Description
Strawberry Adina
Strawberry ‘Adina’ (Fragaria × ananassa) is an Australian-bred variety prized for its sweet flavour, fragrant aroma, and glossy red, wedge-shaped berries. With low chilling requirements and good disease resistance, it suits a range of climates and growing styles. Its compact, mounding habit fits well in garden beds, raised beds, large containers, and hanging baskets. Fruiting occurs once per year over several weeks, typically in spring to summer, or in winter in warmer areas, yielding a heavy crop of premium berries.
Climate Suitability
‘Adina’ grows well in cool to subtropical climates due to its low chilling requirement. In cooler regions, fruiting occurs in spring and summer. In warmer zones, including subtropics, fruit may ripen during winter. Fruiting time and yield vary slightly based on conditions and location.
When to Plant
Plant from autumn to winter once the ground cools. In frost-prone areas, plant early and protect crowns with light mulch or frost cloth. Avoid heavy mulch directly over crowns in wet areas. In cold zones, start in pots and transplant once frost risk passes.
How to Plant
Soak bare-rooted runners in water (with optional seaweed solution) for up to an hour before planting to support early establishment. Choose full sun with some afternoon shade in hot regions, and a sheltered spot protected from wind. Use rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–6.5, improved with compost or manure. Mix in a slow-release fertiliser, keeping it clear of the crowns.
Plant in:
• Garden beds or raised beds: 30–40 cm apart, rows 40–60 cm apart.
• Containers: Space slightly closer while ensuring airflow between plants.
In heavy soils, plant in raised beds or mounds formed in dug-out holes to enhance drainage. This step isn’t needed in containers. Plant roots straight and fanned out, with the crown just above soil level. Firm soil around roots and water in well.
Mulching
Mulch helps conserve moisture, reduce weeds, protect roots, and keep fruit clean. Use straw, sugarcane mulch, or leaf litter, keeping it away from the crown to prevent rot. In frost-prone areas, apply a light mulch after planting. For added protection in extreme frost, combine mulch with frost cloth. In dry or warm regions, mulch generously to keep roots cool and soil moist. Once established, mulch may also be added in winter if needed. Always mulch before fruiting.
Watering
After planting, water deeply to settle the soil, then water only when the top few centimetres are dry. As new growth appears, increase frequency, especially during flowering and fruiting. Adjust watering to your climate and container size. Always water at the base in the morning to keep leaves dry and limit disease.
Fertilising
Before planting, enrich the soil with compost or well-rotted manure. You can also apply a small amount of balanced fertiliser. If runners weren’t soaked, water them in with a diluted seaweed solution after planting. Feed with liquid fertiliser every two weeks during early growth, especially for potted plants. Once established, in-ground plants benefit from fertilising every 6–8 weeks, while potted plants continue on a fortnightly liquid feeding cycle through the growing season. Resume feeding as new growth emerges each year.
General Maintenance
Keep the soil weed-free and remove old or damaged leaves to maintain airflow. Removing the first flowers within the initial weeks is optional but can encourage stronger plant development. Remove runners for the first two years to focus energy on fruiting. From year three, runners may be pegged down or used to expand the patch. Monitor soil moisture in hot weather and top up mulch as needed.
Harvesting
Adina produces a single, heavy crop over several weeks. Harvest berries when fully red and glossy. Use scissors to snip stems about 1 cm above the fruit or pinch gently by hand. Pick in the cool of morning for firmer fruit and longer shelf life. Regular picking encourages more fruit to ripen.
Longevity and Renewal
Strawberry plants remain productive for about 3–4 years. From year three, yields may reduce. Renew beds by replanting with healthy runners to maintain productivity. Strawberries in containers decline faster and should be refreshed yearly and replaced every 2–3 years.
Pests and Diseases
Adina has good resistance to powdery mildew but can still be affected by common issues like aphids, mites, fruit fly, grey mould, and slugs. Improve airflow, remove old leaves, and mulch to keep fruit clean. Use netting to protect from birds, beer traps for slugs, and hand-pick where possible. Neem oil or insecticidal soap may be used if pests appear. Secure netting properly to avoid trapping wildlife.
Safety
Strawberries are non-toxic to humans and pets. The fruit is generally safe in small amounts for pets but avoid letting them eat large quantities or chew stems and leaves. If any unusual symptoms occur, consult a vet or doctor.
Supplied as bare-rooted runners.