Strawberry mid-early plants

Which strawberry varieties are mid-early?

Would you like to plant mid-early strawberries and are interested in their varieties? If you want exceptionally large, firm and very tasty fruits, choose the Dutch variety 'El Gigant', developed in the late 1990s. It is a dessert and processing variety with bright red, slightly glossy skin. Its advantages include high resistance to grey mould, low soil requirements and excellent tolerance to the European climate. It is worth choosing Frigo plants of this unique variety.

Another popular option is the old Polish variety 'Dukat', which produces large and later smaller very sweet fruits. It is resistant to diseases and frost, making it recommended for beginners. The variety 'Elkat' is also easy to grow. It has large, tasty fruits and is very productive.

When should mid-early strawberries be planted?

When determining the planting time for mid-early strawberries, it is important to consider the type of strawberry plants. Green (bare-root) plants are usually planted in the ground in spring or autumn. They should not be planted in early spring or in November, as they may freeze. The optimal time for planting is mid-summer, although such plants are often difficult to obtain then (plants set in summer will fruit the following year).

Green mid-early strawberry plants should ideally be planted in mid-April or slightly earlier if the weather is warm. They will produce fruit about two months after planting. The same timing applies to plants grown in pots with a well-developed root system. Potted plants of this type can be planted in April, though another suitable planting period occurs at the turn of July and August.

In the case of Frigo plants, which are stored in cold conditions after lifting, planting should take place 5–6 weeks before the expected fruiting time. If you wish to harvest fruit in June, plan your planting for the end of April or early May. Remember that in the first year, all Frigo plants fruit after 5–6 weeks, while in subsequent years they fruit according to their natural schedule.

Cultivation of mid-early strawberries

Mid-early strawberries should be grown in areas without frost pockets. They thrive in sunny, flat locations or on gentle slopes. Sunlight is essential for the fruits to reach the desired size and colour. The chosen site should also be sheltered from the wind. The soil must be well weeded, humus-rich, fertile and nutrient-rich, while also well-drained. The soil pH should be slightly acidic.

Before planting strawberries, compost or manure should be applied. Compost can also be used after harvesting as additional fertilisation. Mid-early strawberries should be watered during periods of strong growth and when fruits are forming and ripening.

If you want to order mid-early strawberry plants, remember that they should be planted in the soil as soon as possible. They can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days, but their roots must be protected from drying out. If you notice that the roots have dried, soak the plants in water for one or two hours before planting. Also remember that strawberries should be planted in holes only slightly deeper than the length of their roots. The green shoots must remain above the soil surface.

How far apart should mid-early strawberries be planted?

Mid-early strawberries should be planted 30–40 cm apart, with row spacing of around 50 cm. For varieties with exceptionally large fruits, such as 'El Gigant', these distances should be slightly increased.

Simple methods of protecting strawberries from pests

Two weeks after harvesting the fruits, the leaves should be mown, taking care not to damage the growth points. This helps protect strawberries from pests. To prevent pest attacks, it is also worth using ecological protection methods. Mid-early strawberries are susceptible to pests such as the two-spotted spider mite, vine weevils, nematodes and the strawberry mite. Grey mould is another threat, although many mid-early varieties show resistance to this disease. To reduce the risk of diseases and limit weeds, horticultural fleece can be used.