ARS | Publication request: Harvesting Strawberries from Fall to Spring in the mid-Atlantic Region

Submitted to: Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention
Publication Type: Proceedings
Publication Acceptance Date: January 2, 2008
Publication Date: January 31, 2008
Citation: Takeda, F. 2008. Harvesting Strawberries from Fall to Spring in the mid-Atlantic Region. Mid-Atlantic Fruit and Vegetable Convention. Proceedings of the North American Berry Conference. p. 6-7.

Technical Abstract: In the mid-Atlantic coast region, there is interest in meeting market demand for locally produced fresh strawberries from September to April by using high tunnels and heated greenhouses. But, varieties that can produce high quality fruit or practical methods to produce plants that will flower and fruit during that time are not available. We took runner tips in early July and August and rooted them in containers. These transplants were established inside a high tunnel around August 30. By November, all 'Carmine', 'Chandler, and 'Sweet Charlie' plants that were propagated in early July had flowered compared to just a few among August-plugged plants. When 'Carmine' strawberry was grown inside a high tunnel, it produced ¾ lb of fruit from late October to late December. Heated greenhouses can be used to produce fruit continuously from fall to spring, but they appear to be cost prohibitive because of high cost of energy.