A robust and highly productive variety
- Highly productive with a stable production pattern
- Shiny large berries throughout the season
- Robust plant with thick long strong trusses
- Very high tolerance against Phytophthora cactorum and mildew
Breeder’s reference: 11-087-30, CPVO application number 2024/2220
The variety
Ferris is a very productive everbearing variety from Flevo Berry. The variety is characterised by its robustness. The fruit size and setting of the strawberries are good throughout the season, resulting in a very high percentage of Class 1 fruit. Together with the bright red colour of the fruit, it ensures a beautiful appearance in the punnet throughout the entire season. The strawberries have a fresh flavour.
The cultivation
The variety is suitable for both soil and substrate cultivation. The balance between vegetative and generative growth is generally good, meaning Ferris continuously produces new flower trusses. As a result, there is hardly a dip in harvesting, which also explains Ferris’ high productivity.
The flower trusses of Ferris are vigorous and emerge above the foliage. This makes the flower trusses easy to find, which simplifies truss teasing and harvesting. For cultivation on table-top systems, it is recommended to use truss support to prevent trusses from kinking.
Ferris is a robust variety, not only because of its vigorous growth but also because of its strong resistance to diseases. The variety has a very strong tolerance to Phytophthora cactorum and mildew, allowing lesser use of pesticides. In unprotected cultivation, it is noticeable that Ferris is highly resistant to rain.
Harvest and sales
The harvest of Ferris is more uniform than many other everbearing varieties. The glossy, large, bright red strawberries are highly suitable for sales through retail channels. Ferris’ seeds are slightly deeper set, which contributes to its attractive appearance. Implement a cultivation and harvesting strategy with sufficient attention to the firmness of the fruit and prevent bruising. For example, provide enough potassium, harvest early in the day, and use a short picking interval.