Lot Location: 7.1
The Albion strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa “Albion”) is a hybrid developed relatively recently in California. It is known for its fruits, which have a uniformly conical shape, bright red color, reliable firmness, and surprisingly sweet taste.
Albion strawberry plants grow quickly to about 12 inches (30.5 cm.) in height, with a spread of 12 to 24 inches (30.5-61 cm.). They are high yielding and everbearing, which means they will flower and fruit continuously from late spring into the fall.
They are hardy down to USDA zone 4 and can be grown as perennials in zones 4-7, but are very tolerant of heat and humidity and can be grown in much hotter climates.
Growing Albion strawberries is very easy. The plants are bred to be resistant to several common diseases, including verticillium wilt, phytophthora crown rot, and anthracnose.
Albion strawberry plants like full sun and very rich, well-drained soil. They need lots of moisture and require weekly watering (if there isn’t consistent rain) in order to produce good, plump berries. Because they are so heat tolerant, they will continue fruiting well into the summer.