Strawberry 'Florence'

Fragaria x ananassa

How to grow Strawberry 'Florence'

  • Full Sun

  • High

Water well in dry weather
Mulch with straw as the plants flower to keep the developing berries off the ground
Replace plants after two or three seasons, to keep them productive and restrict disease.
Pull the old leaves off the plant after the harvest, to encourage fresh growth and allow light to reach the crown.

Florence likes a position of full sun and remember to water often. Florence is generally regarded as a hardy plant, so it can be safe to leave outdoors for the majority of winter (although if in doubt, using a row cover is often a good idea). Florence needs a loamy and clay soil with a ph of 5.5 to 7.5 (weakly acidic soil to weakly alkaline soil).

Growing Florence from seed

Can be grown from seed, but quicker, free and more reliable from runners sent out from the mature plants after cropping

Aim to sow 0.0 inches (0.0 cm) deep and try to ensure a gap of at least 11.7 inches (30.0 cm). For optimal germination, soil temperature should be a minimum of 20°C / 68°F.

Transplanting Florence

45 cm apart in fertile well drained soil in a sheltered sunny site
Weed the patch well, as the plants will be in position for a few seasons

Florence is hardy, so ensure you wait until all danger of frost has passed in your area before considering planting outside.

Harvesting Florence

Abundant late season crop.
Dark red fruit
Collect as the fruit ripen and use at once. If frozen the fruit does not hold its shape on thawing but can still be used for jam or ice cream

This variety tends to mature and be ready for harvest in mid summer.