Mild winter conditions have Texas’ strawberry crop flowering and fruiting before the possible threat of a killing freeze has passed, according to a Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service expert.
Larry Stein, AgriLife Extension horticulturist and associate department head, Department of Horticultural Sciences, Uvalde, said strawberries and other plants and trees in much of the state are reacting to warmer-than-usual temperatures and sunshine.
Strawberry plants planted in September and October are already being harvested in a few spots, he said.
Stein said he recently visited Poteet, which is known for its strawberry production and annual festival to celebrate the fruit, and noticed plants were ahead of schedule.
“I saw fruit sets and lots of flowers,” he said. “Some producers were already harvesting a bit. It looks like they’re off to a good start.”
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