Overall, the USDA-Beltsville varieties Tribute and Tristar have been the most popular among growers, but many of the California cultivars including Hecker, Fern and Selva have performed well in research trials. A newly released variety, Evita from Scotland, is also worthy of trial, although very little information exists on it's performance in the Midwest. In fact, all of the day-neutral cultivars are sensitive to high temperatures, with limited numbers of small, soft fruit being produced in the hot months of summer. Obtaining Strawberry Plants Always purchase plants from a reliable nursery that is licensed with the state. Most states regularly inspect the nursery stock from licensed nurseries for visible evidence of diseases.
Some nurseries offer virus-test plants that are tested for specific virus diseases.
Nurseries may offer conventionally propagated plants or plants derived from tissue culture. Tissue-cultured plants are sometimes more vigorous when placed in the field and may be preferred if prices are comparable. When ordering, specify when plants should be shipped so you have them in hand for early planting. Wrap the roots loosely in plastic to prevent them from drying out while in storage. Do not store plants with apples or other potential sources of ethylene gas.