The Secrets of Picking the Best Strawberry Varieties: A Guide for Gardeners

Thousands of strawberry varieties are cultivated worldwide, with dozens in Europe alone.🌎 Why so many? Simply put, there is no one perfect variety that combines all advantages without any disadvantages. Each strawberry variety, without exception, has its pros and cons. For instance, if a variety is known for its excellent taste, high yield, and post-harvest durability, it often may lack in winter hardiness and disease resistance. Moreover, different varieties bear fruit at different times.🍓 Continue reading “The Secrets of Picking the Best Strawberry Varieties: A Guide for Gardeners”

Balcony Strawberries? Pick These Varieties!


If you want to grow strawberries on a balcony or terrace, we advise choosing varieties that thrive in pots and planters, as well as those that are resistant to various weather conditions and typical strawberry diseases. Traditional varieties are generally not suitable for balcony cultivation; only everbearing ones—those that will fruit until late autumn—are recommended. Here are a few varieties that are great for balcony growing:

Ostara: This variety fruits for a very long time, often until the first frosts. It produces not too large but very tasty fruits. Ostara is well-known among fruit producers for its high resistance to many diseases characteristic of strawberries, which undoubtedly facilitates its cultivation.

Selva: A very gracious variety of Californian origin, Selva blooms and fruits continuously for many months. It is characterized by beautiful, large, and sweet fruits. Additionally, it is resistant to most strawberry diseases, meaning it does not require strong chemical protection.

San Andreas: An attractive variety bred in the USA, San Andreas has large, intensely red, and well-shaped fruits. In terms of taste, it is a revelation! It fruits from the end of May throughout the vegetation period, and if not for winter, it would probably fruit until spring. San Andreas is distinguished by its resistance to some strawberry diseases and is not difficult to cultivate.

Ania: This variety comes from sunny Italy and is characterized by large, shiny, and incredibly sweet fruits with aromatic pulp. Ania fruits for a very long time, practically until the first frosts. It shows significant resistance to most fungal diseases of strawberries, making it a very attractive choice for those who prefer not to use a sprayer.

How to Grow Strawberries on a Balcony: A Step-by-Step Guide

Not everyone has the opportunity to grow strawberries in a garden or allotment.
Some are “condemned” to grow them on a balcony or possibly on a terrace.
Is it difficult? Definitely not. You just need to follow a few of the rules below:

  • Prepare healthy and strongly rooted seedlings.
    This is the starting point, without which further activities will make little sense.
  • Varieties:
    We especially recommend those from the group of repeat-fruiting, which will bear fruit throughout the season until late autumn.
  • Location:
    Choose a sunny spot and an appropriate box or pot with a depth of at least 20 cm, with plenty of holes in the bottom for draining excess water (so-called drainage).
  • Soil:
    Fill the box (or pot) with fertile, yet permeable soil, preferably with a slightly acidic pH.
  • Planting:
    Plant young plants at the same depth as they grew in the nursery, maintaining proper spacing, i.e., no less than 25 to 30 cm from seedling to seedling.
  • Watering:
    After planting, water the strawberries generously.
  • Fertilizing:
    Every 2 weeks, feed the plants using a special strawberry fertilizer (instructions for use are always found on the package).
  • Maintenance:
    Water the strawberries regularly, not allowing the plants to dry out; the soil in pots should be moist, not wet.

Can Including Strawberries in Your Diet Help Treat Hypertension? Strawberries: A Superfruit for Heart Health

Including strawberries in your diet can be beneficial for individuals with hypertension, but it’s important to remember that no single food, including strawberries, is a cure for high blood pressure. However, strawberries can contribute to overall cardiovascular health thanks to their properties:

High Potassium Content: Strawberries are a source of potassium, which helps regulate blood pressure by relaxing the walls of blood vessels.

Low Sodium Level: They have a low sodium content, which is known for its impact on raising blood pressure.

Rich in Antioxidants: Contain antioxidants, such as vitamin C and flavonoids, which can improve the elasticity of blood vessels and protect against oxidative damage.

Dietary Fiber: Contain fiber, which is beneficial for heart health and can help maintain a healthy body weight.

Healthy Calories: As a low-calorie and low-fat fruit, strawberries are an excellent choice for those trying to maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial in controlling hypertension.

Therefore, strawberries can be part of a healthy diet that supports blood pressure control, but it is important that they are part of a balanced nutritional plan, including a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein sources, and healthy fats. Additionally, managing hypertension often requires other lifestyle changes, such as regular physical activity, limiting alcohol consumption, not smoking, and stress management.

It is always recommended to consult with a doctor or dietitian before making significant changes to your diet, especially if they are to be part of a medical treatment plan, such as for hypertension.

×