Strawberry plant

#This invention relates to a new and distinct variety of strawberry plant which is the result of a cross of the Driscoll patented everbearing variety U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,274 and Driscoll springbearing selection G8.

#The seedlings resulting from the aforementioned cross were grown and asexually multiplied in Shasta County, Calif., and tested in the fruiting beds on the property of growers on the Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc. Clones of the seedlings were also held at the Propagation Nursery in Shasta County. One plant was selected from the aforementioned group of seedlings and further asexually reproduced by runners in the Shasta County nursery of Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc. Tests followed in various parts of California during intervening seasons on various properties of grower members of the Driscoll Strawberry Associates, Inc. These tests indicated the merits of the novel plant and resulted in its selection as a promising test variety.

#In the drawing:

#FIG. 1 illustrates plant parts of the new everbearing variety which are typical in size, shape and color.

#Referring to FIG. 1, a berry is shown in cross-section illustrating the flesh color and characteristic core cavity. The inflorescence shown in the drawing is illustrative of typical branching and relative size during the middle of July. The large inflorescence has pedicels that are reddish green in color with the pedicel holding the primary berry originating from the axil formed by the two peduncles. Also illustrated are the two secondary berries which are often an equal distance from the axil giving the total inflorescence a symmetric outline.

#Three secondary peduncles instead of two are not uncommon. The leaf illustrated is typical in size, shape and color but bracts not shown may be present on some petioles. As the season progresses, the peduncles and pedicels lengthen.

#The plant of this novel variety is medium in size and considered vigorous for an everbearer. If given ample chilling, it produces heaviest when planted during late December or January, but will crop commercially if planted in March. It is adapted mainly to the central coast region of California. If planted during January, its peak production and largest fruit size comes during July. It will continue producing during September but its fruit size drops significantly after July. Some of its distinguishing characteristics are its showy long inflorescence, firm fruit with exerted seed and good flavor. The plant is slightly smaller with leaves that are darker but smaller and more rugose than the Driscoll patented Heidi variety, U.S. Plant Pat. No. 3,123. Heidi is a spring fruiting variety, but the two varieties have a similar cropping pattern if the Heidi is given its correct chilling for high production. Both varieties have crown crop fruit of equal size, but the Heidi maintains a superior size during the main crop, especially after the peak production in July.