Edible ornamentals are very en vogue. And even those who don’t have a garden are increasingly aware of the potential added value in the delectable plants in their balcony patio planters. Not only basic herbs like thyme, rosemary and lovage but also colourful veggies such as mangold, tomatoes and sweet peppers have become firm favourites in decorative balcony and patio pots and planters - and on the table as well. Not only healthy and full of vitamins, but also fresh and decorative at the same time: the new garden strawberry 'Toscana' (Fragaria x ananassa), bred by ABZ Seeds in the Netherlands, joins the product range. As a popular edible plant it fits the bill. Its thick growth of dark-pink blossoms, quickly replaced by a bounty of juicy red fruit, will make an attractive addition to every balcony. As compact plants in hanging baskets or planted in beds, this decorative summer beauty will attract all the attention. All that 'Toscana' needs is some loose humus substrate, regular watering and fertiliser once a month, and it will thank you with a constant supply of delicious-tasting berries. Hobby gardeners can reap up to one kilo of sugar-sweet strawberries from a single plant over the course of the summer. The fact that these attractive fruiting and flowering runners will be a hit in the market for edible ornamentals was proved when it won the 2011/12 FleuroStar contest. Judging criteria in this international competition include excellent breeding properties and especially the “wow” appeal of the plant with consumers. With this award-winning combination 'Toscana' beat its competitors hands down. From the spring of 2012 this garden strawberry will be offered in well-stocked garden centres everywhere. Particularly children will delight in picking their own healthy and delicious berries from May to September, right on their own balcony.

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