Description

Strawberry F1 Milan (Fragaria × ananassa) is a high-yielding, day-neutral hybrid known for its early fruiting, compact growth, and exceptionally sweet, juicy berries. Bred for both gardeners and commercial growers, this variety thrives in South Africa's temperate to subtropical climates, producing consistent harvests from spring through early autumn.

Its compact, bushy habit makes it ideal for containers, hanging baskets, or small garden beds, especially where space is limited. The fruit is uniformly red, firm, and flavour-rich, making it perfect for fresh eating, desserts, or preserves.

With its strong disease resistance, excellent fruit set, and ability to perform in a variety of soil types, F1 Milan is a smart and low-maintenance choice for those seeking quality and productivity in their strawberry crop.

 

Benefits

Disease Resistance and Shelf Life

• Bred for resistance to root rot, mildew, and common fungal diseases.
  
• Firm fruit with a long shelf life makes it suitable for small market sales or storage.

Pollinator & Insectary 

• Supports healthy pollinator populations and boosts biodiversity in your garden.
• Abundant flowers attract bees, butterflies, hoverflies, and ladybirds.
  

Compact, Productive and Versatile

• Great for urban gardens, patios, or balcony containers.
  
• Produces fruit in flushes over the season with minimal maintenance.
  
• Ideal for fresh eating, jams, desserts, and freezing.

Nutritional and Medicinal 

• High in vitamin C – supports immune function and collagen production.
  
• Rich in antioxidants (like anthocyanins and ellagic acid) – help reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
  

• Low calorie and high fibre content supports gut health, blood sugar control, and weight management.
  

  
  

How To Use

Strawberry F1 Milan flourishes under the following conditions:

• Season: Early Spring or Autumn
• Temperature: 15-26°C
• Germinate: 14-21 days
• Depth: 3 mm
• Spacing: 30x60 cm
• Harvest: 90-120 days
• Height: 20-25 cm
• Flowering Season: Spring to late summer
• Exposure: Full sun (6+ daily)

Ideal Growing Environment

• Well-drained, fertile loamy or sandy soil enriched with compost. pH range 5.5–6.5.
  
• Regular, consistent watering—keep soil moist, especially during flowering and fruiting.
  
• Start with a balanced organic fertiliser; follow with potassium and phosphorus-rich feed during fruit set.
  
• Prefers moderate humidity (60–70%). Ensure good airflow to reduce fungal diseases.
  
• Performs well across coastal, Highveld, and temperate regions of South Africa. Use mulch or row covers in cooler zones to protect against light frost.
• Benefits from being planted alongside lettuce, spinach, borage, chives, onions, bush beans, and thyme.
• Intercropping: Pair with borage, thyme, or clover for pest control and soil health.
• Crop Rotation: Move beds every 3–4 years to avoid soil depletion.
• Soil Rejuvenation: Plant after legumes (peas greenfeast) to maintain fertility.
• Avoid planting with cabbage, cauliflower, tomatoes, and melons – these may attract pests or compete for nutrients.

 

For placement of large orders contact us at: office@greenhouston.co.za