Strawberry Pegasus: The Mid-to-Late Season Favourite for Gardeners

Fragaria × ananassa

Strawberry Pegasus

Strawberry Pegasus is a mid-to-late season variety that stands out for its sweet and juicy red fruits, disease resistance, and reliability. Bred by East Malling Research, this Fragaria × ananassa cultivar is perfect for gardeners seeking a productive and resilient strawberry plant. Whether you grow it in your garden, growbags, or hanging baskets, Strawberry Pegasus is an excellent addition to any home garden. Read on to learn how to grow and enjoy this fantastic strawberry variety.

What Makes Strawberry Pegasus Special?

Strawberry Pegasus is a mid-to-late season variety that produces medium-large, sweet, and juicy berries. This cultivar is known for its good all-round disease resistance, making it an excellent choice for organic growing. Its fruits have an almost melting flesh, making them perfect for fresh eating or adding to desserts.

Bred by East Malling Research, Strawberry Pegasus offers moderate resistance to botrytis and is highly tolerant of verticillium wilt. Its versatility and resilience make it a standout choice for home gardeners.

Why Choose Strawberry Pegasus for Your Garden?

Strawberry Pegasus is ideal for gardeners seeking a reliable, mid-to-late season variety with excellent disease resistance. Its sweet and juicy fruits are perfect for fresh consumption, freezing, or preserving.

This variety thrives in slightly heavier soils and performs well in both garden beds and growbags. Its resilience to common pests and diseases, such as botrytis and verticillium wilt, makes it a low-maintenance option for gardeners of all skill levels.

How to Buy Bare Root Strawberry Pegasus Plants?

Bare root Pegasus plants are available from late winter to early spring. Look for cold-stored or fresh-dug plants to ensure they are in perfect condition for planting.

When buying, ensure the roots are healthy and the crown of the plant is intact. Rehydrate the roots before planting to encourage new growth. Planting bare root strawberry plants is a cost-effective way to establish a bountiful strawberry patch.

What Is the Best Soil for Strawberry Pegasus?

Strawberry Pegasus thrives in well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. Aim for a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Loosen the soil to a depth of 30cm and enrich it with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure.

This variety is tolerant of slightly heavier soils, making it suitable for a wide range of garden conditions. Place the strawberries in a sunny, sheltered spot to ensure optimal growth and fruit production.

How to Plant Pegasus Bare Root Plants?

To plant Pegasus, space the plants every 45cm within rows, leaving 75cm between rows to promote airflow. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots and place them in the soil at a level where the crown is just above the surface.

Firm the soil around each plant and water thoroughly. If planting in growbags or hanging baskets, ensure they have good drainage and are filled with high-quality compost. Providing a well-prepared environment ensures a successful growing season.

How to Care for Pegasus During the Growing Season?

Strawberry Pegasus requires consistent care to produce a heavy crop. Water the plants regularly, especially during dry spells, and avoid overwatering to prevent root rot. Mulch around each plant with straw or compost to retain moisture and suppress weeds.

Remove strawberry runners unless you plan to propagate new plants. Fertilise with a balanced feed during the growing season to support flowering and fruiting. Regular care will ensure a healthy and productive strawberry plant.

Is Strawberry Pegasus Disease Resistant?

Strawberry Pegasus is resistant to verticillium wilt and moderately resistant to botrytis, making it a great choice for disease-prone areas. Its resilience allows gardeners to grow it in slightly heavier soils without significant risk.

For organic growing, use natural pest deterrents and ensure proper spacing to promote airflow and reduce the risk of mildew. This variety’s disease resistance makes it a reliable choice for gardeners seeking low-maintenance strawberries.

How and When to Harvest Strawberry Pegasus?

Pegasus fruits ripen in late June, delivering a mid-to-late season harvest. Pick the berries when they are fully red and slightly firm. Handle the fruit gently to avoid bruising and place it in a shallow basket to prevent damage.

