Exploring the Different Types of Strawberries

Understandably, strawberries are one of the most popular fruits to grow at home; you really can't beathome-grown strawberries for their freshness and flavour. What might not be known by new gardeners is that there are actually loads of varieties to choose from.

Depending on whether you wish to sow from seed to enjoy the growing process from start to finish or prefer planting as bare-rooted crowns in the cooler months, Mr Fothergill's has you covered. In this article, you will discover the perfect variety for your gardening needs.

For a comprehensive guide to growing strawberries, including how to grow them and when the best time to plant and harvest is, be sure to check out our guide on how to grow strawberries after you discover the ideal strawberry varieties for you below.

The Types of Strawberries at Mr Fothergill’s

There is a huge variety of strawberries to grow, each with its own unique qualities. At Mr Fothergill’s, we stock a diverse selection, with many quality varieties that grow dependably and produce berries with fantastic flavour! In the table below, we’ve picked out the best types of strawberries from our range that we most recommend and their unique qualities, including a variety of strawberry seeds and strawberry crowns.

Our Strawberries Types’ Useful Qualities

Bred for Australian Gardens

Australian gardeners, fear not! There are many types of strawberries available on the market these days, bred specifically to thrive and set fruit in warmer conditions. Look into modern Australian-bred varieties, including Redlands Joy, Ruby Gem, Melba and Sugarbaby, chosen for their excellent productivity in Aussie climates.

Fruit for Small Spaces

Strawberries are excellent in pots and container gardens due to their compact nature. It is also convenient to keep plants in pots, away from sneaky pests such as snails and slugs.

Try a variety that is virtually runner-free, such as Red and White Alpine strawberry, for super compact plants that produce the most delicious small fruits. As a bonus, the white fruiting alpine strawberries cleverly disguise themselves from birds that love to snatch the sweet berries before you can get to them!

Disease Resistance

Sourcing your strawberry seeds and crowns from a reputable supplier is paramount to plant health. Mr Fothergill's strawberry crowns are produced in controlled conditions to ensure you aren't introducing unwanted pests and diseases into your home garden. Select Australian-bred varieties in subtropical regions for their ability to cope with disease pressure, such as mildew. For cooler climates, why not try Red Gauntlet for excellent disease resistance and productivity?

General Questions About Strawberry Varieties

Can You Plant Different Varieties of Strawberries Together?

There’s no problem at all with growing different varieties of strawberries near each other. In fact, this is even beneficial to extend your harvest. If you grow both earlier- and later-bearing varieties, you’ll have delicious berries growing throughout the season. You also get to try out the differences in flavour and texture that growing unique varieties brings!

Just be sure to label your plants clearly if you do this, as it can be easy to become confused about which plant is which once they begin to develop.

How Long Do Strawberries Take to Grow?

How long your strawberries take to grow will depend on the way in which you’ve grown them. If you’ve grown your strawberries from seed, they will take between five and six months to begin producing their first fruit. If you’ve grown your strawberries from crowns, these will take between two to three months to first produce fruit. 

Your strawberry plants will produce some fruit in the first year, though they will be most prolific within their second year after they have fully established. This is especially the case for strawberries grown from seed, as they may only produce a light crop at best in their first year.

Do All Strawberries Taste the Same?

Flavour is impacted by variety, growing conditions, ripeness, freshness and soil fertility. Unripe strawberries may be more sour, while riper strawberries may be soft and very sweet. Certain varieties, such as Tioga, have a lower acid content, making them a delicious choice to eat fresh from the garden.

What’s the Difference Between Growing Strawberries From Crowns and Seeds?

Strawberry crowns are supplied as bare-rooted crowns. These are dormant sections taken from a parent plant, which means genetically they are both the same. Crowns are planted directly into the garden or pots and spring back into life when the soil warms. Seeds, on the other hand, are produced from the ripe fruits of a parent strawberry plant and need to be sown and germinated before they grow out into seedlings. 

Crowns are often chosen for faster results, as strawberry seeds can take some time to germinate. There is often a larger selection of cultivars in crowns too. Seeds, however, can be an economical way to grow many strawberry plants and are available from stores year-round, whereas crowns are only seasonal.

What Should I Do at Planting Time?

Locate an area in your garden or patio that receives plenty of sunlight to plant your strawberries. If sowing from seeds, you can start them in small pots first. Improve your soil with plenty of compost and well-rotted manure. This will not only provide nutrition to your plants but also improve drainage, preventing the plants from becoming waterlogged.

For more information and tips on how to grow strawberries, be sure to check out our detailed growing guide.

Shop Strawberry Seeds and Crowns at Mr Fothergill's

Now that you know all about the types of strawberries, you’ll be able to grow the variety that best suits you using all of our handy tips! As mentioned above, our how to grow strawberries guide has even more details to ensure that your strawberry plants grow to be happy and healthy. You can also find many more useful blogs to help you out with your growing in our garden advice blog.

We have many quality varieties of strawberry seeds and strawberry crowns at Mr Fothergill’s, with plenty of unique flavours, textures, and shapes of fruits to grow from your very own garden. Browse our collections to get started on growing your own delicious strawberries!