Capsun remontant - Fragaria x ananassa 'Delician F1' (Aardbei)

Strawberry Fragaria x ananassa 'Delician F1' is a well-known remontant strawberry (everbearing), which produces fruit throughout the season. This strawberry is valued for its large, tasty fruits and its versatility, being suitable for growing both in gardens and in greenhouses, pots, or window boxes.

Appearance of flowers and fruits

• Flowers: The flowers are white, typical of strawberries, with a yellow center, and appear in waves from spring to autumn. They are self-fertile, meaning they do not require an additional pollinator, although the presence of bees can increase yield.
• Fruits: The fruits are large, conical in shape, of a deep red color, and have a juicy texture. They are sweet, fragrant and have a balanced taste, ideal for fresh consumption, desserts, or preserves. The average fruit weight is 20-30 grams.
• Harvest period: Due to its remontant nature, it produces fruit continuously from late June until mid-October under optimal conditions, offering an extended harvest throughout summer and autumn.

Growth characteristics

• Height: It grows compactly, reaching 25 cm in height and a width of 30-50 cm, making it ideal for small spaces or containers.
• Foliage: The leaves are trifoliate, dark green, glossy, providing a decorative look even outside the fruiting period.
• Vigour: It is a vigorous plant, producing runners (shoots) that can be removed to focus energy on fruiting or used for propagation.

Growing conditions

• Exposure: Prefers full sun, but tolerates partial shade, provided it receives at least 6 hours of light daily.
• Soil: Requires a fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.5-6.5). Soils rich in organic matter are ideal.
• Watering: Needs regular watering to keep the soil moist but not soaked, especially during warm periods and fruiting. Applying a mulch layer (e.g., straw) helps retain moisture and prevents fruit contact with the soil.
• Planting: It is recommended to sow indoors (under glass) from January to May at a temperature of about 22°C. The seeds are sensitive, and germination can take up to 6 weeks, requiring moisture maintenance. Young plants are transplanted outdoors from mid-April to early June, spaced at 40 x 50 cm.
• Pollination: It is self-fertile but benefits from natural pollination for higher production.

Care and resistance

• Hardiness: It is frost-resistant but requires protection (mulch) during harsh winters. It can be affected by diseases such as gray mold (Botrytis) or root rot if soil drainage is poor.
• Fertilizing: A balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) applied in spring and a potassium supplement during fruiting increase yield.
• Pests: It can be affected by aphids, mites, or slugs (which attack the fruits); prevention includes maintaining good ventilation and applying mulch to protect the fruits.
• Maintenance: Removing long runners is recommended to maximize fruit production. Plants should be replaced or reseeded every 3 years to maintain yield.

Strawberry 'Delician F1' is versatile, suitable for growing in gardens, greenhouses, large pots, window boxes, or hanging baskets. Its large fruits and decorative plant appearance make it ideal for both functional and aesthetic spaces. It is perfect for fresh eating, jams, juices, or desserts due to its sweet and fragrant taste.

Origin

Fragaria x ananassa is a hybrid resulting from the crossing of Fragaria virginiana (North America) and Fragaria chiloensis (South America), made in Europe in the 18th century. The variety strawberry 'Delician F1' is a modern hybrid developed to combine high yield, superior taste, and remontant character. F1 indicates a first-generation hybrid, obtained through controlled crosses, which guarantees uniformity and quality, but its seeds are costly and require careful sowing.