How to Grow Magoon Strawberry
Wikimedia Commons
Magoon Strawberry
Fragaria × ananassa 'Magoon'
fruitMagoon is a popular June-bearing strawberry variety known for its large, firm, dark red berries with excellent flavor and disease resistance. Originally bred in Germany, it produces reliable yields and stores well, making it a favorite for both home gardeners and commercial growers. The plants are vigorous and relatively low-maintenance.
When should you plant Magoon Strawberry in your zone?
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Example Magoon Strawberry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Magoon Strawberry
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Magoon Strawberry
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Magoon Strawberry dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-8, with best performance in zones 5-7
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Get my Magoon Strawberry timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
3-4 weeksYoung plants develop a root system and establish leaf growth. Crowns are visible at soil surface with 2-4 small leaves.
Keep soil consistently moist; remove any flowers that appear to direct energy to root development. Mulch around plants.
Vegetative Growth
6-8 weeksPlants produce multiple leaves and runners. Foliage becomes lush and vigorous with dark green color.
For matted-row systems, allow runners to establish; for hill systems, remove runners. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.
Flowering
2-4 weeksWhite flowers with yellow centers appear on flower stalks above the foliage. Multiple flower clusters develop per plant.
Ensure consistent watering and adequate potassium. Protect from late frosts if they occur. Remove any weak or damaged flowers.
Fruiting
3-5 weeksFlowers develop into large, firm berries that ripen from white/green to deep red. Berries are distinctly large and heart-shaped.
Water regularly to prevent fruit cracking. Use straw mulch under berries to prevent soil contact. Monitor for pests.
Post-Harvest
2-3 monthsAfter harvest, plants redirect energy to runner production and vegetative growth. Foliage remains healthy through season.
Remove old leaves and dead runners. Apply balanced fertilizer to support next year's crop. Manage weeds and pests.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticides if severe; ensure adequate humidity and air circulation
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Remove debris; use row covers early season; apply nematodes to soil; chemical control if needed
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Ensure good air circulation; avoid wetting foliage; remove affected berries immediately; fungicide if severe
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Remove infested flower buds; use row covers; insecticidal sprays at bud stage if needed
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Improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; sulfur dust or fungicide spray if needed
Uses
Fresh eating and desserts
CulinaryMagoon berries have excellent flavor and firm texture, making them ideal for fresh consumption, shortcake, and other desserts. Their large size and deep red color make them visually appealing. [source]
Preserves and jam
CulinaryThe high pectin content and firm structure make Magoon strawberries excellent for making jam, jelly, and preserves with good gel set. [source]
Commercial production
HouseholdMagoon is widely grown commercially for fresh market sales due to its disease resistance, yield, and shipping quality. Popular in European and North American markets. [source]
Nutritional and antioxidant benefits
MedicinalStrawberries are rich in vitamin C, ellagic acid, and anthocyanins, supporting immune function and providing antioxidant benefits. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeStrawberry flowers attract bees, butterflies, and other pollinators, making them beneficial for supporting garden ecosystems. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Magoon strawberries typically ripen in June (main season) and should be harvested when fully red. Pick berries in the morning when they are coolest; hold the stem and gently twist. Harvest every 1-2 days at peak ripeness. The variety has excellent shelf life and firmness, making it ideal for storage and transport. Berries will not ripen further after picking, so wait for complete color development.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Magoon was bred in Germany in the 1960s and became especially popular in European markets for its superior firmness and disease resistance compared to many other June-bearing varieties.
- 🌱 Unlike everbearing varieties, June-bearing Magoon produces its entire annual crop in a concentrated 3-4 week period, allowing for efficient harvesting and making it ideal for fresh market sales.
- 🌱 Strawberry plants are technically not true berries botanically; the red fleshy part is the receptacle, and the true fruits are the tiny seeds on the surface.
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