Strawberry Malling Champion: The Everbearing Strawberry That Shines in Every Garden

Fragaria × ananassa

Strawberry Malling Champion Strawberry High Yielding Everbearing Strawberry

Are you ready to grow strawberries that set a new benchmark in quality, yield, and resilience? Meet the Malling Champion, a groundbreaking everbearing strawberry plant designed to deliver exceptional results for gardening enthusiasts and commercial growers alike. This high-performing variety, with its early-season production and steady yield throughout the summer, is perfect for anyone aiming to enjoy fresh, delicious berries straight from their garden or container.

In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about Malling Champion. From its remarkable features to tips on growing and caring for this strawberry plant, you’ll discover why this variety deserves a spot in your garden. Let’s dive in and uncover the secrets of this true strawberry champion!

What Makes Malling Champion Stand Out?

The Malling Champion is a game-changing strawberry variety that combines high yields, exceptional fruit quality, and strong resilience. As an everbearing plant, it provides a constant supply of heart-shaped fruits throughout the growing season. Its compact habit and long trusses make harvesting easier, while its pleasantly sweet flavour ensures satisfaction with every bite.

One of its standout features is its ability to thrive under challenging conditions. Malling™ Champion is resistant to crown rot and verticillium wilt, with moderate resistance to powdery mildew. Moreover, it is extremely tolerant to wind and rain, making it a reliable choice for UK gardens and beyond.

Why Choose an Everbearing Strawberry Plant?

Everbearing strawberries, like Malling Champion, are prized for their extended fruiting period. Unlike traditional varieties, which produce a single crop, these plants offer a steady supply of berries throughout the growing season. For gardeners, this means a longer harvest window and more opportunities to enjoy fresh strawberries.

The Malling Champion takes this benefit to the next level with its early-season production and peak harvest in July, followed by consistent fruiting through August. Whether you’re planting in the ground or using hanging baskets or containers, this everbearer will keep your garden productive and your taste buds happy.

How Does the Malling Champion Perform in Yield and Quality?

When it comes to yield, Malling Champion is truly in a league of its own. In trials, it frequently exceeded 1000 grams per plant, making it a high-yielding variety perfect for both small gardens and larger-scale production systems.

The berries themselves are a sight to behold. Over 62% of the fruits exceed 32mm in size, with a Class 1 percentage of 88%. These attractive, conic-shaped berries have a good skin firmness, ensuring they remain intact during harvest and storage. Add to that a pleasantly sweet flavour, and you have a strawberry that is as delightful to eat as it is to grow.

What is the Peak Harvest Period for Malling Champion?

The Malling Champion is an early-season everbearer, meaning it starts producing fruit earlier than most varieties. Its peak harvest occurs in July, with steady production continuing throughout August. This extended fruiting period ensures that you’ll have fresh strawberries to enjoy for most of the summer.

With its consistent production, Malling Champion is an excellent choice for those who love to pick fresh berries regularly. Whether you’re planning to eat them fresh, use them in desserts, or preserve them for later, this strawberry variety has you covered.

How to Grow Malling Champion in Your Garden

 Growing Malling Champion in your garden is straightforward, provided you follow a few simple steps:

1. Choose the Right Spot: Plant in a sunny position with well-draining soil. Avoid areas prone to waterlogging, as this can lead to root rot.
2. Spacing: Ensure plants are spaced 30–50cm apart to allow for adequate airflow and healthy growth.
3. Prepare the Soil: Enrich your soil with well-rotted manure or compost to give your plants the best possible start.
4. Planting: Place the crown of the plant at soil level and spread out the roots gently. Firm the soil around the plant to secure it.
5. Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Mulching can help retain moisture during dry spells.

Tips for Caring for Malling Champion Strawberry Plants

Proper care is key to maximising the yield and quality of your Malling Champion plants. Here are some tips to ensure success:

• Fertilising: Use a balanced fertiliser programme to support growth and fruiting. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can lead to excessive foliage growth.
• Pruning: Remove any old or damaged leaves to improve airflow and reduce the risk of disease.
• Pest Control: Keep an eye out for common pests, such as aphids and slugs, and address them promptly using organic or chemical methods.

