Jewel (MA)

Quick Facts

• Type: June-bearing strawberry
• Season: Mid-season, with a long, dependable picking window
• Flavor: Superb, sweet strawberry flavor; considered one of the best-tasting mid-season varieties
• Berry: Large, firm, bright red berries with excellent quality for fresh use and freezing
• Plant habit: Vigorous, tall plants with consistent performance; requires good renovation to maintain a strong stand
• Best for: Commercial growers, home gardens, and u-pick operations needing a reliable #1 mid-season variety
• Hardiness & disease: Moderate winter hardiness; handles field heat during picking better than many varieties; moderately susceptible to leaf spot so foliage management is important

Developed in Geneva, New York, Jewel has become the most popular mid-season strawberry in southern Minnesota and many other regions. Plants are vigorous and tall, producing heavy crops of large, bright red berries with outstanding flavor and firmness. That combination of taste, size, and durability makes Jewel a top choice for farm stands, u-pick fields, and home gardens alike.

Jewel performs well across a wide range of growing conditions and has earned a reputation as an all-around workhorse. It handles heat during picking better than many varieties, which helps maintain fruit quality on warm harvest days. Winter hardiness is moderate rather than extreme, so thoughtful mulching and renovation are important to keep stands strong. With good care, Jewel remains an excellent #1 mid-season variety for both fresh eating and freezing.

For spacing, plant counts, and layout ideas for June-bearing strawberries, see our Strawberry Spacing & Planting Guide before planting.