Elsanta is a very sturdy strawberry with a good flavour and a strong aroma. This variety is ideally suited to both the grower and the market through its form, high productivity, sturdiness, and long shelf life.
Elsanta is a very appropriate choice for a wide range of growing conditions but is difficult to force strongly to get a very early crop. It is also particularly appropriate for home growing.
The variety was selected in 1975 at the then IVT, now Plant Research International B.V., from a cross between 'Gorella' and 'Holiday'.
Elsanta is protected by plant breeders' rights and is available under licence from the strawberry nurseries.
| Productivity |
Very high, with a high percentage first quality fruit. |
| Growth |
Strong and reasonably broad, sufficiently open with long, sturdy trosses. The fruits are particularly quick and easy to pick. |
| Flowering |
Reasonably large flowers with well-developed anthers. Anthers from the first flowers often poor. |
| Ripening |
Later than 'Elvira' and earlier than 'Bogota'. |
| Cultivation |
Elsanta is suitable for all applications, from early to rather late. |
| Diseases |
Slightly prone to mildew and grey mold, rather susceptible to crown rot, susceptible to red core and Colletotrichum and very susceptible to Verticillium wilt. Sensitive to frost. |
| Fruit quality |
Robust, non-fragile, juicy, keeps well, good flavour and with a strong aroma. |
| Fruit appearance |
Large, uniform, rounded conical, shiny red. Occasionally poor setting at the tip. |
Elsanta® is a registered trademark