Strawberry 'Elsanta'

Strawberry 'Elsanta': The World-Famous Gold Standard

Strawberry 'Elsanta' is the iconic powerhouse of the strawberry world, celebrated globally as the standard by which all other varieties are measured. This mid-season Dutch variety is a favourite for both commercial growers and home gardeners due to its unbeatable combination of high yields, beautiful appearance, and classic flavour. It produces large, glossy, conical berries that are a bright, cheerful red both inside and out. Known for its firm, "crunchy" texture and excellent shelf life, 'Elsanta' is the ultimate choice for those who want a versatile all-rounder that performs just as well in a traditional garden bed as it does in hanging baskets or patio grow-bags.

• Classic Summer Flavour: 'Elsanta' delivers the quintessential strawberry taste—a perfect balance of sweetness and refreshing acidity that screams "summer."
• Superb Firmness: Unlike softer varieties, these berries are firm and resilient. They don't bruise easily during picking and hold their shape perfectly when sliced for cakes, tarts, or fruit salads.
• Exceptional Yields: This is a tireless producer. Once established, 'Elsanta' provides a heavy, concentrated crop over several weeks, ensuring your bowls are overflowing during the height of June and July.
• Outstanding Presentation: The berries are famously uniform and glossy, making them the most "photogenic" strawberry for topping pavlovas or dipping in chocolate.

Gardener's Tip: "The Watering Ritual"

Because Strawberry 'Elsanta' is such a heavy cropper, it is a thirsty plant—especially while the fruit is swelling. To ensure your berries are large and juicy rather than small and dry, water consistently at the base of the plant, avoiding the leaves and fruit to prevent grey mould (Botrytis). If you are growing 'Elsanta' in pots or baskets, they may need watering twice a day during a heatwave. Feed them with a high-potash liquid fertiliser (like tomato feed) every two weeks once the first flowers appear for a truly "bumper" harvest!