With these practices, your strawberry plants will remain healthy and productive throughout the growing season.

How Resistant is Malling Champion to Common Diseases?

One of the reasons for Malling Champion’s popularity is its impressive disease resistance. This variety is resistant to crown rot and verticillium wilt, two common issues that can devastate strawberry crops. It also shows moderate resistance to powdery mildew, reducing the likelihood of fungal infections.

By selecting Malling Champion, you’re investing in a plant that requires less intervention to maintain its health, saving you time and effort.

Can You Grow Malling Champion in Containers?

Yes! The compact habit of Malling Champion makes it ideal for growing in containers or hanging baskets. This is particularly beneficial for gardeners with limited space or those who want to add a decorative touch to patios and balconies.

When growing in containers, use a high-quality potting mix and ensure the container has good drainage. Water regularly to prevent the soil from drying out, and consider using a liquid fertiliser every few weeks to promote healthy growth and fruiting.

Why Malling Champion is Ideal for Commercial Growers

Commercial growers looking for a reliable, high-performing strawberry variety will find Malling Champion to be an excellent choice. Its high yield, consistent quality, and resistance to adverse weather conditions make it well-suited for large-scale production.

The fruit’s good shelf life and firmness also ensure it remains marketable during transport and storage. With its Class 1 percentage of 88%, Malling Champion consistently meets the standards required for commercial success.

Key Points to Remember:

• Choose the right location: Sunny and well-drained soil is essential
• Follow proper planting practices: Space plants adequately and keep the crown at soil level
• Provide regular care: Fertilise, water, and prune as needed to support healthy growth
• Monitor for pests and diseases: Use Malling Champion’s natural resistance to your advantage
• Harvest regularly: Enjoy a steady supply of sweet, heart-shaped berries from July through August

By following these tips, you can enjoy the incredible benefits of this remarkable strawberry variety in your own garden.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s the general description of Malling Champion Strawberry Plants?

A: The Malling Champion is an everbearing strawberry variety bred for high yield and excellent quality. These plants produce well-shaped berries with outstanding shelf life, making them a favourite among strawberry enthusiasts. With a sturdy growth habit, they can reach a height of about 30-50cm, making them an attractive addition to your garden.

Q: How long does it take for Malling Champion plants to start producing?

A: You can generally expect these plants to start producing strawberries around 16-20 months after planting. Patience is key, but the wait will be well worth it for those delicious berries!

Q: Can I grow Malling Champion Strawberry Plants in any season?

A: Although the Malling Champion is an everbearing variety, it thrives best when planted in spring or autumn. These seasons provide the ideal conditions for healthy growth and high-quality fruit production.

Q: How should I take care of my Malling Champion Strawberry Plants?

A: To care for your plants, water them regularly, especially during dry spells, and ensure they are planted in well-draining soil. Additionally, protect them from wind and heavy rain, as this can damage the plants.

Q: Can I plant Malling Champion strawberries in containers?

A: Absolutely! Malling Champion plants grow very well in containers, which is a great way to control their growing environment. Make sure your container is at least 30cm (12in) deep to give the roots enough room to develop.

Q: What makes Malling Champion different from other strawberry varieties?

A: Malling Champion’s key distinction lies in its breeding focus on high yields and excellent shelf life. The plants produce consistently shaped berries that not only taste exceptional but also look fantastic when displayed.

Q: How many plants should I have per square metre for a good yield?

A: A good guideline is to plant 4 to 6 Malling Champion plants per square metre. This spacing ensures they receive enough sunlight and airflow while maximising your harvest potential.

Q: What type of fertiliser works best for Malling Champion strawberries?

A: A balanced fertiliser high in potassium works best for Malling Champion strawberries. Look for one specifically designed for berry plants to give your strawberries the nutrients they need for a successful harvest.