Strawberry varieties

Hundreds of named strawberry varieties exist, with new ones appearing each year. Gardeners across different climates can find cultivars that produce sweet, juicy berries suited to local growing conditions. This guide covers popular strawberry varieties and includes a comprehensive list of over 300 cultivars.

‘Quinault’ strawberry

The Quinault strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa nothosubsp. ananassa ‘Quinault’) was developed by Washington State University researchers. This everbearing variety produces two main harvests each year—one in early summer and another in fall—with scattered berries throughout the season. The plants can even set fruit on unrooted runners, increasing overall yield.

Quinault berries are red, juicy, and sweet. They taste excellent fresh and hold up well in preserves. The plants grow 12 inches tall and spread up to 24 inches. White flowers appear above dark green foliage. This variety thrives in USDA zones 4 through 8, tolerating winter temperatures down to -30°F (-34°C). Plant in full to partial sun with rich, slightly alkaline soil. Water regularly and mulch around plants to retain moisture.

‘Seascape’ strawberry

The Seascape strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa nothosubsp. ananassa ‘Seascape’) was released by the University of California in 1992. This day-neutral variety produces large, firm, flavorful berries throughout the growing season in zones 4 through 9. The plants reach 12 inches tall and spread 12 to 24 inches. White flowers emerge above dark green leaves.

Day-neutral strawberries fruit heavily in their first year as long as temperatures stay favorable. Seascape produces larger berries than many other day-neutral types. The plants perform well in California and northeastern states. Plant in full sun and provide consistent moisture. Expect fruit 12 to 14 weeks after planting.

‘Chandler’ strawberry

Chandler strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa nothosubsp. ananassa ‘Chandler’) were bred in California and excel in coastal regions. This June-bearing variety produces large, sweet berries over a two to three week period in early summer. The plants grow 8 inches tall and spread 12 inches. Chandler is a commercial favorite in southern California, where it fruits through winter. It also performs well in North and South Carolina.

June-bearing strawberries concentrate their harvest into one intensive period. Chandler is classified as semi-early season, fruiting in the first weeks of June in most climates. The plants grow best in zones 4 to 10, preferring temperatures between 60°F and 90°F (16°C and 32°C). They need full sun and well-drained soil with a pH around 6.0. Space plants 12 inches apart. Watch for root rot if drainage is poor. The berries freeze well for later use.

‘Ozark Beauty’ strawberry

Ozark Beauty strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa nothosubsp. ananassa ‘Ozark Beauty’) originated in Arkansas. This everbearing variety adapts to a wide range of climates, thriving in zones 4 through 8 and sometimes succeeding in zones 3 and 9 with extra care. The plants produce deep red berries with dessert-like flavor. They grow vigorously, generating abundant foliage and runners.

Plant Ozark Beauty in full sun with slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.0). The plants spread quickly through runner production. In the first year, trim some runners to redirect energy into root development rather than vegetative spread. First-year plants typically produce little fruit, but strong establishment leads to heavy crops in following seasons. Water about 1 inch per week. The variety shows decent disease resistance but benefits from regular monitoring.

‘Jewel’ strawberry

The Jewel strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa nothosubsp. ananassa ‘Jewel’) is a top-selling June-bearing variety licensed through Cornell University. The plants produce large, glossy, bright red berries with excellent flavor. They grow 12 inches tall and spread 12 inches. Jewel strawberries perform consistently across different growing conditions.

Grow Jewel in zones 4 through 8. The plants bear no fruit in their first year but reward patience with heavy crops the following June. They prefer soil with a pH around 6.6. Plant in full sun with well-drained soil. Space plants 12 inches apart. Keep the area weed-free and mulch with straw if temperatures drop below freezing. The low-growing plants need minimal care once established. Jewel plants typically produce for four to five years.

‘Honeoye’ strawberry

Honeoye (Fragaria × ananassa nothosubsp. ananassa ‘Honeoye’) strawberries were developed by Cornell about 30 years ago for cold climates. This June-bearing variety produces heavy yields despite chilly conditions. The plants grow 12 inches tall and spread 12 inches. Space them 12 inches apart to accommodate their mature width.

Honeoye strawberries ripen in late May or early June. They grow in zones 3 through 8, tolerating very cold winters. Plant in full sun or partial shade with light, well-drained soil. The variety shows limited disease resistance, so maintain a weed-free growing area. Honeoye plants produce no fruit in their first year. After fruiting begins, expect reliable harvests for four to five years.

‘Eversweet’ strawberry

The Eversweet strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa nothosubsp. ananassa ‘Eversweet’) was selected for hot climates. This everbearing variety maintains flavor and production even in 100°F (38°C) weather. The plants grow 8 to 10 inches tall and spread 15 to 24 inches. Light green foliage distinguishes Eversweet from darker-leaved varieties.

Eversweet produces berries continuously through summer. The first crop appears in spring, followed by new harvests every six weeks. Plants need moderate water and prefer consistently moist soil. This variety excels in hot regions where other strawberries struggle. Keep soil evenly watered during heat waves to support continuous fruiting.

‘Albion’ strawberry

The ‘Albion’ strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa nothosubsp. ananassa ‘Albion’) was bred at the University of California. This day-neutral variety produces very large, firm berries with sweet flavor. The plants grow vigorously and resist many common fungal diseases. Albion performs well in California and other mild-winter regions. Learn more about this variety in our strawberry growing guide.

‘Sequoia’ strawberry

The ‘Sequoia’ strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa nothosubsp. ananassa ‘Sequoia’) is a June-bearing variety bred at the University of California in 1972. This cultivar thrives in mild climates. Sequoia berries are elongated, sweet, and glossy. In very mild regions, some plants may fruit again in early fall, behaving more like an everbearing type.

‘Sparkle’ strawberry

The ‘Sparkle’ strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa nothosubsp. ananassa ‘Sparkle’) is an American heirloom from 1942. It was bred at Rutgers University in New Jersey from the flavorful ‘Fairfax’ and ‘Aberdeen’ varieties. Sparkle strawberries are June-bearing with glossy berries, excellent flavor, and disease-resistant plants. This reliable cultivar has remained popular for over 80 years.

Wild strawberry species

Most garden strawberries are modern hybrids, but several wild strawberry species can be grown in gardens. These naturally occurring species belong to the Fragaria genus. Wild strawberries often produce smaller berries with intense flavor. They typically spread through runners and adapt well to woodland edges and shaded areas.

The alpine strawberry (Fragaria vesca L.) grows wild across Europe and parts of North America. This species produces small, cone-shaped berries with concentrated sweetness. Alpine strawberries tolerate more shade than hybrid varieties. The Chilean strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis) is native to coastal areas of Chile and California. Its large white berries influenced modern hybrid development. The Virginia strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) grows wild across eastern North America. Its small red berries have excellent flavor. The musk strawberry (Fragaria moschata) grows in parts of Europe and produces aromatic berries.