Strawberry 'Seascape'

‘Seascape’ Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa ‘Seascape’). is a day-neutral everbearing variety launched by the University of California in 1992. It can flower and bear fruit for a long period when temperatures remain favourable. Its red strawberries, generally medium to large, offer firm to moderately firm flesh and good flavour when fully ripened on the plant. The harvest is best suited for fresh eating, but also for desserts, jams, and freezing. The plant shows moderate to good vigour and adapts to garden beds, annual rows, containers, and large pots.

Install ‘Seascape’ in full sun in soil rich in organic matter, cool, loose, and perfectly drained, with a slightly acidic pH. Place the crown exactly at soil level and space plants 30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in.) apart. Water regularly at ground level, as uneven moisture reduces fruit size and quality. Remove the first runners to promote flowers and production, especially in pots or annual cultivation. Clean straw keeps strawberries off the damp ground. Avoid standing water, high doses of nitrogen, and plots affected by verticillium wilt.

Harvest strawberries when they are fully coloured, as their flavour is best after complete ripening on the plant. Pick in the morning when the foliage is dry, use shallow containers, and refrigerate quickly. Intense heat can slow flowering and deform some fruits; stronger production often returns when nights cool down. Hardy from Zone 4 depending on conditions, ‘Seascape’ benefits from winter protection with straw in Quebec. Watch out for verticillium wilt, grey mold, anthracnose, leaf spots, slugs, and spider mites. Renew plants when their vigour or yield decreases.