When it comes to deciding between everbearing and June-bearing strawberries, it really depends on your personal preferences and gardening goals. Both types have their own unique characteristics and advantages.
June-bearing strawberries are the more traditional and familiar variety. They are called “June-bearing” because they produce a single, large crop of strawberries in early summer, usually around June. These plants tend to be more productive in terms of yield, often producing a larger quantity of strawberries than everbearing varieties. The fruits themselves are also typically larger in size, which can be quite appealing. If you enjoy having a bountiful harvest of strawberries all at once, then June-bearing varieties may be the way to go.
On the other hand, everbearing strawberries, as the name suggests, produce multiple crops throughout the growing season. They typically yield a smaller harvest in June, similar to June-bearing varieties, and then continue to produce smaller crops in the early fall. This extended fruiting period can be advantageous if you prefer a more prolonged harvest, allowing you to enjoy fresh strawberries for a longer period of time. Additionally, everbearing strawberries tend to have a longer growing season overall, which can be beneficial in regions with shorter summers.
One important difference between the two types is the number of runners they produce. Runners are long, vine-like stems that emerge from the main plant and produce new strawberry plants. June-bearing varieties tend to produce a larger number of runners compared to everbearing varieties. If you’re interested in propagating and expanding your strawberry patch, June-bearing strawberries can be a good choice as they provide more opportunities for runner propagation.
In terms of flavor, both everbearing and June-bearing strawberries can be equally delicious. However, it’s worth noting that individual varieties within each type can vary in taste, so it’s always a good idea to do some research or taste testing to find the specific varieties that suit your palate.
In my personal experience, I have grown both everbearing and June-bearing strawberries in my garden. I found that the June-bearing varieties provided a more intense and abundant harvest during the peak strawberry season. It was exciting to have a large quantity of strawberries all at once, which allowed me to make jams, pies, and share them with friends and family. However, I also appreciated the extended harvest period of everbearing strawberries, as it meant that I could enjoy fresh strawberries well into the fall.
The choice between everbearing and June-bearing strawberries ultimately depends on your preferences and gardening goals. If you prefer a larger, single harvest and have space for runner propagation, June-bearing varieties may be the better choice. On the other hand, if you enjoy a more prolonged harvest and want to extend your strawberry season, everbearing varieties can be a great option. Regardless of your choice, both types can provide delicious, homegrown strawberries that are a delight to savor.
