Strawberry 'Elsanta' (Fragaria x ananassa) – Summer Fruiting Plants (12 x 9cm Pots)

This pack contains 12 established strawberry plants, each in its own 9cm pot, ready to plant into the garden, a raised bed or a container.

Elsanta has long been a favourite with commercial and home growers, giving reliable, heavy crops of firm, well-shaped strawberries through the main summer season. The plants are well rooted and arrive with a strong head start compared with bare-root runners. Blossom in spring is popular with bees and other pollinating insects, and the plants are self fertile, so they will crop without a partner.

Plant in a warm, sunny, sheltered spot, in garden borders, raised beds, grow bags, hanging baskets or containers. Space plants 30-40cm apart for good air circulation, and set each one so the crown sits just above soil level, because a buried crown can rot. Water regularly, especially while the fruit is swelling, but avoid waterlogging.

Feed with a balanced fertiliser at planting, then switch to a high-potash feed once flowering begins. Mulch with straw to keep the fruit clean and hold moisture, and remove runners in the first year to encourage stronger fruiting plants. Strawberries are fully hardy, though plants in pots and baskets appreciate a little protection round the roots in a hard winter.

Cultural Information

• Common Name: Elsanta Strawberry, Garden Strawberry
• Botanical Name: Fragaria x ananassa
• Fully Grown Height and Spread: Approx. 20-30cm tall and 30-40cm wide (variety dependent)
• Growth Habit: Low-growing, spreading, clump-forming
• Perfect For: Garden borders, raised beds, grow bags, hanging baskets, containers, allotments
• Foliage: Bright green, trifoliate leaves with serrated edges
• Flowering Time: Spring (April to May)
• Fruiting Season: June to July
• Planting Position: Full sun
• Soil Type: Well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic soil
• Hardiness: Fully hardy
• Seasonal Interest: Summer fruit
• Type: Summer fruiting strawberry