Its flowers are almost like red roses (rather than the usual white
color). And it produces the most succulent and delicious fruit that
you can imagine. If you can't wait for the blossoms to turn into
fruit, you can eat the flowers.
Introducing the strawberry known as 'Tristan.'
This is a hybrid that arrived in this country from Holland a few
years back, and has been growing in popularity ever since. Southern
Living magazine hailed Tristan as 'fantabulous.' With its fruit and
flowers, this is a true edible ornamental, and I can't wait to make
some hanging baskets out of them.
I have noticed that more people these days are growing their own
strawberries. By using organic methods, you can be assured that
your crop is healthy, pesticide-free, and more delicious than any-
thing you buy at the supermarket. Here are some pointers.
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How to Grow Strawberries in Central Texas
Traditionally there are two types of strawberries: June bearers
and ever bearers (day length neutral). June bearers produce in the
spring, have long runners that produce new plants, and have large
r fruits. Some of the best varieties are Sequoia and Chandler.
The everbearing varieties produce a large crop in the spring and
a smaller crop in the summer and fall. Quinalt and Ozark Beauty
are the most commonly found varieties. (Tristan is a new addition
to the everbearer family.) The strawberries are a bit smaller as
are the runners.
Everbearers are considered biennial. Biennials mature and complete
their lifecycle over a two year period.
It's pretty easy to grow strawberries. Find a well-drained location
and add generous amounts of organic compost to loosen the soil.
If your soil is alkaline, add some soil sulfur and green sand to the
bed or blend in Back to Nature’s best acidified cotton bur compost.
Be sure to put a generous layer of mulch around your strawberries.
This keeps the roots cooler when the soil temps begin to climb.
Keep berries moist but not soggy.
Strawberries are also very easy to grow in containers. Just be sure
to plant them in a high quality, well drained potting mix. Sungrow’s
Metro mix is the best. Good luck, and happy gardening everyone!
