Albion

Family: Rosaceae Fruit

Aromas of ripe strawberry—sweet, bright, and unmistakably fresh—rise from Albion’s glossy fruit as they ripen.

Albion produces firm, medium-to-large berries with a balanced sweet-tart flavor and a juicy, tender bite, holding their shape beautifully for extended harvest windows. Ideal for home gardeners who want a reliable, repeat-bearing strawberry for fresh enjoyment and for making vibrant sauces and preserves.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Clumping

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Clumping
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	45
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Albion’s standout is the firm, juicy berry with a sweet-tart balance that stays coherent—less “mushy thaw” and more clean spoonable fruit. Choose it for fresh eating or a fast reduction where that ripe strawberry aroma doesn’t evaporate into syrup.

Best Uses

mac in the moment: sliced berries over yogurt with minimal stirring
jam or preserve that sets clean without tasting cooked into oblivion
quick pan-roasted berries for a firmer, glossy reduction that clings to pancakes or cake
strawberry sauce for roast chicken or pork—slick, tangy, and bright

Flavor Profile

balanced sweet-tart snap high-juice, tender bite aromatic ripe-strawberry perfume

Kitchen Pairings

vanilla balsamic vinegar dark chocolate lemon zest yogurt pistachio

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if my Albion strawberries get gray mold (Botrytis) during fruiting?

Gray mold often shows up as fuzzy gray patches on ripening berries, especially when leaves and fruit stay wet. Remove and discard affected berries right away and space plants for better airflow, then water at the soil line (not over the foliage) to keep fruit dry. If it keeps spreading, use a labeled fungicide for strawberries and follow the spray interval on the label.

How often should I water Albion strawberries during the peak growing/fruiting phase?

During fruiting, keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy: aim for about 1 inch of water per week, split into 1–3 sessions depending on heat and rainfall. Check by feeling the top 1 inch of soil—water when it’s dry there, and slow down if you’re getting frequent rain. Mulch helps Albion maintain steady moisture and reduces splashing that can trigger disease.

How can I tell when Albion strawberries are ready to harvest?

Pick Albion when berries are fully red all the way to the tip (no white or pale shoulders) and the fruit is firm but yields slightly with gentle pressure. Harvest every 1–3 days during the ~90-day season to catch peak flavor and prevent overripe berries from turning mushy. For best sweetness and storage, pick in the morning after dew has dried.