When to Harvest Sandwich Beach Strawberry

Overview

Sandwich beach strawberry is one of four species in the frageria chiloensis or South American strawberry genus. They are known for producing bountiful fruit harvests of large sized berries with deep strawberry flavor. They thrive in the wild at low elevations near coastal areas and in grassy pasture lands. Like all strawberries, they produce the heaviest harvests when grown in a full sun exposure. They are harvested at peak ripeness and can grow and produce fruit through more than one season depending on the climate.

Step 1

Allow sandwich beach strawberries to develop and ripen to their peak while on the vines. Strawberries do not continue to ripen once harvested so waiting for their peak ripeness is key. The plants produce blooms in the spring and summer with fruiting following bloom. Strawberries will be mature enough for harvest in approximately 30 days.

Step 2

Harvest sandwich beach strawberries when they become deep red, shiny and swollen with juice. Cut the strawberries off at the stem with sharp scissors or secateurs. Alternatively, you can use your fingernail and thumb to sever the stem and pluck the fruit without tugging on the stolons or vines.

Step 3

Water and fertilize your beach strawberries throughout the growing season to maintain and encourage ongoing fruit production. Maintain constantly and evenly moist soil around the plant roots at all times and feed with a general purpose water soluble formula once a month according to label directions.