Dickens (MA)

Quick Facts

• Type: June-bearing, late mid-season strawberry
• Flavor: Good, sweet flavor with bright red flesh
• Berry: Large, firm, short-conic berries with bright red skin and interior
• Plant habit: Vigorous plants with multiple fruiting laterals and strong productivity
• Best for: Fresh market, u-pick, and freezing in northern climates
• Notes: Performs well in replant sites with good vigor after renovation

Dickens comes from Dr. Courtney Weber’s breeding program at Cornell University and has been a strong performer in regional trials. Fruit ripens in the late mid-season window, starting at the end of Jewel’s season and continuing for roughly ten days beyond, giving growers an extended harvest. Large, firm berries have a short conic shape and a bright red skin and interior, with a pleasant, sweet flavor that works well for fresh sales and processing.

Trial results in New York and Ontario show Dickens to be highly productive, often exceeding Jewel and Winona in total yield while also producing larger average fruit size. In Ontario replant sites, Dickens demonstrated good Phytophthora root rot resistance and maintained strong vigor through renovation, making it a promising choice for fields with some disease pressure. For growers in Zones 4–7 looking to stretch their strawberry season with reliable late mid-season fruit, Dickens is an excellent candidate for trial and expansion.

Before planting, check our Strawberry Spacing & Planting Guide for layout ideas and approximate plants per acre.