Sparkle

Strawberry

90d to harvest

A luminous berry with a “sparkle” finish—Sparkle strawberries blush into a vivid, glossy red that catches the light like polished gemstones. Expect a sweet, bright flavor with a tender, juicy bite and a pleasantly aromatic texture that holds its charm from the first harvest onward. Ideal for fresh enjoyment, show-stopping desserts, and vibrant preserves that celebrate its fragrant, berry-forward character.

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 1st
Harvest Begins	Jul 30th
Harvest Ends	Sep 1st

Crop Details

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I manage powdery mildew or botrytis (gray mold) on Fragaria × ananassa (garden strawberry) ‘Sparkle’?

Watch for powdery white patches on leaves (powdery mildew) and fuzzy gray growth on berries (botrytis/gray mold), especially in humid, crowded plantings. Remove and destroy heavily infected leaves or berries promptly, and improve airflow by thinning foliage and keeping berries off wet soil with straw mulch. Water at the soil line in the morning (not overhead), and keep plants evenly spaced to reduce how long foliage stays wet.

How often should I water Fragaria × ananassa during the main fruiting phase?

During fruiting, keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water per week total from rainfall and irrigation, split into 1–2 deep waterings. Check by feeling the top 1 inch of soil: it should be slightly damp, not dry and crumbly or soggy. Reduce watering after the berries are finished to limit disease pressure (especially gray mold).

How can I tell when Fragaria × ananassa ‘Sparkle’ is ready to harvest?

Harvest when berries are fully red (no white or pale pink shoulders), glossy, and detach easily with a gentle twist. Pick every 1–2 days at peak ripeness, because ‘Fragaria × ananassa’ strawberries can turn from firm to fully ripe quickly. For best flavor, harvest in the morning after dew has dried and before the heat softens the fruit.