ALBION
Product Description:
Strawberry plants are shipped bare root starting in March. Order early for best availability. Detailed planting information and growing instructions are included with each order. Not available to US Territories or Canada.
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Key Features:
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Key Features:
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Customer Reviews
I had no issues with these bare root strawberries. I planted them a few weeks ago and 21 out of 25 are already putting on a lot of growth. They look kind of sad when they arrive, but that is what a bare root plant looks like. The key is following the instructions, not burying them too deep, and keeping them wet.
This is my second review of the Albion plants.
It’s mid-October 2024 and the bare root Albion strawberries that I planted in Spring of 2024 are still producing good sized berries.
We haven’t had any frost yet so fingers crossed that I’ll have more ripen.
I had a moderate first crop after planting in spring of 2024 followed with an *outstanding* autumn 2024 harvest.
I'm not sure why so many people seemed to have problems with the bare root plants failing. My guess is that they didn't soak the roots in water right away or that they planted the crowns too deep in the soil.
After I got my spring delivery of the 25 bare root plants, I soaked the roots in water and planted the crowns very shallowly as per the planting directions. This is very important!
To address the plant size comments made by other reviewers, yes, the plants were on average smaller than the typical plants that you would find in a 4 inch pot at the hardware store. The hardware store plants are probably a little older and have had more time to set above ground biomass.
After they established their new rooting system, they began some very satisfactory vegetative growth and I did harvest several small to medium sized berries per plant over the spring and early summer season. But buyers should realize that for most of the plants' first season, their growth will be directed to establishing their root and leaves rather than reproduction/fruit set.
However, now that we're in autumn, the berry production is awesome!
I'm harvesting berries that rival the size of what is sold by Costco, etc.
The berries are large (1-2 inches), sweet, and dense (no hollow voids inside).
Currently, the plants are all several inches tall, robust, and sending out runners.
I was very happy with my purchase and can't wait for my 2025 crop!
These plants arrived in great shape, took well, and have produced many berries in their first year.
| Soil Temp for Germ | 65–75°F |
| Seed Depth | Press into soil lightly |
| Days to Emergence | 2–6 wks |
| Plant Spacing | 8–12" |
| Fertilizer Needs | Medium |
| Minimum Germination | 60% |
| Seeds per Gram | Listed per variety |
| Seed Life | 2 years |
Fragaria vesca
Culture
• Strawberries require fertile, well-drained soil, high in organic matter, with an optimum soil pH of 5.5-6.5
• Prepare beds by deeply digging in a 1 inch layer of compost and 5 pounds of bone meal for 100 square feet
• Plant in raised beds, and cover with plastic or straw mulch to prevent fruit contact with soil, which can cause rot
• Keep beds evenly moist, use drip irrigation if possible, avoid wetting fruit; plants need 1-1 1/2 inches of water per week during the growing season
• Pinch off runners to keep plants productive
• June bearing: Produce berries over a 2-3 week period in early summer
• Everbearing: Produce berries consistently from late spring through fall
Direct Sowing
• Direct seed outside as soon as the soil warms
Transplanting
• Sow indoors 2 months before last frost date
• Strawberry seeds need light to germinate
• Keep moist with a mister
• Up-pot at 3-4 weeks and transplant outside after the danger of frost has passed
Insects & Diseases
• Common pests: Root weevils, aphids, and slugs
• Pest control: Neem oil or Pyrethrin, and baits or traps for slugs
• Common diseases: Mold, mildew, root rot and verticilium wilt
• Disease control: Rotate every 3-4 years with new plants, Greencure®
Strawberry Plants
Fragaria x ananassa
Culture
• Strawberries require fertile, well-drained soil, high in organic matter, with an optimum soil pH of 5.5-6.5
• Prepare beds by deeply digging in a 1 inch layer of compost and 5 pounds of bone meal for 100 square feet
• Plant in raised beds, and cover with plastic or straw mulch to prevent fruit contact with soil, which can cause rot
• Keep beds evenly moist, use drip irrigation if possible, avoid wetting fruit; plants need 1-1 1/2 inches of water per week during the growing season
• Plant 12-15 inches apart in all directions
• Pinch off runners to keep plants productive
• June bearing: Produce berries over a 2-3 week period in early summer
• Everbearing/Day Neutral: Produce berries consistently from late spring through fall
Planting
• Plant in 4 inch pots and hold for a few weeks if soil is not ready when you receive plants
• Dig in 1/4 cup complete fertilizer per plant
• Pinch off blossoms of everbearing varieties until July 1st of the first year
• Pinch off blossoms of June bearing varieties the entire first year
Insects & Diseases
• Common pests: Root weevils, aphids, and slugs
• Pest control: Neem oil or Pyrethrin, and baits or traps for slugs
• Common diseases: Mold, mildew, root rot and verticilium wilt
• Disease control: Rotate every 3-4 years with new plants, Greencure®