Anka Çilek Fidesi
In strawberry production, variety selection is a strategic decision that sets the direction of the entire season. Even in the same soil and with the same care, different varieties offer completely different harvest calendars and market opportunities. At the heart of this decision lies the distinction between short day and day neutral. These two groups directly affect the flowering and fruiting behaviour of the strawberry plant. At Anka Çilek Fidesi, we offer varieties with elite genetics from both groups. In this guide, we explain the difference between the two and how to make the choice that suits you.
Short-Day Varieties: Intense and Focused Harvest
Short-day varieties are those that form flower buds when day length shortens. This behaviour means a strong harvest concentrated in a specific period. It is ideal for growers who want an early and bulk crop and who want to use labour efficiently by compressing the harvest into a specific time frame. The main short-day varieties we offer within Anka are as follows:
- Palmeritas, Leticia, Felicity
- Festival, Rubygem
- Florida Beauty, Kallisti, Cleopatra
Short-day varieties are a strong choice for growers who want to enter the market early and seize the price advantage at the start of the season. If you are planning an intense and focused harvest, this group stands out.
Day-Neutral Varieties: Long Season and Continuous Production
Day-neutral varieties, on the other hand, continue to flower and fruit regardless of day length, as long as suitable temperature conditions persist. This means a long harvest period and the possibility of continuously supplying the market. The main day-neutral varieties we offer within Anka are as follows:
- Albion, Monterey, San Andreas
- Portola, Cabrillo
Day-neutral varieties are perfectly suited to growers who want to steadily feed the fresh market with uninterrupted production spread across the season. Being able to harvest over a long period strengthens your continuity in the market and your customer relationships.
What to Consider When Choosing the Right Variety?
The right variety is shaped according to your climate, your target market and your labour plan. Clarifying these three questions will guide you when making your decision:
- Climate: Which group does your region's day length and temperature pattern support?
- Market plan: Are you aiming for an early and intense harvest, or continuous production spread across the season?
- Labour: Do you want to concentrate the harvest into a specific period or spread it over time?
Many experienced growers plan short-day and day-neutral varieties together in order to balance risk and to benefit from both the early and the long-season advantage in the market. The right combination should be designed according to the goals of your operation.
The Anka Difference in Variety Selection
All of our elite varieties, with California, Florida, Spain and Berryplasma World genetics, are produced as certified and healthy. This way, whichever variety you choose, you set off with a solid genetic foundation. To determine which variety is most suitable for your climate and market goal, get in touch with Anka Çilek Fidesi experts; let us open the door to a productive season together with the right variety.
