Keepsake is a mid-season short-day variety from the USDA Beltsville breeding program (released 2019) and a sibling to the well-regarded Flavorfest. Where Flavorfest wins on aromatic complexity, Keepsake wins on sweetness and shelf life. With the highest soluble solids of any cultivar tested in USDA trials at 8.8% Brix, it is meaningfully sweeter than Flavorfest and most other varieties you'll find. Add in exceptional firmness and some of the best cold storage performance in the game, and Keepsake becomes a very compelling variety for growers who sell wholesale, at farmers markets, or through retail channels where shelf life matters. SHIPPING INFO: Strawberry plugs ship in Fall 2026. Hardiness Zones: 4–8 (Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, Northeast, Upper South) Key Features: Exceptionally Sweet: At 8.8% Brix, Keepsake recorded the highest soluble solids of any cultivar in USDA testing—noticeably sweeter than Flavorfest, Chandler, and most other popular varieties. Customers who prioritize sweetness will gravitate toward these berries. Outstanding Shelf Life: Last much longer in cold storage or on the shelves than most strawberry varieties. Very Firm Fruit: Tough skin and firm flesh make Keepsake easy to handle, transport, and display without bruising or breakdown. Perfect Flavorfest Companion: Keepsake and Flavorfest are a natural pairing for mid-season production, both very sweet but covering two different flavor profiles. How are they sold? Keepsake 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. 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. Photo Credit: https://www.ars.usda.gov/news-events/news/research-news/2019/a-new-ars-strawberry-is-a-keepsake/
