Strawberries are a delicious fruit that can be enjoyed fresh, in desserts, or as a sweet addition to salads. They are also a great crop to grow on your homestead and are generally easy to grow. With numerous varieties available, it can be overwhelming to choose the best strawberry varieties for your garden. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore some of the best strawberry varieties. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or just starting out, this article will help you make informed decisions and select the perfect strawberry varieties to suit your preferences and growing conditions. So let’s dive in and discover the best strawberry varieties.
You can find the information about the best strawberry varieties broken up in two ways in this article. In the first section you can find suggestions for the best varieties based on a set of of criteria (best tasting, sweetest, etc).
In the second section below, you can find some of the common strawberry varieties with information about each of the varieties and a link you can use to purchase or find more information. This covers many of the best strawberry varieties but if I missed your favorite, drop us a comment.
See more about How to Grow Strawberries or How to Grow Strawberries Vertically.
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Contents
Types of Strawberries
There are several different types of strawberries, each with its unique characteristics and growth habits. When choosing the best strawberry varieties consider the type of strawberries and when you want to harvest your strawberries.
Everbearing strawberries produce two to three harvests per season, one in the spring and another in the fall. These varieties typically produce larger fruits and are well-suited for making jams and preserves.
Day-neutral strawberries produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season, regardless of the day length. They tend to be smaller in size but are sweet and juicy. Day-neutral strawberries are an excellent choice for vertical gardening, as they are more compact in size and require less space to grow.
June-bearing strawberries produce a single, large crop in early summer and are the most commonly grown type of strawberries. These varieties are perfect for making fresh fruit salads or enjoying on their own.
Best Strawberry Varieties by Category
Below you can see the best strawberry varieties broken up by type.
Best Tasting Strawberry Varieties: When it comes to the best strawberry varieties for taste, several stand out. One my personal favorites and a berry we’ve grown for years is the ‘Seascape’ strawberry. Known for its sweet and juicy taste, ‘Seascape’ consistently ranks high in flavor tests. Another great option is the ‘Eversweet’ variety, named for its incredibly sweet flavor that lingers on your palate. For those seeking a unique twist, the ‘Pineberry’ strawberry offers a delightful combination of pineapple and strawberry flavors.
Sweetest Strawberry Variety: If sweetness is your top priority, the ‘Honeoye’ strawberry is an excellent choice. It consistently ranks as one of the sweetest strawberry varieties available. With its vibrant red color, firm texture, and mouthwatering sweetness, ‘Honeoye’ is a favorite among gardeners and strawberry lovers alike.
Other sweet varieties include: Sweet Charlie, Alpine, Ozark Beauty and Sweet Kiss.
Best Strawberry Plants for Home Gardens: When selecting the best strawberry plants for your home garden, consider varieties that are known for their productivity, disease resistance, and adaptability. One such variety is the ‘Chandler strawberry, which is renowned for its large fruit size, exceptional flavor, and high yield. Another popular choice is the ‘Ozark Beauty,’ an everbearing variety that produces strawberries throughout the growing season, ensuring a steady supply of delicious berries.
Best Strawberry Varieties to Grow in Different Climates: Growing strawberries in different climates requires choosing varieties that are well-suited to specific environmental conditions. For colder regions, the ‘Allstar’ strawberry is an great option, as it can tolerate colder temperatures and still produce a bountiful harvest. In warmer climates, the ‘Camino Real’ strawberry thrives, offering a high yield and excellent flavor even in hotter conditions.
Exploring Different Colored Strawberries: While red strawberries are the most common, there is a whole world of different colored strawberries waiting to be discovered. One variety is the ‘Yellow Wonder’ strawberry, which bears small, yellow fruits with a sweet and tangy flavor. Another unique option is the ‘White Carolina’ strawberry, which features pale white berries that are both sweet and creamy in taste. We’ve grown White Carolina strawberries for the last few years and they always make a statement. These different colored strawberries add a touch of novelty and visual appeal to your garden and culinary creations.
The Best Heirloom Strawberry Plants: For gardeners seeking nostalgia and heritage, heirloom strawberry plants are a wonderful choice. ‘Mara des Bois’ is an heirloom variety that boasts an exquisite fragrance, intense flavor, and a hint of wild strawberry essence. ‘Mignonette’ is another heirloom strawberry that captivates with its delicate aroma and small, intensely sweet berries. These heirloom varieties bring a sense of history and tradition to your garden, making them a prized addition for gardening enthusiasts.
The Best Strawberry Varieties: Descriptions and Taste
Below you can see an overview of some of the best strawberry varieties. Choosing our favorite strawberry varieties is one of best parts of growing strawberries.
Allstar Strawberries
Allstar strawberries are an excellent choice for gardeners looking to grow flavorful and abundant strawberries. These plants are known for their vigorous growth and high productivity, making them a reliable and rewarding addition to any garden. When it comes to taste, Allstar strawberries are highly regarded for their exceptional sweetness and juicy texture. They offer a delectable balance of sugar and acidity, creating a flavor profile that is both delightful and refreshing. The berries are typically medium to large in size, with a bright red color that adds to their visual appeal. With proper care and attention, these plants will reward you with a plentiful harvest of mouthwatering strawberries that can be enjoyed fresh, used in desserts, or preserved for future enjoyment. Allstar strawberries are a joy to grow in your garden.
