Strawberry Toscana

An F1 strawberry with hybrid vigour and very decorative flowers, Fragaria x ananassa Toscana has a trailing habit which makes it ideal for growing in hanging baskets or on balconies where space is limited, although it can also be grown in conventional beds. The flowers are a beautiful deep rose-pink. The fruit is mid-sized and conical, and a lovely bright red; it is very high in Vitamin C. Strawberry Toscana is an ever-bearing strawberry; instead of producing one enormous crop at midsummer it gives lighter crops for a much longer season. Easy to grow.

Site: Sheltered, sunny site
Soil: Fertile, moisture-retentive but well-drained, neutral soil
Position: Full sun
Pick: June to mid-September
Keep: Best eaten fresh
Hardiness: Very hardy
Pollination: Self-fertile
Uses: Eating, smoothies

How to use: You can enjoy Strawberry Toscana fresh or use it to make smoothies. Just wash the berries well before consumption. Precautions: Make sure to pick the berries within the June to mid-September period for the best taste. Maintenance advice: Plant it in a sheltered, sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil. Keep an eye on the moisture levels, not letting the soil get too dry or waterlogged. Since it’s self-fertile, you don’t need to worry about additional pollination efforts.