Allotments 4 All

Hallo all

I am extending a strawberry bed, and want to include some unusual varieties.  I've heard good things of Gariguette - does any grow this?  

I want to grow a couple of new (to me) varieties strictly for flavour, so, apart from Gariguette, are there any which you might recommend, are relatively easy to grow, taste abslutely gorgeous, and slugs hate 'em!!!!

Suggestions would be so appreciated, thanks.

Regards. Caro

I bought some Gariguette and was rather disappointed it is rather soft sweet and juicy.  I like something with a bit more bite and crunch   I quite like marshmello and marshmarvel though the latter do not seem to produce runners. 

I do not like recommnending marshalls though because three of the marshmarvel pack were a totally different cultivar with very small rather poor fruit and they have refused to replace them.

I still prefer Mara des Bois, and they are the type that give berries all through the season. The berries are not so big but they are the sweetest, with a really pronounced strawberry flavour.

People speak highly of Cambridge Late Pine usually.

I've heard good things about mara des bois as well, and have ordered some!

I'm very pleased with Mara des Bois and Gariguette, myself; both large and full of flavour and sweetness. I found Gariguette quite firm, long distinctive shape, and read somewhere that they are the ones used in French strawberry tarts because they can take the handling. I bought my plants in French markets.

Another vote for Gariguette, I also got mine froma French market, and they have long pointed firm fruits, great flavour but sparse foliage and only moderate crops though. I also rate Marshmello for flavour, they also crop very well even whan young plants (yeah I know you are supposed to take the flowers off the first year, but hey!). I'm trying Marshmarvel as well this year (when they are delivered... ::)) so it will be interesting to see any difference. I tried Angelina and Ciflorette last year, both supposed to be Gariguette crosses but did not think they were as good as the original....

Another vote for Marshmello.  My neighbour grew them this year and gave me some to taste.  Lovely.  I have had some runners off him.  My Royal Sovereign  taste  good but are quite late.