These plants ship November through May from Pense Berry Farms in Mountainburg, Arkansas. Orders placed between May 21 and October 31 ship in November and December. Online orders of products from Pense Berry Farms require a $150.00 minimum. For smaller orders, please contact us.
Origin: 'Honeoye' is a June-bearing strawberry cultivar developed by the **Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station** in Geneva, New York, and released in **1979**. It is a cross between 'Vibrant' and 'Holiday'. It quickly became a very popular early-season variety known for its high yields and adaptability.
Patent Status: The patent for 'Honeoye' Strawberry has **expired**. According to Cornell Fruit Resources, the patent expired in 1999, therefore, it is no longer under patent protection and can be freely propagated commercially.
Berry Production: Produces medium to large-sized, bright red, firm, and glossy berries with good flavor, offering a balance of sweetness and slight tartness. It is known for its high and consistent yields, often making it a favorite for both home gardeners and commercial growers. The berries are generally conical in shape and maintain good size throughout the harvest period.
Ripening Time: 'Honeoye' is a **very early-season** June-bearing strawberry, typically ripening 4-6 days earlier than 'Elsanta' and earlier than many other June-bearing varieties. The main harvest period lasts for about 2-3 weeks in June.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Honeoye' is a vigorous plant with good runner production, allowing for easy propagation. The plants typically grow to about 6-12 inches in height and spread to about 12 inches wide. It has typical strawberry foliage with three leaflets.
Flowers: Produces white, five-petaled flowers with yellow centers in the spring, typical of strawberry plants.
Hardiness: 'Honeoye' is known for its good winter hardiness and is generally suitable for USDA Zones **4 through 7**, and sometimes reported as hardy in Zone 3 and up to Zone 8 with proper care.
Pollination: Strawberries are generally self-pollinating, and 'Honeoye' is no exception. However, having other strawberry varieties nearby can sometimes improve fruit set and size.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal fruit production and flavor.
Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. A slightly acidic soil pH between 5.5 and 6.8 is ideal. Avoid heavy clay soils unless well-amended.
Watering: Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during flowering and fruit development. Water regularly, particularly during dry periods, aiming for about 1 inch of water per week. Drip irrigation is beneficial to keep foliage dry and reduce disease risk.
Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which can lead to excessive foliage growth at the expense of fruit. A second, lighter application can be done after the main harvest.
Pruning: Remove dead or diseased foliage as needed. After the harvest, mow or trim the foliage to about 1-2 inches to rejuvenate the plants. Manage runners as desired; remove them to concentrate energy on fruit production or allow them to root for new plants.
Uses: The berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating due to their good flavor and texture.
Freezing well for later use.
Making jams, jellies, and preserves.
Baking in pies and desserts.
Commercial production and pick-your-own operations due to their high yields and early ripening.
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife. Netting may be necessary to protect the crop from birds.
Ornamental Value: Strawberry plants can form an attractive ground cover with their green foliage and bright red berries. They can also be grown in containers and hanging baskets.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Honeoye' is reported to have some resistance to powdery mildew. However, it is susceptible to other common strawberry diseases such as red stele root rot, Verticillium wilt, and black root rot. It can also be susceptible to pests like aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Good cultural practices, including proper spacing and drainage, can help minimize these issues.
