Summary

• Ensure the support system is adequate.
• Use peat which is open and free draining.
• Choose a variety suited to your market.
• Use high quality planting material.
• For January planting use 10 crown plants/m2..
• For June planting use 10-12 (15 mm+)/m2 or 8-10 waiting bed plants/m2.
• For everbearers use 6-8 plants/m2.
• Use overhead irrigation to establish plants.
• Feed at each watering once the plants are established.
• Use 1:1:2 for early growth, 1:1:3 during flowering and 2:1:4 or 3:1:6 during autumn.
• Ensure sufficient run-off and monitor conductivity.
• Introduce bees in the spring to aid pollination.
• Avoid high temperatures during the summer, give heat if possible from the end of September, if still cropping.
• Monitor winter temperature to determine if sufficient cold units have been accumulated.
• Maintain an effective disease and pest control programme.