Cultivation of everbearing strawberry varieties has increased during the past years. While in the past these varieties have not been of good taste, new everbearers are becoming much stronger regarding this aspect. Another reason is probably the expansion of the substrate culture growing in foil tunnels and green houses. The experiences with these cultures encourage the growers to try this form of Strawberry cultivation too.

When talking about everbearers, we are talking about varieties that always carry fruits. Other than the varieties that only carry fruits once during the summer period, these plants can induce blossoms throughout the whole year. Merely light and temperature conditions have to be correct. These everbearers therefore allow for a yearlong strawberry production.
The harvest of these strawberry varieties takes place in multiple consecutive „harvesting waves”. Depending on the date of planting and management of the culture, the harvests of each individual plant can be increased. A precise planning of harvest yields and time periods is important.
In a protectes substrate cultivation there are interesting possibilities of combination with strong Frigo plants (A+, waiting bed or tray plants). This offers the opportunity to use the existing foil tunnels or greenhouses multiple times a year (see illustration).

After a 60-day culture in the spring with strong Frigo plants, the plants that have been harvested get removed and replaced in form of everbearing plants. Ideally, in the spring those had been put in planters already in form of Frigo plants to precultivate them. After exchanging the two plants, harvest can be continued without a long break.
After the harvest in the first year there might be another opportunity, depending on the variety and inventory. Plants could hibernate on the soil in a tunnel and then harvested again in the next year.
The harvest in the second year can take place as late as October.
Afterwards, the tunnel stays empty over the winter and one can start over with a 60-day culture with strong Frigo plants. Another way would be to harvest only until Jul and then start replanting.

Which way of cultivation is the best for you depends on your marketing opportunities.