The strawberry industry is always changing, bringing new surprises. Now, a new type of strawberry has caught everyone's eye - the Purple Wonder. This special strawberry was made at Cornell University. It's got everyone talking because of its unique purple color and sweet taste.
But can you grow these special strawberries at home? Let's explore how to grow this unique strawberry variety in your garden.
Introduction to Purple Strawberries
The world of strawberries has grown with the arrival of the Purple Wonder. This new berry was created at Cornell University over 13 years. It officially debuted in March 2012 at the Philadelphia International Flower Show, wowing everyone with its unique color.
The Purple Wonder changes from a creamy white to a deep burgundy-purple as it ripens. This makes it stand out from the usual red strawberries. Even though some say it's more burgundy than purple, its color is still a big change from the usual red.
Creating the Purple Wonder shows how hard the researchers at Cornell University work. Before this, strawberries were only red, white, or yellow. The Purple Wonder is a big step forward, showing what can be done with careful breeding.
The Purple Wonder isn't genetically modified. It's the result of years of growing and choosing the best plants. This method has been used for centuries to make food better and more reliable. The Purple Wonder shows how nature and human creativity can come together.
Origins and Development
The "Purple Wonder" strawberry has a fascinating story. It started in the small fruits breeding program at Cornell University. It took 13 years, from 1999 to 2012, to bring it to the market. This long process was to make sure it was perfect for cooking and eating.
The purple color comes from special chemicals like anthocyanins and dimeric pigments. Pelargonidin-3-glucoside is the main chemical that makes them purple. Cyanidin-3-glucoside and dimeric anthocyanins also add to the color.
The Purple Wonder strawberry shows how hard Cornell University's team worked. They used selective breeding and genetic resources to create this amazing strawberry. It's a new and eye-catching addition to the strawberry family.
Growing Purple Strawberries at Home
For those wanting to spice up their strawberry garden, Purple Wonder is a great pick. These berries are not just eye-catching but also taste amazing. To grow them well, you need to know what they need.
Purple Wonder strawberries fit well in containers, small gardens, and square-foot gardens because they don't spread much. Make sure to plant them 12 to 18 inches apart for the best growth. They love soil that drains well and is a bit acidic, and they need full sun.
For a good harvest, take care of your purple strawberries. Water them regularly, pull weeds, and trim off any runners. These strawberries don't spread much, which makes them easier to keep up with.
By planting and caring for your purple strawberries right, you'll get to enjoy their unique taste and color. Purple Wonder strawberries are a special treat for any garden.
Care and Maintenance
To grow beautiful purple strawberries at home, you need to take good care of them from start to finish. Here are key steps to keep your purple strawberry plants healthy and full of fruit:
Watering Requirements
Strawberry plants need about 1 inch of water each week to do well. If it's dry, make sure to water them extra to keep the soil just right. This helps them grow strong and gives you lots of berries.
Runner Management
Purple strawberry plants spread out with runners, or new plants. It's important to remove these runners to stop your plants from getting too crowded. This lets each plant get enough air and sunlight, helping them grow better.
Fertilization
Give your purple strawberry plants a balanced, organic fertilizer in early spring. This helps them grow and produce more fruit. Just follow the directions on the fertilizer package for how much and when to apply.
Mulching for Winter Protection
In colder areas, put straw or organic mulch around your purple strawberry plants in the fall. This keeps their roots and crowns safe from cold and frost.
By taking good care of your purple strawberry plants, you can enjoy lots of delicious berries for many years.
Harvesting and Using Purple Strawberries
Harvesting purple strawberries at the right time is key to enjoying their great taste and color. They ripen about 30 days after the flowers bloom, usually in the cool morning. It's best to pick them right away and keep them in the fridge.
The author harvests around 2 pounds of these special strawberries each day in June. Harvesting can be every 1-3 days. It's mostly every 2-3 days at the start and end of the season, and daily in the middle.
Purple strawberries are perfect for making jams, preserves, and even strawberry wine. They have a unique color and taste. Make sure not to wash them until you're ready to use them. Washing them early can make them moldy.
When storing strawberries, keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Use shallow containers with holes for air to keep them fresh. Freezing is a good way to keep more for later. Frozen strawberries are great in desserts, smoothies, and jams.
Conclusion
Purple strawberry varieties like the Purple Wonder have brought new colors and tastes to home gardens. These berries are not just a novelty but also offer many benefits of growing purple strawberries. With the right care, gardeners can grow these berries at home. This adds variety to their fruit selection and brings home delicious and colorful berries.
People should try purple strawberries for their nutritional value and health benefits. These berries are full of antioxidants that help with memory, brain function, and heart health. Adding these berries to your diet is a tasty way to support your health.
If you're new or experienced with purple strawberries, growing and enjoying these berries is a great idea. With the right knowledge and effort, you can make your garden a place of beauty and health. These purple strawberries can add elegance and health benefits to your homegrown fruits.
