Strawberry 'Temptation'

Fragaria x ananassa

How to grow Strawberry 'Temptation'

  • Full Sun

  • High

To avoid disease build-up, grow strawberries in a different plot every three years 1. If in spring, de-blossom the plants in the first season to enable their roots to establish 1. When watering, do not wet the fruits, as they will develop botrytis, so use a watering can, and gently water near the crowns 1. Do not use a hosepipe, as it will spray the fruits, and disease will follow. Plants should be mulched in the winter 1. After the final harvest, tuck any spare runners into the row to fill in gaps or replace old plants 1. Remove any unwanted runners. Cut back the remaining foliage to about 10cm (4in) above the crown to allow the new leaves to come through 1. Water thoroughly and feed with a multi-purpose fertiliser 1. Only apply (liquid) fertiliser when flowers begin to appear.

Try to plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water often. Keep in mind when planting that Temptation is thought of as hardy, so this plant will survive close to or on freezing temperatures. Ideally plant in loamy and clay soil and try to keep the ph of your soil between the range of 5.5 and 7.5 as Temptation likes to be in weakly acidic soil to weakly alkaline soil.

Growing Temptation from seed

Sow 0.0 inches (0.0 cm) deep with a guideline distance of 11.7 inches (30.0 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 20°C / 68°F to ensure good germination.

Transplanting Temptation

Crowns should be at soil level, 40cm (16in) apart in the row with 1m (3ft) between the rows 1. Many gardeners grow strawberries through black polythene to keep the fruit off the soil. This also suppresses weeds, conserves water and stops soil splashing on the fruit. Otherwise, tuck straw or stones under the developing trusses 1.

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Temptation is a hardy plant.

Harvesting Temptation

Footnotes