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

The strawberry Fragaria x ananassa 'Delician F1' is a hybrid strawberry known for its remontant nature (doordragende), which produces fruit throughout the season. This strawberry is appreciated for its large, tasty fruit and for its versatility, being suitable for growing in the garden as well as in greenhouses, pots or planters.

Appearance of flowers and fruits

• Flowers : The flowers are white, typical of strawberries, with a yellow center, and appear in waves from spring to fall. They are self-fertile, meaning they do not require an additional pollinator, although the presence of bees can increase yields.
• Fruits : The fruits are large , conical in shape, deep red , and have a juicy texture. They are sweet, aromatic , and have a balanced taste, making them ideal for fresh consumption, desserts, or canning. The average fruit weight is 20-30 grams .
• Harvest period : Due to its remontant character, it produces fruit continuously from late June to mid-October , under optimal conditions, offering a prolonged harvest throughout the 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, offering a decorative appearance even outside the fruiting period.
• Vigor : It is a vigorous plant, producing stolons (shoots) that can be removed to focus energy on fruiting or used for propagation.

Growing conditions

• Exposure : Prefers full sun , but also tolerates semi-shade, provided it receives at least 6 hours of daily light.
• Soil : It needs fertile, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.5-6.5). Soils rich in organic matter are ideal.
• Watering : Requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but not soggy, especially during hot periods and during fruiting. Applying a layer of mulch (e.g. straw) helps retain moisture and prevent fruit from coming into 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 maintenance of humidity. Young plants are transplanted outdoors from mid-April to early June , at a distance of 40 x 50 cm .
• Pollination : It is self-fertile, but benefits from natural pollination for higher production.

Care and resistance

• Resistance : It is cold-resistant, but requires protection (mulch) in harsh winters. It can be affected by diseases such as gray mold (Botrytis) or root rot if the soil drainage is poor.
• Fertilization : 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, mites or snails (which attack the fruit); prevention includes maintaining good ventilation and applying mulch to protect the fruit.
• Maintenance : Removal of long stolons is recommended to maximize fruit production. Plants should be replaced or reseeded every 3 years to maintain yield.

The 'Delician F1' strawberry is versatile, suitable for growing in gardens, greenhouses, large pots, planters or hanging baskets . Its large fruits and the decorative appearance of the plant make it ideal for functional and aesthetic spaces. It is perfect for fresh consumption, jams, juices or desserts, thanks to its sweet and aromatic taste.

Origin

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