Blakemore Strawberry Plants

Blakemore Strawberry Plants: Introduction

This page is a profile summary of the strawberry cultivar ‘Blakemore’ (Fragaria x ananassa). It will provide details on Blakemore strawberry plants and Blakemore strawberries so that an informed decision can be made regarding its suitability for varying growing locations and uses. Blakemore strawberry suppliers are also listed.

Where to Grow Blakemore Strawberries

Blakemore strawberries were once very popular across much of the United States. At one time, Blakemore strawberry plants were even the most common strawberry cultivar grown in the state of North Carolina. Since its heyday, newer strawberry varieties have been developed that exceed most of Blakemore’s positive traits while avoiding its negative traits. Consequently, few commercial suppliers exist and few nurseries still maintain Blakemore strawberry plants for sale. At their peak, Blakemore strawberry plants were grown optimally in Zone 3, Zone 4, Zone 5, Zone 6, Zone 7, and Zone 8, and they can survive winter temperatures as low as -35 degrees F, with proper care. For more specifics on the cultivation of Blakemore strawberry plants, see the Growing Strawberries page.

Growing Blakemore Strawberry Plants: Conditions

Blakemore strawberry plants like full sun. And, while they prefer a well-drained, sandy loam, they are one of the few strawberry varieties that can tolerate moderate drought conditions and resists rotting during hot, humid weather. Blakemore strawberries prefer a soil pH of 5.6 to 6.5, but will establish in a wide pH range.

Disease Resistance of Blakemore Strawberry Plants

Blakemore strawberry plants do not have exceptionally good disease resistance. This is one of the primary reasons that this cultivar has become increasingly less popular over the years. It is resistant only to root knot nematodes, leaf blight, and the two-spotted spider mite.

Disease Susceptibility of Blakemore Strawberry Plants

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the Blakemore strawberry plant is susceptible to several of the common strawberry pathogens. It is susceptible to leaf spot, leaf scorch, and red stele. Additionally, it has an intermediate reaction to anthracnose and verticillium wilt.

Blakemore Strawberries

Blakemore strawberry plants produce medium-sized strawberries initially and berries that tend to be small by the end of the production period. Also, Blakemore strawberries tend to be tart. This makes them more suitable for processing into jam or jelly than eating fresh, although some individuals prefer their taste to the sweeter varieties. The strawberries themselves are a bright red color at maturity and firm.

Blakemore strawberry plants are June-bearing, and they produce their moderate harvest over the span of 2 to 3 weeks during Early Season (see the Strawberry Varieties page for more information). Blakemore strawberries are an excellent choice for processing, but only fair for fresh eating, shipping, or freezing.

Notable Features of Blakemore Strawberry Plant & Strawberries

1. High Number of Runners Produced

2. Good Choice for Jams and Jellies

More Information about the Strawberry Blakemore

Blakemore strawberry plants produce high numbers of runners and will fill a matted row relatively quickly. The plants often grow to a foot or more in height. The vegetative production of the plants is one reason for smaller strawberries. However, due to the high number of runners, pruning them throughout a matted row in an effort to increase berry size would be a time consuming endeavor. .

Blakemore strawberry plants are an older variety developed by the United States Department of Agriculture in Maryland.

Where to Buy Blakemore Strawberry Plants

If you are wondering where you can purchase Blakemore strawberry plants, look no further! You can get them from the Blakemore strawberry suppliers listed below. The following table contains reputable suppliers of Blakemore strawberry plants:

Simmons Plant Farm
11542 N Hwy 71
Mountainburg, AR 72946
Phone: 479-369-2345
Fax: 479-369-2345

For many other varieties of strawberry plants, you can visit our directory of Strawberry Plants for Sale Online.