Cordial is a exciting new strawberry variety out of the USDA Beltsville breeding program (released 2021), and it's quickly making a name for itself among serious growers in the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Upper South. What sets Cordial apart is its remarkable combination of high yields and very low rot even without fumigation or fungicides. In USDA trials, it produced the highest marketable yield of any cultivar tested at 789g per plant, with 93% marketable fruit. For organic and low-input growers especially, those numbers are hard to ignore. Shipping Info: Plants ship in fall 2026. Hardiness Zones: 5–8 Key Features: Outstanding Yield & Marketability: In USDA Beltsville trials, Cordial outperformed all other tested cultivars and produced 93% marketable fruit. Exceptional Rain Tolerance: Cordial handles heavy rain unusually well, resisting splitting and rotting even in wet conditions—a real advantage for growers in the Mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Built for Low-Input Growing: Bred specifically to perform without fumigation or fungicides, making it an excellent fit for organic and low-input operations. Great Berry Quality: Large, firm, conical bright red berries with tough skin that holds up well for commercial handling, U-pick, and wholesale markets. Flavor is smoothly sweet and low-acid. Late-Season Production: As a late-season variety, Cordial extends your strawberry harvest window, filling the gap between the main strawberry season and the start of blueberry season. Versatile Growing Systems: Works well in both plasticulture and matted-row systems. How are they sold? Cordial strawberry plugs are available in quantities of 12 and 48 plants. They will arrive as rooted plants in soil. Please unpack as soon as you receive them, water well, and keep in the shade for the first couple of days before planting. Planting Instructions: Choose a well-draining location with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight. Prepare the soil by incorporating compost or organic matter to improve fertility. A soil test ahead of time is a good idea to identify any nutrient gaps. Plant at a depth where the crown sits just at or slightly above the soil surface — burying the crown leads to rot, and planting too shallow causes roots to dry out. Space plants 12–15 inches apart. Cordial performs well in both plasticulture and matted-row systems. Water well after planting and maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing period. Full planting instructions will be included with your order. Non-GMO Commitment: At The Farm on Central, all our plants are guaranteed non-GMO and not genetically modified in any way, upholding natural breeding methods and promoting sustainable gardening and farming practices.
