Monarch is a new cultivar (2023) and the first short-day cultivar to combine resistance to all three major soilborne diseases: Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora crown rot, and Verticillium wilt. As all three of these diseases have become an increasingly serious threat to growers working continuous strawberry ground, Monarch has been bred for resistance. It produces a similar yield to Fronteras but with slightly firmer fruit. Not the sweetest, but still has good, solid flavor. SHIPPING INFO: Strawberry plugs ship in Fall 2026. Hardiness Zones: 7–10 Key Features: Triple Disease Resistance: The first short-day variety with combined resistance to Fusarium wilt, Phytophthora crown rot, and Verticillium wilt — the three soilborne diseases causing the most damage in commercial strawberry production since the phase-out of methyl bromide fumigation. Excellent Yields: Very high yields with firm fruit and balanced flavor. Built for Mechanical Harvest: Upright, uniform plants that are best suited for mechanical harvesting, reducing labor costs and improving harvest efficiency for commercial operations. Strong Fit for Organic Production: Monarch's disease resistance package makes it particularly well-suited for organic and reduced-input systems where chemical soil treatments aren't an option. Pairs with Surfline: For growers building a Fusarium-resistant lineup, Monarch and Surfline make a natural pairing that covers the season with consistent disease protection. How are they sold? Monarch 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 in plasticulture beds. 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://research.ucdavis.edu/wp-content/uploads/UC-Monarch-Cultivar.pdf
