Fragaria x ananassa 'Ozark Beauty'
fruitOzark Beauty is the classic everbearing strawberry, an Arkansas introduction that has been a home-garden favorite for decades. Everbearing types give two to three concentrated flushes - a heavy crop in early summer, a lighter one in late summer, and often a third in fall - rather than the continuous trickle of day-neutrals. The medium-large berries are bright red, sweet, and aromatic, excellent fresh and for preserves. Ozark Beauty is vigorous and resists leaf spot and leaf scorch, though it is susceptible to red stele in soggy soil.
Sun
full sun
Water
Every 3 days
Harvest
~120 days
to first harvest
Difficulty
easy
Lifecycle
perennial
Comes back every year
Spacing
12-18 in. apart
Planting Depth
Crown midpoint at soil line
Soil pH
5.8-6.5
Soil Type
Rich, well-draining, sandy loam
Hardiness Zones
Zones 4 – 8
When to Fertilize
At planting and after the first flush
Fertilizer
Balanced 10-10-10
Set Ozark Beauty crowns in early spring, 2 to 4 weeks before the last frost, with the crown midpoint at the soil line in full sun and rich, well-drained soil - avoid wet ground, which invites red stele root rot. Space plants 12 to 18 in. apart in rows 2 ft apart. Pinch blossoms for the first 6 weeks after planting to build roots, then allow the summer and fall flushes. Water 1 to 1.5 in. weekly, mulch with straw, and remove most runners. Renew the bed every 2 to 3 years.
Direct sow
Apr 1
Projected first harvest
Jul 10
Year 1
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Straw mulch, beer traps, and frequent picking keep slugs from hollowing out ripe berries
Weed beds and edges where the bug breeds; its feeding deforms developing fruit
Rinse leaf undersides in hot dry weather and avoid drought stress
Net the bed as soon as berries begin to color
Mulch fruit off the soil, water at the base in the morning, give airflow, and remove rotting berries promptly
Harvest Ozark Beauty when berries are fully red and fragrant, in the cool morning, pinching the stem to avoid bruising. Expect the big crop in early summer, then a lighter late-summer flush and often a fall crop. Use the soft, aromatic berries quickly - they are superb for jam and freezing but do not store as long as the firmer day-neutrals.
Ozark Beauty berries deliver the strawberry hallmark of very high vitamin C (about 59 mg per 100 g) plus manganese, folate, and potassium at roughly 32 calories per 100 g. The red pigment is anthocyanin, and the fruit is rich in ellagic acid, both antioxidants associated with heart health. The aromatic, sweet flesh makes this everbearer a preserves and freezer favorite.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.
Year 2