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.
1 root cutting, 25 minimum per order.
Key Characteristics of Sparkle Strawberry:
Origin: 'Sparkle' is a June-bearing strawberry cultivar (Fragaria × ananassa) developed at the New Jersey Agricultural Experiment Station and released in 1942. It was a popular variety for many years due to its flavor and hardiness.
Patent Status: 'Sparkle' was released in 1942, prior to the era of widespread plant patenting for fruit cultivars, especially those developed by public institutions. Therefore, 'Sparkle' strawberry was never patented and is now considered a public domain variety. It can be freely propagated and distributed.
Berry Production: Produces medium-sized, bright red berries with a glossy finish. It is highly regarded for its excellent, sweet, and somewhat tart flavor, often considered one of the best-flavored June-bearing varieties. It is a reliable and productive cultivar, although yield can vary with growing conditions and plant age.
Ripening Time: As a June-bearing variety, 'Sparkle' produces its main crop of berries in a concentrated period during late spring to early summer, typically in June in many regions. The harvest window is generally about 2-3 weeks.
Plant Size and Appearance: 'Sparkle' plants are vigorous and produce a moderate number of runners. They have typical strawberry foliage with three-lobed, toothed leaves. The plant size is generally considered medium.
Flowers: Produces white, five-petaled flowers in the spring, typical of strawberry plants. It is self-fertile, meaning it does not require another strawberry variety for pollination. However, cross-pollination with other June-bearing varieties can sometimes result in larger and more uniform berries.
Hardiness: 'Sparkle' is known for its good winter hardiness and is generally adapted to USDA Zones 3 through 8.
Pollination: 'Sparkle' is self-fertile and will produce fruit without needing another variety for pollination.
Growing Conditions:
Sunlight: Requires full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight) for optimal fruit production and flavor.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil that is slightly acidic (pH 5.5-6.5) and rich in organic matter. Good drainage is crucial to prevent root diseases.
Watering: Needs consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruit development. Regular watering is important, particularly during dry periods.
Fertilizing: Benefits from fertilization in early spring and again after the main harvest. Use a balanced fertilizer formulated for strawberries or fruits.
Runner Management: Regular removal of excess runners is recommended to maintain plant vigor and focus energy on fruit production.
Uses: The flavorful berries are excellent for:
Fresh eating
Jams and preserves
Freezing
Desserts and baking
Wildlife Value: The flowers attract pollinators, and the berries are a food source for birds and other wildlife. Protective netting may be necessary to protect the crop.
Ornamental Value: Strawberry plants can provide some ground cover with their attractive foliage and white flowers. The bright red berries are also visually appealing.
Disease and Pest Resistance: 'Sparkle' has moderate resistance to some common strawberry diseases, including leaf spot and leaf scorch. However, it can be susceptible to others, such as red stele root rot and Verticillium wilt, depending on local conditions and soil-borne pathogens.