Calypso Strawberries
Calypso strawberries are a fantastic choice for both gardeners and homesteaders, offering an enticing combination of easy cultivation and delectable taste. These plants are known for their vigorous growth and adaptability, making them suitable for a variety of growing conditions. When it comes to taste, Calypso strawberries are known for their exceptional sweetness and rich flavor. They offer a delightful balance of sweetness and acidity, creating a taste that is both vibrant and indulgent. The berries themselves are typically medium-sized and boast a vibrant red color, making them visually appealing. With proper care, these plants will reward you with a generous harvest of succulent strawberries that are perfect for fresh eating, adding to desserts, or preserving.
Camarosa Strawberries
Camarosa strawberries are a popular choice among gardeners due to their robust growth and exceptional taste. These plants are known for their high productivity and large, vibrant red berries. When it comes to taste, Camarosa strawberries are highly regarded for their sweet and juicy flavor. The berries have a firm texture and a luscious, aromatic aroma. Camarosa strawberries are perfect for enjoying fresh, using in desserts, or preserving for later use.
Chandler Strawberries
Chandler strawberries are known for their exceptional qualities and have become one of the most popular varieties among gardeners and strawberry enthusiasts. Known for their large fruit size, juicy texture, and exceptional flavor, Chandler strawberries are a true delight to the taste buds. These strawberries boast a vibrant red color that is visually appealing and tempting. Chandler plants are highly productive, providing a generous yield of luscious berries throughout the growing season. These berries are an excellent choice for both eating fresh and using in culinary creations. Whether you enjoy them on their own, in desserts, or as a topping for your morning cereal, Chandler strawberries are sure to impress with their rich flavor and abundant harvest.
We’ve grown these berries consistently in our own gardens and like their larger size.
Eversweet Strawberries
Eversweet strawberries are a variety that lives up to their name, offering an incredibly sweet flavor that lingers on the taste buds. These strawberries are prized for their exceptional sweetness, making them a favorite among fruit enthusiasts. With each bite, the Eversweet strawberry bursts with a deliciously sweet and juicy essence that is simply irresistible. In addition to their delectable taste, Eversweet strawberries are also relatively easy to grow. They are known for their vigorous growth and ability to produce a bountiful harvest. These strawberries are typically everbearing, meaning they can produce fruit throughout the growing season, ensuring a steady supply of succulent berries. Whether you have a small garden or a larger space, Eversweet strawberries are a wonderful choice for those seeking a tasty and rewarding strawberry-growing experience.
Fragaria Virginiana Strawberries
Fragaria virginiana strawberries, also known as wild strawberries or Virginia strawberries, offer a charming and unique addition to your garden. These strawberries are native to North America and are known for their delicate flavor and petite size. The taste of Fragaria virginiana strawberries is often described as intensely sweet, with subtle hints of tartness. Their flavor is often compared to that of wild berries, providing a delightful taste experience. When it comes to growing, Fragaria virginiana strawberries are hardy and adaptable. They thrive in a variety of soil types and can tolerate both full sun and partial shade. These strawberries spread through runners, forming dense patches over time. While their fruits may be smaller compared to cultivated varieties, their sweet taste and wild charm make them a prized addition to any garden.
Honeoye Strawberries
Honeoye strawberries are a highly sought-after variety known for their exceptional sweetness and vibrant flavor. These strawberries are cherished for their intense sweetness. The Honeoye strawberry’s vibrant red color and firm texture make them visually appealing and enticing to pick. Not only are they incredibly delicious, but Honeoye strawberries also offer a generous yield, making them a favorite among gardeners. Their exceptional disease resistance and adaptability to various climates make them a reliable choice for home gardens. Whether enjoyed fresh, added to desserts, or used in preserves, Honeoye strawberries are a true delight that showcases the irresistible essence of summer.
Mara des Bois’ Strawberries
Mara des Bois strawberries are a coveted variety known for their exquisite taste and fragrance. These strawberries offer a unique flavor profile that combines the sweetness of traditional strawberries with a hint of wild strawberry essence. With their intense aroma and delicate sweetness, Mara des Bois strawberries provide a truly delightful sensory experience. When it comes to growing, these strawberries are relatively easy to cultivate. They are known for their vigorous growth and produce an abundant harvest. Mara des Bois strawberries are typically day-neutral, meaning they can bear fruit throughout the growing season. This makes them an excellent choice for continuous strawberry production. Whether enjoyed fresh, in desserts, or preserved, Mara des Bois strawberries are sure to impress with their exceptional taste and fragrance.
