Contents
Description
Fragaria Ananassa Elsanta, commonly known as the Elsanta strawberry, is a popular cultivar of the garden strawberry. It is a hybrid strawberry that originated in the Netherlands in the 1970s. The Elsanta strawberry is known for its large, firm, and juicy berries with a bright red color and a sweet flavor. It is the most widely grown strawberry cultivar in Europe and is also cultivated in other parts of the world.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Eudicots |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Fragaria |
Appearance
The Elsanta strawberry plant has dark green leaves with toothed edges and white flowers that bloom in spring. The berries are large and conical in shape with a bright red color and glossy surface. They have a sweet flavor and a juicy texture with a firm flesh. The seeds are on the surface of the fruit and are small and yellow.
Care Guide
To grow Elsanta strawberries, it is important to provide them with adequate water, fertilization, soil, sunlight, and to choose the right hardiness zones. They require regular watering to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Fertilizer should be applied before planting and after fruiting to provide the necessary nutrients. The soil should be well-draining and rich in organic matter. They thrive in full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. Elsanta strawberries grow best in hardiness zones 4-8.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Elsanta strawberry plant is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including slugs, snails, aphids, spider mites, powdery mildew, and verticillium wilt. Slugs and snails can be controlled by handpicking or using traps. Aphids and spider mites can be controlled by spraying with insecticidal soap. Powdery mildew can be prevented by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding overhead watering. Verticillium wilt can be prevented by planting disease-resistant varieties and avoiding planting in contaminated soil.
Habitat
The Elsanta strawberry plant is commonly grown in gardens, farms, and commercial plantations in temperate regions around the world. They prefer well-draining soil and full sun but can also tolerate partial shade. They grow best in hardiness zones 4-8.
Question and Answer
Q: How long does it take for Elsanta strawberries to mature?
A: Elsanta strawberries usually take about 4-6 weeks to mature after flowering.
Q: When is the best time to plant Elsanta strawberries?
A: The best time to plant Elsanta strawberries is in the spring after the last frost or in the fall before the first frost.
Q: How often should Elsanta strawberries be fertilized?
A: Elsanta strawberries should be fertilized once before planting and again after fruiting.
Q: What is the ideal pH range for soil to grow Elsanta strawberries?
A: The ideal pH range for soil to grow Elsanta strawberries is between 5.5 and 6.5.
Related Plants
- Fragaria Vesca
- Fragaria Chiloensis
- Fragaria Ananassa
- Fragaria X Ananassa
References
- “Fragaria x Ananassa ‘Elsanta’.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed September 19, 2021. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=277865&isprofile=0&pt=8.
- “Elsanta.” East Malling Research. Accessed September 19, 2021. https://www.emr.ac.uk/elsanta/.
- “Strawberry Varieties.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed September 19, 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/grow-your-own/fruit/strawberries.
