Florida Encore Strawberry Live Plants | Pack of 2 (TWO) | 5-9" Tall | Short Day Fragaria

Package Contents: Includes two (2) Florida Encore Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa) starter plants. Each plant measures approximately 5-9 inches in height. Plants are supplied in a bare-root state for immediate planting.

Extended Harvest Window: 'Florida Encore' is a Short Day variety bred specifically to produce fruit later in the season than standard cultivars. This allows for an extended harvest period, providing fresh berries when other varieties have finished fruiting.

Fruit Characteristics: Produces large, conical berries with a uniform shape and bright red coloration. The fruit is noted for its firm texture and balanced sweetness, suitable for fresh eating or preserving.

Warm Climate Adaptation: Developed by the University of Florida, this variety has a low chilling requirement. It is specifically adapted to thrive in USDA Zones 8-10, where high heat often limits strawberry production.

Disease Resistance: 'Florida Encore' exhibits moderate to high resistance against common strawberry pathogens, including Colletotrichum crown rot and Phytophthora root rot, supporting reliable growth in home gardens.

Planting Note: Strawberry plants are shipped bare-root and may appear dormant or have trimmed foliage upon arrival. This is standard preparation to reduce transplant shock; new leaves emerge from the central crown shortly after planting.

Harvest Sweet Berries at Home

The 'Florida Encore' Strawberry is a specialized cultivar designed for performance in warm climates. While many strawberries struggle in the heat of the South, this Short Day variety was developed to thrive in milder winters and hot springs. By planting 'Florida Encore', gardeners can enjoy a homegrown harvest of fresh fruit that extends well into the season, living up to its name by offering a final "encore" of production when other plants are done.

Fruit Quality and Flavor Homegrown strawberries offer a flavor profile superior to supermarket varieties. 'Florida Encore' produces large, attractive fruit with excellent firmness and a high sugar content. The berries hold up well after picking, making them excellent for slicing into salads, topping desserts, or making homemade jams.

Perfect for Small Spaces Strawberries are among the most versatile edible plants.

In Containers: Their compact, clumping habit makes them ideal for strawberry jars, hanging baskets, or window boxes.

In the Ground: They serve as productive edging for vegetable beds or raised garden plots.

Growing Cycle

Zones 8-10: Grows as a perennial, fruiting in late winter and spring.

Cooler Zones (4-7): Can be grown as a productive spring-to-summer annual or overwintered with protection.

Planting Information These starter plants arrive bare-root, a method that establishes a strong root system. Upon receiving, simply plant them with the crown (the point where stems meet roots) level with the soil surface to ensure successful growth.

Main Color: White (Flowers), Red (Fruit)
Sun Exposure: Full sun (6+ hours)
Blooming Period: Winter to Spring (Warm Zones), Spring (Cool Zones)
Moisture Needs: Regular watering (Keep soil consistently moist)
USDA Hardiness Zone Range: 8-10 (Treat as Annual in Zones 4-7)
Mature Height: 8-12 inches
Ideal Soil Type: Loam soil, Sandy soil, Potting mix (Acidic pH preferred)