How to Grow Mara des Bois Strawberry
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Mara des Bois Strawberry
Fragaria × ananassa 'Mara des Bois'
fruitMara des Bois is a French everbearing strawberry variety prized for its exceptional flavor and aromatic qualities. It produces medium-sized berries with a deep red color and distinctive fragrance throughout the growing season. This cultivar is ideal for home gardeners seeking premium-quality strawberries with extended harvest periods.
When should you plant Mara des Bois Strawberry in your zone?
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Example Mara des Bois Strawberry timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Mara des Bois 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 Mara des Bois Strawberry
Around Aug 15≈ 120 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Mara des Bois Strawberry dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 4-9, with best performance in zones 5-8
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Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeksPlants develop runner shoots and expand foliage canopy. Leaves are bright green and trifoliate.
For matted row systems, allow runners to fill spacing. For hill systems, remove runners. Maintain consistent watering. Apply balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks.
Flowering
2-3 weeks per flush (multiple flushes throughout season)Small white or pale pink flowers appear on flower stems above foliage.
Ensure adequate pollination by maintaining bee-friendly conditions. Do not remove flowers at this stage. Reduce nitrogen fertilizer to promote fruiting over leafy growth.
Fruiting & Ripening
3-4 weeks per flushBerries develop from flowers, progressing from green to light pink to deep red as they ripen. Berries are medium-sized with excellent flavor when fully ripe.
Continue consistent watering. Ensure straw mulch is present to keep berries off soil. Monitor for pests and diseases. Provide shade cloth in zones 8-9 during peak heat.
Maintenance & Renewal
2-3 weeks between flushesBetween flushes, plants focus on runner production and leaf renewal. Everbearing varieties produce 3-4 flushes per season.
Remove old or damaged leaves. Continue regular feeding and watering. Remove runners if using hill system. Dead-head spent flower clusters to redirect energy.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with water to dislodge; use miticide if severe. Maintain humidity to discourage mites.
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs.
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Remove by hand, especially in evening. Use copper tape barriers or food-grade diatomaceous earth around plants.
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Remove affected leaves. Use row covers early in season. Avoid excessive nitrogen.
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Ensure good air circulation. Apply sulfur dust or fungicide if needed. Water at soil level, not foliage.
Uses
Fresh Eating & Desserts
CulinaryMara des Bois is renowned for its exceptional aromatic flavor with complexity and depth. Perfect for fresh consumption, fruit salads, tarts, and gourmet desserts. [source]
Jam & Preserves
CulinaryThe high pectin and sugar content make Mara des Bois ideal for homemade jams, preserves, and compotes with rich flavor. [source]
Nutritional Health
MedicinalRich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and ellagic acid, strawberries support immune function and may have anti-inflammatory properties. [source]
Natural Skincare
HouseholdStrawberry seeds and flesh can be used in face masks and skincare preparations due to natural acids and antioxidants. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeStrawberry flowers attract bees and beneficial insects, making them valuable for pollinator gardens. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick berries when fully red and fragrant, ideally in the morning after dew dries. Gently twist and pull from the stem, or use pruning shears. Mara des Bois produces multiple flushes (typically 3-4) from June through September in most zones. Everbearing varieties produce fruit until first frost. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production. Berries are best eaten fresh within 2-3 days but can be refrigerated for up to a week.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Mara des Bois was developed in France and the name means 'Mara of the woods,' referring to its forest-like flavor intensity.
- 🌱 Unlike most everbearing strawberries, Mara des Bois produces fruit with exceptional aromatic compounds similar to wild strawberries, making it highly prized by culinary professionals.
- 🌱 Strawberries are unique among fruits in having their seeds on the outside of the fruit; they are technically accessory fruits derived from the flower's receptacle.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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