New York State strawberries are flourishing this year, thanks to a cool, rainy and early spring that produced prime conditions for budding plants, the New York State Berry Growers Association (NYSBGA) said in a release. Farmers in the state are reporting bumper crops of the fruit, some measuring as large as two inches wide, with minimal green tips and a lightly sweet fragrance.
In addition to the favorable weather conditions, New York State strawberries have gotten an assist from a savvy group of growers, who have learned to successfully and safely combat spotted wing drosophilia, an invasive fruit fly that has been devastating berry crops for over a decade, the association said.
Although New York State farmers grow a variety of strawberries, the NYSBGA said June-bearing strawberries are the most popular. These produce the largest fruits, which grow for two to three weeks and are usually sweetest in late June.
Ever-bearing strawberries produce two harvest per year: one in spring and one in late summer or early fall. A small number of ever-bearing varieties can produce a third harvest later in the fall. Meanwhile, day-neutral strawberries have smaller fruit, but produce flowers and strawberries when the temperature is between 35 and 85 degrees. This means most day-neutral plants can produce strawberries into October, the release said.
Founded in 1988, the New York State Berry Growers Association is a nonprofit educational association for berry growers, from large wholesale family farms to independent farm stands and small pick-your-own operations, across New York State.
The NYSBGA says it promotes the growing and marketing of berries through the exchange of information, including scientific research and farming techniques. It also represents growers in issues of labor, research and technology, both academically and legislatively, and awards research grants to study and address issues important to New York State berry growers.
To locate a New York State grower, visit the NYSBGA’s Find a Farm directory.
