‘Florence’ in a greenhouse or polytunnel?

A: Definitely! Growing these strawberries in a greenhouse or polytunnel can give them a head start and protect them from harsh weather. Just ensure you manage humidity levels to prevent mildew issues.

Q: What are strawberry runners, and do I need to worry about them with ‘Florence’?

A: Strawberry runners are the offshoots that grow from the main plant and can be used to propagate new plants. If you want to control their spread, you can trim some off, but they’re fine to let grow if you’ve got enough space.

Q: What should I do if my Strawberry ‘Florence’ plants have powdery mildew?

A: If you notice powdery mildew, act quickly! Treat it with a fungicide or an organic option such as neem oil. Improving air circulation around the plants and avoiding overhead watering can also help prevent it from recurring.

Q: Can I grow strawberries for a longer harvest season?

A: Yes! Plant a mix of early, main, and late-season varieties:

• Honeoye: An early-season variety with sweet, firm berries.
• Cambridge Favourite: A mid-season classic with juicy, flavourful fruit.
• Florence: A late-season choice with large, sweet berries to finish the season.

With this mix, you can enjoy fresh strawberries for weeks on end. Buy the collection here.