FruitStrawberry
Eversweet Strawberry
Everbearing Strawberry
Eversweet strawberry defies the conventional wisdom that strawberries can't handle heat, thriving in zones 5-8 where temperatures soar above 80°F while other varieties struggle. This modern hybrid was engineered specifically for southern gardens and warm climates, producing large, intensely sweet red berries continuously from spring through fall. With its compact 12-inch vining habit and ability to fruit in its first year, Eversweet delivers multiple harvests throughout a 50-59 day season without sacrificing the rich flavor that makes strawberries irresistible.
Photo © True Leaf Market(https://www.trueleafmarket.com/products/strawberry-roots-everbearing-eversweet-hybrid)
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
5-8
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Preferred Temp60-85°F
Growth Stats
12 in
Height
PeriodPerennial
TypeBush
Spacing
12-18 inches apart
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
High
Zones
5-8
Size
12in H x ?in W
Growth
Perennial
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
What sets Eversweet apart is its remarkable heat tolerance and everbearing nature, producing sweet, cone-shaped berries even when temperatures climb above 80°F. This day-neutral variety fruits continuously from early summer through fall, defying the typical strawberry season limitations. Its compact growth makes it perfect for small spaces and containers, while its robust disease resistance to Cucumber Mosaic Virus, Powdery Mildew, and Verticillium Wilt ensures reliable harvests. The berries ripen to a beautiful red color and maintain their intense sweetness despite challenging growing conditions.
Common Uses
Eversweet berries excel in both fresh eating and preservation, maintaining their sweet flavor whether consumed straight from the plant, transformed into jams and jellies, or frozen for year-round enjoyment. Their firm texture and consistent sweetness make them ideal for desserts, smoothies, and baking applications. The extended harvest season allows gardeners to enjoy fresh strawberries from spring through fall, while the large berry size makes them particularly appealing for fresh market sales and pick-your-own operations.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Late Spring
First Harvest
Early Summer
Last Harvest
Early Fall
Care Instructions
Transplant Outdoors
Plant bare-root crowns after soil reaches 60°F and frost danger passes, positioning the crown just above soil level where leaves meet roots. Space 12 inches apart in rows 48 inches wide, ensuring soil is well-amended with compost for improved fertility.
Harvesting
Harvest berries when they turn fully red and ripe, as strawberries don't continue ripening once picked. Check plants daily during peak season since berries ripen quickly, gently grasping fruit between thumb and forefinger and twisting off the stem rather than pulling. Harvest in cool morning temperatures to maintain berry freshness and firmness, handling carefully to prevent bruising these delicate fruits. Frequent harvesting encourages continued fruit production throughout the extended growing season.
Pruning
Remove the first set of flowers during the initial growing year to encourage stronger root development and larger yields in subsequent seasons. This sacrifice of early blooms redirects the plant's energy into establishing a robust foundation for years of productive harvesting.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
EdibleNative Species
Soil pH Range
5.5 – 6.5
Bloom Time
August - October
Scientific Classification
Fragaria ×ananassa (Weston) Duchesne ex Rozier ssp. cuneifolia (Nutt. ex Howell) Staudt (pro nm.)
Family
Rosaceae
Genus
Fragaria
Duration
Perennial
Growth Habit
Forb/herb
Native Status
L48 (N)AK (N?)CAN (I)
History & Origin
“Eversweet represents a breakthrough in modern strawberry breeding, developed specifically to meet the challenges faced by contemporary gardeners in warming climates. Unlike traditional strawberry varieties that were selected in cooler regions, this hybrid was engineered to withstand the intense heat and humidity of southern growing conditions without compromising fruit quality. The breeding focused on combining heat tolerance with the everbearing trait and disease resistance, creating a variety that could extend strawberry growing into regions where other cultivars fail. This targeted approach to climate-adapted breeding reflects the evolving needs of modern gardeners seeking reliable, high-yield plants that can perform in challenging conditions.”