Mignonette Strawberries
Mignonette strawberries are a delightful variety known for their exquisite aroma and small, intensely sweet berries. The Mignonette strawberry plants produce an abundance of petite, ruby-red berries that burst with flavor. While their size may be small, their taste is anything but small and each berry is packed with flavor. Each bite reveals a burst of sweetness that is irresistible. Perfect for adding a touch of nostalgia and elegance to your garden, Mignonette strawberries are a favorite among gardeners seeking the classic charm and delicious flavor of heirloom varieties.
Ozark Beauty Strawberries
Ozark Beauty strawberries are a beloved variety that offers both exceptional flavor and ease of cultivation. Known for their exquisite taste, these strawberries captivate the senses with their juicy and tangy-sweet flavor profile. They are considered an everbearing variety, meaning they produce fruit throughout the growing season. This ensures a consistent supply of delicious berries for your enjoyment. Ozark Beauty strawberries are known for their adaptability, thriving in a variety of soil types and climates. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or a beginner, these flavorful and low-maintenance strawberries are sure to impress with their robust growth and delectable taste.
Pineberry Strawberries
Pineberry strawberries, with their unique appearance and flavor, offer a delightful twist to the traditional strawberry experience. These small, pale berries boast a distinct combination of tangy and sweet flavors, reminiscent of pineapple and strawberry. The taste is often described as a refreshing blend of citrus and tropical notes, making them a true taste sensation. While they may require some additional care due to their delicate nature, the effort is well worth it for the rewarding harvest of these flavorful and visually striking strawberries.
Seascape Strawberries
The Seascape strawberry is a remarkable variety that stands out for its exceptional flavor and impressive qualities. This strawberry cultivar consistently ranks high in flavor tests, captivating taste buds with its sweet and juicy profile. Known for its large and attractive berries, the Seascape strawberry delights gardeners and strawberry lovers alike. This variety is highly productive, offering a generous harvest of delicious fruits. With its ability to withstand both hot and cold climates, the Seascape strawberry is a versatile choice for gardeners across different regions. Its disease resistance and adaptability make it an excellent option for home gardens, ensuring a successful and rewarding strawberry-growing experience. Whether enjoyed fresh, used in desserts, or incorporated into salads, the Seascape strawberry is sure to bring an irresistible burst of flavor to any culinary creation.
This is another one of our favorite strawberries and we love the taste of these berries.
Sequoia Strawberry
Sequoia strawberry plants offer a delightful combination of ease of growth and exceptional taste. These plants are known for their vigorous growth habit and high productivity, ensuring a bountiful harvest of delicious strawberries. Sequoia strawberries are prized for their sweet and juicy flavor, with a perfect balance of sweetness and acidity. They have a vibrant red color and a firm texture that adds to their visual appeal. With proper care and maintenance, these plants reward gardeners with an abundance of mouthwatering strawberries that are perfect for enjoying fresh, adding to desserts, or preserving for later use. The Sequoia strawberry plants are a delightful addition to any garden, providing both visual beauty and delectable taste.
Sparkle Strawberries
Sparkle strawberries are a popular choice among gardeners due to their ease of cultivation and delightful taste. These plants are known for their robust growth and adaptability to various growing conditions, making them suitable for both experienced gardeners and beginners. When it comes to taste, Sparkle strawberries are known for their sweetness and tangy flavor. They offer a perfect balance of sugary sweetness and a slight tang that adds a refreshing twist to their taste. The berries are typically medium to large in size and boast a vibrant red color that is visually appealing. With proper care and attention, these plants will reward you with an abundant harvest of flavorful strawberries that are perfect for fresh consumption, desserts, or preserving. Sparkle strawberries are a true delight for the taste buds and a joy to cultivate in your garden.
We’ve grown Sparkle strawberries for years and consider them one of the 3 best strawberry varieties.
White Carolina Strawberries
White Carolina strawberries are a captivating and unique variety that adds a touch of novelty to your strawberry patch. Unlike the traditional red strawberries, White Carolina strawberries bear pale white berries that stand out with their striking appearance. But it’s not just their color that makes them special – these berries also offer a delightful flavor experience. White Carolina strawberries are known for their sweetness and creaminess, creating a truly indulgent taste sensation. Their unique flavor profile makes them an excellent choice for enjoying fresh or incorporating into elegant desserts. Add a touch of whimsy and elegance to your garden with these exquisite white strawberries.
Growing Strawberries 101
To grow strawberries, start by selecting a suitable site with well-draining soil and plenty of sunlight – you should find a spot with at least 6 hours of sinlight/day. Prepare the soil by adding compost and other organic matter to improve soil fertility and drainage.
If starting from plants, choose healthy ones with strong roots and plant them in the ground or in containers with plenty of space for growth. Strawberry plants usually come as bare root plants or potted plants. You can see more information about planting bare root Strawberries. Water regularly as needed throughout the growing season. When harvesting, be sure to pick ripe berries regularly to encourage continued fruit production. Be mindful of common issues such as pests, diseases, and soil acidity, and take steps to prevent or address these problems as needed.
Did we miss anything on our list of the best strawberry varieties? Drop a comment with your favorite type of strawberry below.
