Believe it or not, there are over 1,000 different strawberry varieties out there today! But when you’re planning your garden, you really want to know two things: which ones taste the best and which ones will give you a massive harvest? We’ve rounded up the most popular varieties for home gardeners, plus a little “insider tip” for something truly unique.
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++ Lambada (Fragaria x ananassa ‘Lambada’)
If you have a sweet tooth, Lambada is the strawberry for you. It’s widely considered one of the sweetest varieties available. These bright red, firm berries start ripening in late May. Because they taste so incredible right off the vine, they’re perfect for fresh snacking, but that intense flavor also makes for a killer jam. Fun fact: many people who usually have mild strawberry allergies find they can tolerate Lambada just fine!
++ Polka (Fragaria ‘Polka’)
Polka is a fantastic mid-to-late season choice, with a harvest window that stretches from June through July. These berries are big, shiny, and dark red, and they’re a breeze to pick. It’s a huge favorite for home gardens because the plants are super adaptable and usually start producing a great crop in their very first year.
++ Honeoye (Fragaria ‘Honeoye’)
Honeoye is a real workhorse in the garden. It’s a hardy, high-yielding variety that starts ripening in May. The berries are perfectly cone-shaped and have a bold, punchy flavor. With their deep red color and a hint of tartness, they are my go-to for jams, jellies, and desserts. Whether you’re a backyard gardener or a pro farmer, Honeoye is a reliable classic.
++ Elsanta (Fragaria ‘Elsanta’)
You’ve probably seen this one at the market! Elsanta is incredibly popular because the berries are large, firm, and have a great shelf life. They have a lovely aroma and a bright red exterior with a pretty white center. While they’re great for the garden, they’re also a favorite for greenhouse growing. Just a heads-up: they can be a bit sensitive to wilt, so try not to plant them in spots where you recently grew potatoes or other strawberries.
++ Senga Sengana (Fragaria x ananassa ‘Senga Sengana’)
This variety is legendary for its flavor. It produces large, dark red berries that are arguably the sweetest you can grow. It’s a heavy hitter when it comes to yield, too. These are the gold standard for making preserves, topping a strawberry shortcake, or even freezing for later. Plus, Senga Sengana is low-maintenance and disease-resistant, making it a dream for beginners.
++ Korona (Fragaria vesca ‘Korona’)
Korona is a mid-early variety that starts popping in June. The berries are shiny, dark red, and tucked away under lush green leaves. They have a perfect sweet-tart balance that’s great for eating fresh or tossing into a fruit salad. Since Korona sends out a lot of runners, you can actually use it as a self-renewing groundcover in your garden beds!
++ Ostara (Fragaria ‘Ostara’)
If you want strawberries all summer long, Ostara is your best friend. It’s an “everbearing” variety, meaning it keeps blooming and fruiting right up until the first frost. The berries have a delicate “wild strawberry” hint to them that is delicious in jams. It’s also super versatile—you can grow it in garden beds, balcony boxes, or even hanging baskets. It’s very hardy and doesn’t get sick easily, so it’s a low-stress plant to keep.
%% Snow White (Fragaria x ananassa ‘Snow White’)
Looking for a conversation starter? Snow White is a “pineberry” type that stays creamy white on the inside and outside, accented by tiny red and green seeds. They ripen in mid-June and have a unique, exotic taste—think sweet strawberry with a distinct hint of pineapple. They’re great for snacking, but they also look stunning in salads or as a gourmet garnish for smoothies.