Will Strawberries Ripen If Picked When White?

Strawberry Picking Time

• Strawberries are not among the fruit that will ripen off the plants. Picking white berries is wasting the fruit. When selecting strawberries for picking, choose the bright red, firm fruits that have their caps attached. Overripe berries are best used right away. Cover others with a paper towel or plastic wrap and store in the fridge. Harvest the fruit every other day or thrice a week, since not all berries will ripen at the same time and leave about one-quarter of the stem attached. Pick strawberries early in the morning.

Varieties

• The varieties of strawberries are broadly classified into three groups. The Junebearers produce fruit only once every season. The day-neutral strawberry varieties bear fruit several times during a single growing season. Everbearer strawberry plants produce fruit twice in a given season. The everbearer strawberries are more recommended for use as novelty or ornamental plantings or as ground covers.

Soil

• Plant strawberries in well-drained loam or sandy loam for best growth. Avoid planting in wet, waterlogged areas or low lying sites that are likely to accumulate water. Create a raised bed in poorly drained areas with a minimum height of at 6 to 8 inches. Do not plant the fruit in an area that had been used for growing verticillium wilt-susceptible crops such as peppers, potatoes or tomatoes. Amend the soil with organic material like compost, peat or manure prior to planting. Add a pound of 6-24-24 fertilizer for every 50 square feet of planting area before planting.

Planting

• Space the transplants 15 to 24 inches apart in rows with row distance of 3 to 4 feet. Plant deep enough for the crown area to be at ground level. Planting in shallow holes will dry out the roots before they get a chance to get established. Also avoid planting very deep as this can lead to plant death. Water well after planting. Control weeds regularly and irrigate with 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week. Adequate water is especially important during the bud formation period.