A vigorous, disease-resistant plant, "Sparkle" strawberry, (Fragaria x ananassa "Sparkle") is prized for its sweet, bright red berries, which are flavorful eaten fresh, frozen or made into preserves. The plant is classified as a June-bearing strawberry, which means that the plant produces one yearly crop of fruit in midsummer. "Sparkle" strawberry is suitable for planting in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 4 through 8. June-bearing plants bear few berries the first year, but produce generously for the next two to four years.
"Sparkle" strawberries require full-day sunlight and well-drained soil, as the plants do not tolerate shady conditions or wet feet. Slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0 is ideal. Prepare the soil for planting in early spring by spading the soil to a depth of at least 6 to 8 inches. Dig in a granular fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 6-24-24 into the top 6 inches of soil, along with 2 to 3 inches of compost or well-rotted animal waste. Organic material such as compost or manure improves drainage and helps maintain proper soil pH.
"Sparkle" and other June-bearing strawberries are usually planted in a matted row system, which is more productive than other methods and requires less labor. To create a matted row, plant young strawberry plants in rows 3 to 4 feet apart with 15 inches between each plant. Water immediately after planting. Allow the early runners to spread into the space between the rows where they will put down roots. The runners will create a matted row. Once the matted row is 12 to 18 inches across, cut new runners to maintain the size of the matted row and to preserve the unplanted space between the rows, as you'll use this space as an aisle for walking between rows and tending the plants.
Water and Fertilizer
Strawberries require 1 to 1 1/2 inches of water per week until mid-autumn, either through rainfall or supplemental irrigation. Don't overwater, as strawberries will rot in waterlogged soil or standing water. After mid-autumn, water during dry periods to keep the plants healthy for budding the following year. Fertilize the strawberries about two weeks after planting using a 12-12-12 fertilizer applied at a rate of 1 pound of fertilizer for every 50 feet of row. Provide another application one month later if the plants are pale green or growth is stunted, and then provide a final application of fertilizer in late summer or early autumn.
Pinch the first flowers that appear during the first growing season to promote vigorous growth. Remove weeds by hand or shallow hoeing, as weeds draw moisture and nutrients from the plants. "Sparkle" strawberries require no winter protection in mild, frost-free climates. In cooler climates, protect the plants with 2 to 3 inches of straw. Cover the plants after the first frost and remove the straw as soon as possible in early spring.