Mara des Bois
A fragrant, late-cropping type with a good dessert flavour.
Fragaria × ananassa

A hardy perennial fruit that does well in most UK gardens. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil or compost, and keep it watered while the roots settle and the fruit swells.
25 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water
Calibrated to Aberdeen · last frost ≈ 30 Apr
| Activity | January | February | March | April | May | June | July | August | September | October | November | December |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plant out | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Harvest | No | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
What to do through the growing season
01
Plant bare-root runners during 9th September - 27th December in well-prepared, free-draining soil. Set each crown at soil level, space plants apart and water thoroughly after planting.
02
From 9th September to 27th March 2027, keep the soil evenly moist while roots establish. Water at the base in dry spells and keep the crown clear of mulch.
03
From 16th April 2027, mulch around the plants with well-rotted compost or manure, leaving the crown clear. Repeat every 365 days to hold moisture in and support fruiting.
04
Put netting over the plants from 14th June 2027 before the fruits start to colour. Fix it well clear of the foliage so birds cannot reach the berries.
05
Pick ripe berries from 14th June 2027 as soon as they are fully coloured and come away easily. Harvest regularly over 14th June - 14th July 2027, and pick in the morning for the best flavour.
06
From 14th July 2027, lift or cut away unwanted runners after harvest so the plant puts its energy into next year’s crop. Keep a few strong runners if you want to replace older plants.
Popular varieties of Strawberry to consider
A fragrant, late-cropping type with a good dessert flavour.
A reliable early variety for open ground and containers.
A strong-cropping mid-season variety with large, glossy fruit.
A late-season variety that crops well and usually holds fruit for longer.