Here is a list of strawberry varieties in Kenya.
Common Strawberry Varieties in Kenya
Nowadays farmers are eyeing profitable Agri ventures to invest in. Strawberry farming is one of the most attractive ventures. Most individuals and youth groups engage themselves in strawberry farming, which many people have yet to adopt compared to other fruits.
Different farming techniques have proven the success of farming the crop, that is, from soil to soilless cultivation and different routine practices.
Undoubtedly, success in strawberry farming results from a cultivator having proper information at hand. For example, basic knowledge about what variety to plant, where to sell the produce, and the right variety for the intended purpose are some of the key information a farmer needs to understand for the success of strawberry farming.
Below we look at some common varieties that grow in Kenya:
1. Chandler variety.
The Chandler strawberry variety was developed in California and later spread to different parts of the world. It is one of the strawberry varieties in Kenya.
The variety is a robust high-yielding plant, which produces large firm fruits within 70-75 days depending on the ecological factors.
The fruits may vary from large and conical to long and wedge-shaped.
Notably, Chandler variety’s strawberries have bright red-colored fruits with a sweet flavor for a perfect balance. The fruits are, however, preferred for eating and export but not best for processing.
The variety has its shortcomings as it does not tolerate major diseases affecting strawberry production. The cultivar can tolerate grey mold during its production.
2. Douglas variety
The Douglas strawberry variety is known to many due to its local establishment from nursery growers to home gardens. Consequently, Douglas is no stranger to many.
It has a sweet, savoury filling flavour, and a solid texture which makes it good for shipping. The fruits are elongated with a conical shape and red-orange.
The variety is a high-yielding and due to its firm fruits, it makes transportation easier hence preferred and accepted commercially.
3. Tri-Star variety
The cultivar’s characteristic of bearing makes it favorable to many growers, and one of the suitable strawberry varieties in Kenya.
Ideally, the Tri-Star variety produces with a booming rate on its early production stage and continues to produce as long as the conditions are favorable.
The berries are of medium size, which is conically shaded, red in color, firm with no hollow cores, and sweet flavoured.
Figure 1 Photo Credit: Migardener
4. Aiko strawberry variety
The Aiko strawberry is a short-day variety that produces uniform, large, long fruits, of conical shape with a pointed end. The fruit has got a pale red appearance with a firm fresh which makes it resistant to transportation damage. It has a slightly sweet flavor compared to other varieties.
The Aiko variety has good resistance to major soil diseases but is less vigorous.
5. San Andrea’s
San Andrea’s is a day-neutral variety that closely resembles the Albion variety. The fruits external and internal are dark red in appearance and are produced continuously throughout the season. The fruits are large, conical shaped, and sweet flavored. The variety is a high producer and can remain evergreen throughout the season. The major disadvantage with the variety is that it produces many runners that need to be pruned for its production.
6. Pajaro strawberry
The variety produces large, bright red fruits which are of good flavor hence preferred by many for dessert. The plant of the Pajaro is medium-sized having an upright habit and the pedicels hold the fruits well making them easy to harvest. The fruits have a shiny and attractive appearance except when rain causes checking on the fruit surface. The major limitation is that the variety is highly susceptible to anthracnose fruit rot.
7. Cambridge favorite strawberry
The variety is gaining popularity among farmers due to its resistance and adaptability to many diseases and climatic conditions. The fruits are red on the external with an orange-red appearance internally. The variety produces small-sized fruits which are sweetly flavored fetching a lot at marketplaces. The variety produces many runners during its growth which needs to be pruned for maximum yield. This limits most growers from cultivating the variety commercially.
Summarily, understanding the various strawberry varieties comes in handy when thinking about strawberry farming as an agribusiness project. The three main varieties explained in this article: Chandler, Douglas, and Tri-Star, are popular in Kenya. Other varieties grown include Aiko, San Andrea’s, Pajaro, and Cambridge Favorite strawberry varieties.
It is upon the potential farmer to research on them to know the one that best fits their needs.
In our next articles, we’ll share more information to continue equipping you with necessary knowledge to make your potential agribusiness project a success.