Florence strawberry is a late-ripening, high-yielding variety of English selection, which begins to ripen in the third decade of June and can bear fruit for up to 25 days. This variety was developed by hybridizing the varieties Vicoda and Vima Tarda and is characterized by a vigorous, spreading plant with dark green foliage. The plants reach a diameter of up to 35 cm, and the plant produces few runners, which simplifies care and planting with optimal spacing between plants. The leaves are large and dark green, and the flower stems are positioned above the leaf level, which promotes good air circulation and protects the berries.
The berries of Florence are large, with a regular conical shape, weighing from 30 to 50 grams, and a deep red color. The flesh is medium density, sweet with a pleasant strawberry aroma, and possesses excellent flavor qualities. The variety is characterized by high storability, ensuring that the berries maintain an attractive appearance even after prolonged storage. Yield per plant can reach up to 900 grams, and according to some data, up to 1.5 kilograms per season, making this variety especially attractive for commercial cultivation.
Florence is resistant to major diseases, including leaf spot and root diseases, which increases its resilience and reduces the need for frequent treatments. The variety prefers sunny, fertile, and well-drained soils with regular watering, especially during fruiting. It has high cold tolerance, so the plants do not require winter protection. All these characteristics make Florence strawberry an excellent choice for both amateur gardeners and commercial cultivation.