Harvest in the morning when the berries are cool, as this preserves their sweet and juicy flavour. Regular picking encourages the plant to produce more fruits throughout the season.

How to Use Pegasus in Your Kitchen?

Strawberry Pegasus’ sweet and juicy berries are perfect for fresh eating, desserts, and preserves. Use them to make jams, jellies, or strawberry tarts. Their almost melting flesh adds a luxurious texture to any dish.

For savoury recipes, pair the berries with balsamic vinegar and fresh greens for a delightful salad. Pegasus also freezes well, allowing you to enjoy its delicious flavour long after the growing season.

Strawberry Pegasus vs Other Varieties: Is It Right for You?

Compared to other mid-to-late season varieties, Pegasus offers exceptional disease resistance and sweet, juicy fruits. Its resilience to common diseases makes it an excellent choice for gardeners seeking a low-maintenance strawberry plant.

If you value flavour, reliability, and versatility, Pegasus is a top contender. Whether grown in garden beds, growbags, or hanging baskets, it consistently delivers impressive results for home growers.

Key Points to Remember:

• Strawberry Pegasus is a mid-to-late season variety known for its sweet, juicy fruits and good all-round disease resistance
• Bred by East Malling Research, it is tolerant of botrytis and resistant to verticillium wilt
• Plant bare root plants in well-draining, slightly acidic soil enriched with organic matter
• Space plants every 45cm within rows, leaving 75cm between rows to promote airflow
• Water consistently, mulch to retain moisture, and remove runners to focus energy on fruit production
• Harvest the fruits in late June when they are fully red and enjoy them fresh or in a variety of recipes
• Strawberry Pegasus is a versatile and resilient variety, making it a fantastic choice for gardeners of all skill levels
• Start growing Strawberry Pegasus today and enjoy the satisfaction of harvesting sweet, juicy berries from your garden

To see the RHS article please click here

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

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Fragaria × ananassa ‘Pegasus’ strawberry plant?

A: The Fragaria × ananassa ‘Pegasus’ is a mid to late-season strawberry plant known for its delicious fruit and good all-round disease resistance. It thrives well in various conditions.

Q: When is the best time to plant the ‘Pegasus’ strawberry plant?

A: The ideal time to plant ‘Pegasus’ strawberry plants is in late spring when the soil is warm and well-manured. Just ensure your soil is well-drained, and you’re set!

Q: How many ‘Pegasus’ strawberry plants should I grow in my garden?

A: You can plant about 10 ‘Pegasus’ strawberry plants per square metre for a good yield. This spacing allows each plant enough room to grow and produce fruit.

Q: Are there any special care tips for the ‘Pegasus’ strawberry plant?

A: Definitely! Keep the soil well-manured and free-draining. Also, be vigilant about slugs and snails, as they can be troublesome. With the right care, you’ll enjoy a plentiful harvest!

Q: How long will it take for the ‘Pegasus’ strawberry plants to produce fruit?

A: Typically, you can expect to see fruit within 14 days of the plants flowering, so keep an eye out for those juicy berries!

Q: What kind of disease resistance does the ‘Pegasus’ strawberry plant have?

A: The ‘Pegasus’ strawberry plant has good all-round disease resistance and some tolerance to common nuisances like slugs and snails, making it a robust choice for your garden!

Q: Can I grow ‘Pegasus’ strawberries in growbags?

A: Absolutely! The ‘Pegasus’ strawberry plant can be successfully grown in growbags, which is a fantastic option if you’re short on space or want to keep them off the ground.

Q: What should I do with freshly dug or cold-stored strawberry plants?

A: Freshly dug strawberry plants are ready to be planted immediately, while cold-stored strawberry plants should be planted as soon as possible to ensure they thrive. Just ensure that the soil is prepared and well-drained!

Q: Does the ‘Pegasus’ strawberry plant have any awards or recognitions?

A: Yes, the ‘Pegasus’ strawberry plant has received the RHS award, signifying its quality and performance in gardens. It’s a trusted choice for strawberry enthusiasts!