Description
San Andreas is a day-neutral strawberry valued for its large, firm berries with a balanced sweet flavour and mild acidity. It performs best in full sun (6–8+ hours daily) and prefers well-draining, fertile soil with a slightly acidic pH of 5.5–6.5.
Plants begin producing 60–90 days after planting and yield continuously from late spring through fall until frost. Average production is 1–2 lbs per plant per season, making it a high-yielding variety.
San Andreas is known for its excellent heat tolerance, strong disease resistance, and long shelf life, making it ideal for market and wholesale use. Consistent watering, mulching, regular feeding, and runner removal will maximize fruit size and yield.
Care Instructions
Light: Full sun. Provide at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for best yield and fruit quality.
Watering: Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy. Water at the base of the plant and avoid wetting foliage. About 1–1.5 inches of water per week, more during hot or dry conditions.
Soil: Plant in well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. Slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5–6.5 is ideal.
Fertilizing: Add compost at planting. Feed every 4–6 weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer or one designed for strawberries. Avoid excess nitrogen.
Pruning: Remove dead or damaged leaves regularly. Trim runners to focus energy on fruit production unless you are propagating new plants.
Mulching: Mulch with straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves to retain moisture, suppress weeds, keep fruit clean, and regulate soil temperature.
Support: No support is required. Plants are low-growing and spread naturally. Raised beds or containers can improve drainage and air circulation.
Pollination: Self-fertile. Bees and other insects handle pollination naturally. No hand pollination is needed outdoors.
Harvesting: Harvest when berries are fully red and firm. Pick every 2–3 days during peak production. San Andreas is day-neutral and produces fruit from late spring through fall.