Key facts
- UK strawberries are experiencing a bumper harvest due to favorable weather conditions.
- Sales of 9cm strawberry pots have surged by 240%.
- June's sunshine and protection from late May frosts have contributed to sweeter and earlier ripening.
- Other berries like raspberries and gooseberries are also yielding well.
- Sales of all fruit plants have increased by 25% compared to last year.
The United Kingdom is enjoying a particularly fruitful summer for strawberries, with sales seeing a significant boost attributed to favorable weather conditions. According to the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), recent sunshine in June, coupled with protection from late May frosts, has resulted in an abundance of sweeter and earlier-ripening strawberries.
Sales of 9cm pots of strawberries have reportedly increased by 240%. The ideal weather has benefited not only strawberries but also raspberries, gooseberries, redcurrants, and whitecurrants, with blackberries and blueberries expected later in the season. Gardeners are also exploring more unusual varieties, such as honeyberries, which offer a unique flavor profile.
The RHS notes a general increase in interest, with sales of all fruit plants up 25% year-on-year. This trend is reflected in RHS gardens, where even fig plantations are now bearing fruit after being moved outdoors. The charity also anticipates that grapes will ripen earlier than usual, reducing their risk from autumn weather.
Berries are set to be a highlight at the upcoming RHS Badminton flower show, with wild strawberries featured in several garden designs. Historically, wild strawberries were the primary type consumed in Britain before the development of hybrid varieties, a process that the RHS supported through early citizen science projects.