Albion Everbearing Strawberry Plant

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: Ensure your plants get at least 6 to 10 hours of direct sun every day for the best fruit flavor and size. While they can tolerate some light afternoon shade in very hot climates, less sun usually means fewer flowers and significantly smaller berries.
• Soil: These berries love well drained sandy loam with a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If you have heavy clay soil, mix in a good amount of organic compost or plant them in raised beds to keep the shallow roots from sitting in standing water.

Watering Requirements

Aim for 1 inch of water per week to keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy. This is vital during the first year because the shallow roots cannot reach deep water reserves during dry spells. Inconsistent watering often leads to small, woody berries or a plant that stops producing altogether due to heat stress.

Pruning Tips

Albion strawberries produce fruit on new growth, meaning the flowers you see this season will become your harvest. In the first year, pinch off all blossoms for the first 6 weeks to force the plant to build a strong root system instead of berries. You should also clip off runners as they appear to keep energy concentrated in the main crown for better fruit quality throughout the summer.

Fertilizer Needs

Use a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in early spring as new leaves appear and repeat the application in mid summer. Avoid using high nitrogen fertilizers after August because this stimulates lush new growth that will not have time to harden off before the first frost. Think of it like drinking caffeine before bed; the plant stays awake and active when it should be preparing for its winter rest.