There are many strawberry cultivars, with flavors that vary by variety and growing conditions.
However, not all of them are sweet.
Some varieties are tart, while others are a mix of sweetness and tartness.
Here are strawberry varieties to consider if you enjoy sweet fruit. This is a selection, not a measured sweetness ranking.
12 Strawberry Varieties to Consider
Ripeness and growing conditions matter when choosing flavorful strawberries.
Fruit size alone does not tell you how sweet a strawberry will taste. University of Minnesota Extension advises harvesting at full ripeness for the best flavor and sugar levels.
Now, let us turn our attention specifically to the different varieties of strawberries that are very sweet.
1. Alpine Strawberries
Alpine strawberries are small and often valued for their concentrated aroma and flavor.
Mignonette is one alpine strawberry cultivar, not another name for every alpine strawberry.
The fruits have a conical structure, and they don’t grow too big.
Though small, they are intensely sweet and flavorful.
It further helps that these strawberries are prolific producers, so you get plenty of fruit during the harvesting period.
Many alpine strawberry cultivars fruit over an extended season when conditions are suitable; the exact pattern varies by cultivar and climate.
Each plant produces fewer runners than other varieties, but they bear plenty of fruits.
2. Ozark Beauty Strawberries
These strawberries are aptly named because of how pretty the fruits look.
These strawberry plants were developed in Arkansas as an everbearing variety of strawberries.
The fruits look incredibly beautiful, with glossy red skin and yellow seeds.
Ozark Beauty strawberries are adaptable plants that grow in a variety of temperatures and soil conditions.
Choose planting material suited to your region and check resistance to the particular diseases found there.
The fruits are very sweet and perfect for snacking.
They have an intense honey-like sweetness and medium to firm texture.
3. Honeoye Strawberries
Honeoye strawberries are June-bearing strawberries that produce large and firm orange-red fruits in abundance.
This plant is one of the heaviest producers in the strawberry family.
The ample produce and the rich flavors of Honeoye strawberries make it one of the most commercially viable breeds.
The fruits grow to almost the same size during the harvest season, and they have a concentrated sweetness.
They are good for snacking as well as cooking.
Honeoye strawberry plants are resilient and adapt to a variety of growing conditions.
4. Camino Real Strawberries
Camino Real is a short-day cultivar released by UC Davis in 2001. It produces firm, dark red fruit.
Disease resistance is specific, not universal. The UC IPM cultivar table shows different resistance and susceptibility ratings for different diseases. Check those ratings against the problems in your growing area.
Use ripe fruit fresh or in cooked dishes. Taste will vary with ripeness and growing conditions rather than a guaranteed position in a sweetness ranking.
5. Earliglow Strawberries
As the name suggests, Earliglow strawberries are early producers.
The fruits grow to medium size and develop beautiful, well-balanced flavors.
Harvest Earliglow when fully ripe for good flavor; medium size is not a universal sweetness test.
Earliglow is known as an early-season cultivar, although local conditions determine harvest dates.
Other appealing characteristics of this fruit include its conical shape and excellent sweet flavor.
This variety is commonly used in jams and preserves for its intense flavors.
6. Rosie Strawberries
Rosie is one of the sweetest early varieties of strawberries.
Early harvest does not necessarily mean tart fruit; taste depends on ripeness and growing conditions.
It’s easy to grow and vigorously produces fruits during the growing season.
Rosie is an early-season option; the harvest month depends on location and conditions.
They look very appealing with their glossy red skin and even conical shape.
They are great for eating raw but are just as good to cook with.
7. Elvira Strawberries
Elvira is an early variety of strawberries that originated in Europe.
The plant produces large, juicy fruits with excellent flavor.
Elvira’s harvest dates and yield depend on location and growing conditions.
The plants grow tall and are best grown outdoors.
The fruits are bright red with a slight vermillion hue that acts as a distinguishing characteristic.
They are juicy and can taste mild; that does not mean the fruit contains no acid.
Disease performance depends on the pathogen and growing conditions; use local cultivar guidance.
8. Talisman Strawberries
Talisman is a British strawberry variety that isn’t usually seen in supermarkets.
The plants produce medium-sized deep red strawberries.
Their fragrance is part of their appeal, although supermarket strawberry varieties can also be aromatic when ripe.
The plant is characterized by dark green foliage, and the fruits are rich and flavorful.
They have a soft melt-in-the-mouth texture, making them one of the finest and sweetest strawberries you can find.
9. Rhapsody Strawberries
Rhapsody is an indigenous variety from Scotland with fine sweet flavors.
Flowering and fruit production depend on the season and growing conditions.
The fruits, however, appear and ripen only by late summer.
The fruits are long and firm. These strawberries are a favorite because of their deliciously indulgent flavors.
They are full-bodied with well-balanced flavors and taste sweet and complex.
These strawberries are fragrant, which further enhances their appeal.
They are good for eating as well as for cooking.
10. Sparkle Strawberries
Sparkle strawberries are star fruits that shine wherever they go.
These fruits not only look beautiful but also taste great.
They have a beautiful red color and a rich and fragrant aroma adding to their appeal.
These strawberries are widely-preferred for making high-quality jams and preserves.
They are also used for fruit displays and on cheese boards.
11. Sequoia Strawberries
Sequoia strawberry is a hybrid variety that is specifically adapted to the climate of California.
Sequoia strawberries are soft and plump with a beautiful red color.
These strawberries are highly desirable because of their complex flavor.
Not only are they sweet but also bursting with flavors and fragrances.
This variety is a favorite with home gardeners because they can be grown in containers.
Provide well-drained soil and conditions suited to the cultivar. Poor drainage or an unsuitable climate can limit production.
They can be eaten raw and used to make different desserts, jams, and fruit preserves.
Interesting Further Reading: A Pineapple-Like Strawberry | Can Juicers Remove Seeds?
12. Sweet Charlie Strawberries
Sweet Charlie is one of the most vigorously growing strawberry plants.
Yield and harvest duration depend on the climate and how the crop is managed.
Due to their prolific growth and hardiness, these strawberries are grown commercially.
The plant still needs suitable irrigation, nutrition and disease monitoring.
Availability depends on the region and season.
The fruits are large and very sweet. They have a firm texture.
You can cook with them and use them in pies and preserves.
However, it’s important to use Sweet Charlie strawberries quickly after harvesting since they don’t have a long shelf life.
