Evaluation of Strawberry Cultivars in Florida: 2007-09

Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa Duch.) production in Florida is the second largest in the U.S. after California, with about 3360 hectares and gross sales over $330 million. Florida is the largest supplier of strawberries during the winter months in the U.S. and the majority of the strawberry production occurs in the west central part of the state. Strawberry yields in Florida have increased over the years due to the use of soil fumigation, raised beds with polyethylene mulch, defined fertilization practices, and planting pest-free stocks from northern nurseries. Some of the benefits of the annual hill system are improved weed control, high early yields and large fruit size, and ease of harvest. The west central Florida strawberry industry sets fresh transplants, with active crowns and intact and functional leaves during early October. Ripe fruit is harvested from mid-December until mid-March or later, if the market prices are favorable.