Frigo A Polka Strawberry Plant

Polka strawberry variety technical sheet

• Remontant: Non-Remontant
• Precocity: Season
• Harvest period: Mid-June to Mid-July
• Shape, texture, appearance of the Fruit: Firm and conical
• Fruit color: Intense dark red
• Taste characteristics: Good sugar-acid balance
• Fruit Size: Good sugar-acid balance
• Disease resistance: Tolerant to Verticillium. Slightly susceptible to Downy mildew. Susceptible to Botrytis
• Yield, management and marketing: Best yield on heavy soil. Fruit size decreases as the season progresses. Requires a lot of water to obtain a decent yield. Provide amendment and consistent watering to promote yield
• Recommended commercial use / marketing channel: Direct sales, Wholesale, Processing
• Our advice: Adapts well to cultivation over 3 years. Better in the fridge than in a tray.

Order your professional strawberry plants

Fraisiverse, a specialist wholesale supplier of strawberry plants , offers you the Polka variety, renowned for its high yield and taste. Buying your strawberry plants allows you to benefit from a product from specialized nurseries, guaranteeing professional quality. Take advantage of major advantages: producer prices , varietal resistance , dedicated technical support and fast and careful delivery throughout France . Our teams also offer you personalized advice to optimize your plantations. Order your Polka plants now for a consistent, firm and tasty production, suitable for short supply chains. Reserve now or request a free quote to ensure your supplies for the season. Take advantage of our producer prices and secure optimal yield while controlling your production costs. An opportunity to combine agronomic performance and profitability.

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Agronomic characteristics and technical specifications of the fruit

The Polka strawberry plant, a non-remontant variety , concentrates its production in a single annual period, which simplifies harvest planning for professionals. This variety is characterized by conical fruits, sometimes elongated into a heart , displaying an intense dark red and a remarkable shine at commercial maturity. The flesh, dense and juicy, has a color ranging from red to light red, without a marked white center , thus guaranteeing a uniform and appetizing presentation.

Regarding its texture, the Polka strawberry is known for its firmness , an essential characteristic for marketing and transport. In the mouth, it offers a crunchy chew without being hard , evolving into a juicy and melting texture after chewing, a perfect balance between firmness and taste pleasure. This sensation of freshness is amplified by a good sugar/acid balance . If the sources do not provide a precise numerical value for this firmness, it is generally between 0.45 and 0.65 kg/cm² according to industry standards for varieties of similar quality.

Polka fruit size can vary, with an average often between 60 and 80 grams at commercial maturity, although this size can decrease over the season, particularly in heavy soil. The uniformity of the fruit in terms of size facilitates harvesting, whether by hand or machine, and optimizes the presentation of commercial packages.

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Technical management and rational fertilization

Soil and climate requirements and soil preparation

To fully exploit the potential of the Polka variety, special attention must be paid to its cultivation route. The Polka strawberry plant thrives in deep, rich and moist soils , while requiring excellent drainage . It also adapts to heavier soils, which underlines the importance of a well-loosened soil, enriched with humus and correctly balanced in mineral elements.

Fertilization program and splitting of inputs

An indicative fertilization plan is crucial to support its vigor and productivity. It is recommended to provide between 80 and 120 units of Nitrogen (N) per hectare, 60 to 80 units of Phosphorus (P₂O₅), and 120 to 150 units of Potash (K₂O) . The splitting of these inputs is essential: phosphorus and potash are mainly incorporated into the soil during preparation (1 to 2 months before planting), while nitrogen is divided into several inputs. A first input (30-40%) is made before planting , ideally in organic form, followed by 30% at the very beginning of spring (vegetative recovery) and the remaining 30-40% at the beginning of flowering . Nitrogen applications should be moderated in spring to avoid excess foliage, which could harm fruit quality and increase susceptibility to diseases such as Botrytis. On sandy soils, more extensive nitrogen fractionation is recommended to limit leaching.

Management of trace elements and organic amendments

Trace elements also play a key role. Magnesium (Mg) is essential for sugar synthesis and fruit coloring, with an indicative intake of 40 to 60 units/ha . Boron (B) and Zinc (Zn) are necessary for flowering and pollination, optimizing fruit set rate and fruit weight. It is also recommended to monitor Iron (Fe) and Manganese (Mn) in high or poor pH soils, and to supplement with targeted foliar fertilization during flowering to improve taste quality and fruit preservation. A regular supply of organic matter (composted manure or compost) before planting ( 20 to 30 tonnes/ha ) improves soil structure and water retention, while recycling nutrients. Mulching is also a valuable ally, limiting weed growth and fruit contact with the soil, thus reducing the risk of disease.

