Description
The Albion strawberry is a hybrid developed relatively recently in California. It is known for its fruits, which have a uniformly conical shape, bright red color, reliable firmness, and surprisingly sweet taste. Albion strawberry plants grow quickly to about 12 inches in height, with a spread of 12 to 24 inches. They are high yielding and everbearing, which means they will flower and fruit continuously from late spring into the fall.
The plants are bred to be resistant to several common diseases, including verticillium wilt, phytophthora crown rot, and anthracnose. Albion strawberry plants like full sun and very rich, well-drained soil. They need lots of moisture and require weekly watering (if there isn’t consistent rain) in order to produce good, plump berries. Because they are so heat tolerant, they will continue fruiting well into the summer even in climates where summer temperatures will kill other strawberry varieties. Berries and fruit will exist simultaneously on the plants, so continue to harvest the strawberries as they ripen to make room for new ones
Care Instructions
Light: Requires full sun (6-8 hours daily) for optimal fruit production.
Water: Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water deeply 1-2 times per week, adjusting for weather conditions.
Soil: Prefers well-draining, nutrient-rich soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.5–6.5).
Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced, natural fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Avoid over-fertilizing to prevent excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit.
Mulching: Apply straw or mulch around the base to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep fruit clean.
Pruning: Remove runners unless propagating, and trim dead or yellowing leaves to promote healthy growth.
Harvesting: Pick ripe strawberries regularly to encourage continuous fruiting. Albion strawberries are known for their large, sweet berries and everbearing habit.