Fresca (Strawberry/O/P)

120 days. Everbearing Strawberry. Perennial. Produces medium size, conical sweet berries the first summer until fall. For pots an hanging baskets. Pkt. contains 15 seeds.

EVERBEARING STRAWBERRY - for fresh market & home garden

Approx 60,000 seeds per oz/28 g or about 4,200 seedlings per 1/16 oz/2 g

GREENHOUSE:Sow Jan 5-20th for saleable pak sales in 10 in/25 cm baskets by late April or early May, 16-17 weeks before sale date, the same as pansies or dianthus. Germinate at 65°F/18°C for 7-14 days. Avoid greenhouse temperatures above 75°F/23°C which will cause poor germination results. Press seed into a fine soilless mixture and cover seed lightly with coarse vermiculite. Cover seedling flat with a piece of glass or clear plastic to conserve moisture. Remove glass or plastic upon germination. Grow seedlings cool @ 60-62°F/15-17°C. Transplant into 4 in/10 cm pots or 10 in/25 cm baskets at the 3 true leaf stage about 4 weeks after germination.

NOTE: This species of strawberry is very sensitive to high salts, especially during the germination period so do not over-fertilize. Grow transplants in good light. You should have a continuous supply of fresh berries from late July until fall from a January sowing.

HOME GARDENERS may sow seed later in March using the same directions as above for harvests in mid to late August or September. Fruit size is 5 times larger than wild Alpine types but is only medium sized when compared to commercial named everbearing types grown from runners or rooted plants. Plants will winter over with proper protection in most subfreezing areas.