Operating duration and crop rotation

As for the productive lifespan, the Polka strawberry plant, like the majority of non-remontant varieties, reaches its full potential during the first 2 to 3 years after planting. Beyond this period, a progressive decline in yield, a decrease in fruit size and an increase in susceptibility to diseases are observed. It is therefore strongly recommended that professionals renew their Polka plantations every 3 years to maintain optimal production in quantity and quality, as part of a crop rotation of 3 to 4 years .

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Productive performance and harvest schedule

Production window and harvest concentration

The Polka variety, classified as mid-season (or "seasonal") , offers a single, concentrated harvest. The main harvest period in France generally runs from mid-June to mid-July . For professionals, the majority of production, approximately 70% of the total yield , is concentrated in an intense period of 3 to 4 weeks, typically between week 24 and week 27 of the year (mid-June to the first or second week of July, depending on annual climatic conditions and the growing region).

Expected yields and planting density

The average yield of the Polka strawberry plant is particularly interesting. It is generally between 0.5 kg and 1.5 kg of strawberries per plant per year under optimal growing conditions. Some producers, in very favorable situations, particularly under cover or with plastic mulch and a controlled technical itinerary, have even been able to reach up to 2 kg per plant . Per hectare, with a usual planting density of 50,000 to 60,000 plants/ha , the yield can range from 20 t/ha to 35 t/ha under standard conditions, with higher peaks under intensive greenhouse management.

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Phytosanitary strategy and varietal resistance

The Polka strawberry plant shows notable tolerance to verticillium wilt . However, it has a slight sensitivity to powdery mildew (Podosphaera aphanis) and is considered susceptible to botrytis (gray mold of fruit). Nitrogen management is crucial in this regard, as excess nitrogen can promote susceptibility to botrytis.

Regarding common pests such as thrips, aphids, spider mites, the weevil (Anthonomus) or Drosophila suzukii , sources do not mention specific resistance for the Polka variety. It is important to note that no strawberry variety is completely resistant to all of these pests. Therefore, integrated pest management , including prophylactic methods, biological control and, if necessary, chemical interventions, remains essential for all professional strawberry crops, including Polka.

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Commercial positioning and economic opportunities

The Polka variety is primarily intended for fresh consumption and short-circuit sales . Its taste qualities, its aesthetic appearance (bright and shiny red) and its high yields make it particularly attractive for local markets and direct sales , where freshness and presentation are determining factors for consumers.

The firmness of Polka fruits , estimated at between 0.45 and 0.65 kg/cm² , provides excellent stability after harvest and during transport . This characteristic is a major asset for logistics, reducing losses and ensuring product quality up to the point of sale. Although Polka can be used for processing (jams, freezing), this is not its primary use, representing an estimated 10 to 30% of use, compared to 70 to 90% for fresh consumption . Massive agro-industry is generally not the preferred outlet for this variety due to its size and juicy flesh, the qualities of which are better valued in the fresh state. The high yield potential, up to 1.5 kg/plant and 35 t/ha , ensures significant profitability for producers, especially given the high demand for quality fresh strawberries.

Professional feedback

Although the sources do not contain direct grower testimonies for the Polka variety, technical and commercial descriptions describe it as highly valued by consumers and traders . This indirect recognition suggests that Polka is a reliable variety that meets market expectations in terms of taste quality, presentation and productivity. Its ability to perform well in a variety of growing conditions , including heavier soils, is also a highlighted advantage.

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To summarize: Our Polka strawberry plants

At Fraisiverse , we provide you with Polka strawberry plants carefully selected for their quality and performance. As a specialist wholesale supplier of strawberry plants , we are fully aware of the technical requirements of this mid-season variety, renowned for its high yield, firmness and balanced flavor. Choosing our offer means buying Polka strawberry plants, guaranteeing a uniform size (60 to 80 g) and excellent post-harvest stability. Our plants are produced by specialized nurseries, with strict monitoring to preserve tolerance to verticillium wilt and optimize productivity. With yields of up to 35 t/ha, Polka is ideal for producers looking for a reliable variety for fresh consumption. Our commitment as a specialist wholesale supplier of strawberry plants is to offer a responsive sales service, controlled logistics and quality technical support. Choosing to buy Polka strawberry plants from Fraisiverse means investing in a sustainable, efficient and profitable plantation, adapted to the expectations of today's market. We remain your specialist wholesale supplier of strawberry plants for a winning and long-term partnership, and invite you to buy Polka strawberry plants to prepare your next harvests in the best conditions.