PINEAPPLE STRAWBERRY (anablanca) AB - PLANT

The pineapple strawberry is an old variety from the 18th century that does not bear fruit again and produces soft and sweet strawberries (5-8 g) from May to June, which are white-pink in color and have a flavor reminiscent of pineapple. Planting period for strawberries Strawberries can be planted all year round, although the best planting period is in the fall (mid-August-October) or in the spring. Strawberries are not sensitive to frost, so you can plant them in the fall without risk, they will have time to develop their root system before winter. Just be careful of late frosts in April-May which could damage the flowering. Growing strawberries If your soil is very chalky or very wet, prefer growing them in pots or containers because the strawberry will have a hard time growing there. Strawberries like rich soil, prepare your soil by incorporating manure or compost into your soil one month before as well as an organic fertilizer. Plant your strawberry plants in a sunny or shaded area in a row, on 80 cm wide and 20 cm high mounds. You can plant two rows of strawberry plants 40 cm apart and 30 cm in the row. Plan 70 cm wide paths between the mounds. Do not plant too densely to avoid attacks of grey rot on the fruit (Botrytis cinerea). Mulch the strawberry plants, this will prevent the development of weeds, maintain humidity in the soil and the fruit will be isolated from the ground. Water regularly during hot weather. To encourage rooting and vegetative development, it is essential to cut the flower stems in the month following planting. Subsequently, during cultivation, the stolons (or threads) must be cut. In the fall, clean the plants (remove dry leaves and suckers) and apply a copper-based specialty if the leaves have many purple spots. Harvesting strawberries Tip: Pick strawberries in the morning, they will be more fragrant.