Remontáns eper - Fragaria × ananassa 'Toscana' (Folyamatosan termő eper)

Fragaria × ananassa 'Toscana' is a hybrid renowned for its ability to produce fruit throughout the season (everbearing) and for its decorative flowers of a deep pink. This plant combines the usefulness of a rich harvest with an ornamental appearance, making it ideal for gardens, terraces, or hanging pots.

Appearance of Flowers and Fruits

• Flowers: The 'Toscana' strawberry stands out with its unusual flowers, ranging from deep pink to pink-red, which appear from May until September-October. Unlike the typical white strawberry flowers, these are decorative and attract more pollinators such as bees.
• Fruits: The fruits are medium-sized, weighing between 15-25 grams, with a conical shape and a bright red color. The flesh is juicy, firm, with a sweet and fragrant taste, balanced by a slight acidity. The fruits ripen continuously from May-June until the first frosts, offering an extended harvest.
• Harvest period: Due to its everbearing nature, it produces fruit in waves throughout summer and autumn, with peaks in June-July and September-October.

Growth Characteristics

• Height: Grows compactly, reaching 15-25 cm in height and a width of 30-40 cm, making it suitable for small spaces.
• Foliage: The leaves are trifoliate, dark green, glossy, providing an attractive background for flowers and fruits.
• Vigour: It is a vigorous plant but not overly spreading, producing runners that can be used for propagation or removed to focus energy on fruiting.

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 neutral or 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.
• Pruning: Removing runners and dry leaves helps maintain plant health and stimulates fruit production.
• Pollination: It is self-fertile, but the presence of pollinators can increase yield.

Care and Hardiness

• Hardiness: Moderately frost-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to -15°C to -20°C (USDA zones 5-9), but requires protection (mulching) in harsh winters. It is resistant to most common strawberry diseases, such as gray mold, if well ventilated.
• Fertilizing: A balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) applied in spring and a potassium supplement during fruiting increase production.
• Pests: May be affected by aphids or mites; prevention includes watering leaves and avoiding excess moisture.

Origin

Fragaria × ananassa is a hybrid resulting from the crossing of Fragaria virginiana (native to North America) and Fragaria chiloensis (native to South America), made in Europe in the 18th century. The 'Toscana' variety was developed by the Italian company ABZ Seeds and introduced to the market in 2011, winning the FleuroStar Award 2011/2012 for its unique combination of pink flowers and quality fruit. It is a modern selection created to meet the demand for edible ornamental plants, popularized in Europe and North America for its appearance and productivity.