OZARK BEAUTY STRAWBERRY PLANT- ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
One of the best and adaptable everbearing varieties of strawberry is Ozark Beauty Strawberry. These were produced in Arkansas and are well suited for cooler climates.
Ozark beauty strawberries are incredibly productive everbearing types. They yield quite big berries which are honey sweet and have rich red colour. These qualities make it ideal for the preparation of jams and jellies.
Due to the Ozark beauty strawberry plant’s robustness and adaptability, it has become one of the best-selling varieties of all commercially sold everbearing strawberries.
Continue reading to know more about these beauties.
GROWING OZARK BEAUTY STRAWBERRY PLANTS
Ozark Beauty strawberry plants are perennial. When planting Ozark beauties, do keep in mind that it may not yield fruits during the first year and if they do so then they are smaller compared to those produced in subsequent years. Hence, keep patience.
When planting Ozark Beauty Strawberries
Ozark strawberry plants generate a fair amount of runners, hence they can be planted in a matted row or hill system. These beauties can grow tall ranging between 8-12 inches whereas spreads to about a foot.
As Ozark Beauty Strawberry Plants are everbearers, they yield two crops of strawberries: one in late spring or early summer whereas the other in fall.
Maintain the space of 6 to 18 inches between the plants and do not bury but place the crown of the plant just above the soil line.
Their soil requirement
Ozark Beauty Strawberry plants grow well in full Sun and require acidic soil with a pH of 5.3- 6.5 that has lots of nutrients and drains well. These plants need some afternoon shade in hot regions.
Health of the plant can be improved by adding organic compost to the soil. Regular light fertilizing maintains the fruit production in spring and summer as they bear fruit nearly continuously.
Read Also: HOW TO GROW THORNLESS BLACKBERRY PLANTS
Watering the best strawberry plants
Ozark beauties require plenty of water, the way it is provided by a soaker hose and drip irrigation system. Hence, water these beauties at a rate of one inch (2.5cm) per week to produce juicy berries. Do not make the leaves wet.
Soil should be moist while fruiting.
Strawberries when grown in poorly-draining soil become prone to pests and diseases.
Mulch Well!
3-4” layer of organic mulch is vital.
- Mulching around the plants helps in maintaining the moisture.
- Prevents strawberries from drying out.
- It keeps leaves and stems off the ground.
- Keeps weeds away.
- Regulates soil temperatures.
- Lay out a barrier for soil-borne pests.
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When growing Ozark Beauties in a container
You need to give plenty of space to the Ozark strawberry plants to grow and cover the top of the soil with some straws to help it retain its shape.
They grow well in multipurpose potting mix which is rich in nutrients. When the soil beneath the straw feels dry, water these beauties but in small amounts.
Do ensure that the container has holes to permit excess water to drain which is important for your plant’s health.
OZARK BEAUTY STRAWBERRY CARE
One should plant the Ozark Beauty Strawberry when the soil thaws in spring.
Even Though Ozark Strawberry plants are cold-resistant and would flower again the following spring but the flowers are sensitive to frost. So they should be sheltered with a frost blanket or straw until the nighttime temperature rises.
As Strawberry plants have more runners leading to more plants. Hence, it should be limited to 3 runners per plant and remove the rest so that more energy is used in producing huge and good quality berries.
When appropriate care is taken, Ozark beauty strawberries can withstand temperature upto -30 degrees F (-34 degrees Celsius) during winters.
Ozark beauty strawberries are resistant to both leaf scorch and leaf spot but cannot combat any of the common strawberry plant pests. These are more susceptible to red stele, Verticillium as well as to anthracnose.
WRAPPING UP
Hopefully, the above information helps you make an informed decision. If the Ozark Beauty Strawberry Plants for sale are the right option for you or not. Also whether you will be able to stand up to its growing conditions and needs or not.