Cultivation

Open-field strawberry cultivation

Fragaria x ananassa Duchesne ex Rozier

Cultivation technology for strawberries in open areas, requiring strict adherence to crown planting depth, the use of mulching, and limiting the plantation lifespan to 3–4 years to prevent pathogen buildup.

In the reference 115 varieties crop Garden strawberry, where this is mentioned in the description.

For cultivation, select sunny sites with well-drained soil and a pH level of 6.0–7.0, avoiding low-lying areas due to the risk of spring frosts and excess moisture. A critical requirement during planting is ensuring the crown is positioned exactly at soil level: burying or exposing it leads to plant suppression or death.

In open-field conditions, surface mulching is a mandatory practice to protect berries from contact with the soil and prevent fungal diseases. Yield management includes regular removal of runners in matted-row systems and applying fertilizers, starting from the second year of the plantation due to intensive nutrient depletion.

Unlike protected cultivation, fruit set in field conditions depends entirely on natural pollinators, and the risk of exposure to unstable weather factors is higher. Due to the long-term cultivation cycle, plantations are maintained for no more than 3–4 years, followed by mandatory site rotation.

General information about the subject — on the page Open field.

Sources8

Varieties of Garden strawberry mentioned in the description

Selection based on the description text, not on official evaluation: these data are absent from registers. For specific variety details, please refer to its profile.