Strawberry Elan Fragaria X Ananassa "Hanging Basket"

Strawberry ‘Elan’

Botanical Name

Fragaria × ananassa ‘Elan’

Common Names

• Strawberry
• Garden Strawberry
• Elan Strawberry

Product Description

Strawberry ‘Elan’ is a high-yielding, ever-bearing garden strawberry valued for its large, juicy, bright red fruits and vigorous growth habit. This cultivar produces sweet, uniform berries ideal for fresh eating, jams, desserts, and preserves. ‘Elan’ is disease-tolerant, easy to grow, and well-suited to South African gardens, thriving in raised beds, garden rows, and containers. Its compact, low-growing habit with runners also makes it suitable for propagation and expanding your strawberry patch.

Size When Fully Grown

• Plant Height: ± 20–25 cm
• Spread: ± 30–40 cm per plant
• Growth Habit: Low-growing perennial; spreads via runners

Best Growing Conditions

• Light: Full sun
  • At least 6–8 hours of sunlight daily for optimal fruiting.
• Soil: Well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 5.5–6.5)
  • Enrich with compost or well-rotted manure; avoid waterlogged soil.
• Watering: Moderate to high
  • Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting.
• Climate:
  • Suited to temperate, subtropical, and coastal regions of South Africa
  • Protect young plants from frost; mulch to retain moisture and protect roots in colder areas
• Maintenance: Moderate
  • Remove runners to control spread or propagate new plants
  • Fertilise with a balanced fertiliser during active growth and fruiting

Best Planting Season & Growth Cycle (South Africa)

• Best Time to Plant: Late winter to early spring
• Active Growing Season: Spring through autumn
• Fruit Bearing Season: Spring to early summer; everbearing varieties may produce multiple harvests
• Seasonal Notes:
  • Evergreen perennial in frost-free areas; semi-deciduous in cooler regions
  • Ideal for garden beds, raised planters, and container cultivation
  • Perfect for fresh home consumption or small-scale commercial planting