Day Neutral Strawberries

An infographic explaining how strawberries growth season may be extended

For many in the upper midwest, strawberries are a quintessential marker of summer. Strawberries evoke childhood memories of farmer’s markets, strawberry picking, and homemade jam. Typically, fresh, locally grown strawberries are only available for a few months each summer during a short growing season in June and July. Over the past eight years, researchers at the University of Minnesota have explored ways of extending the growing season for local strawberries, focusing on day neutral strawberries (DNS) that flower as long as temperatures are adequate for growth. Day neutral strawberries extend the season for local berries and provide economic opportunity across the supply chain from farmers to consumers. With the same taste, texture, and sweetness of regular in-season strawberries, these berries can help Minnesotans remember the strawberries they fell in love with as kids. Local strawberries mean fresher produce for consumers, a more sustainable delivery system, and economic growth for local farms and businesses.