Strawberry plugs 60 cell variety Monterey

The Monterey strawberry variety, developed by UC Davis and released in 2008, has become one of the most widely planted day-neutral cultivars in commercial production. Known for its excellent fruit quality and plant vigor, Monterey produces large, firm berries with a dark red color, slightly carved shape, and an intense sweet flavor with a clean aftertaste. It stands out for delivering consistently high yields and exceptional taste across a long harvest window, independent of day length.

Monterey plants are more vigorous than Albion, with good tolerance to common diseases but a known susceptibility to powdery mildew and Fusarium wilt, making site selection and management practices important. Still, its performance in organic and conventional systems alike has made it a reliable option for growers worldwide.

A key advantage in using first-generation plants propagated from tissue-cultured mother stock is genetic consistency, health, and vigor. These plants establish quickly, develop strong root systems, and support early fruiting, crucial for achieving uniformity, maximum yield, and return on investment.

After more than 15 years on the market, Monterey continues to be a preferred variety for both fresh market and processing due to its balance of flavor, shelf life, and productivity.

Description:

• University of California variety
• Day-neutral
• Medium sized plant
• More poductive thank Albion, slightly less firm
• Fruit is, on average, larger than Albion
• Medium red skin colour with good appearance
• Excellent flavour

Strong Points

• Monterey has become the industry standard day neutral against which new introductions are measured.

Weak points

• Makes plentiful runners in the fruiting beds
• Moderately susceptible to root rots including Phytophthora and Verticullium

Yeild in NZ trials

Average annual production in the Auckland trial plots (through December) over the past 12 years has been 506 g/plant with berry size 27 g/fruit – data applicable up until late December. In Canterbury average yield has been 729 g/plant with average berry size of 22g/fruit .

Plant Vigor & Growth

• Runners from tissue culture – ensures vigor, disease-free status, and true-to-type characteristics.
• 105cc plugs – ideal for mechanical transplanting and faster field establishment.
• Quick rooting and early canopy development, promoting earlier fruit production.

Chilling options, available as:

• Winter chilled (promotes early season cropping)
• Coolstore frozen (for flexible planting schedules)