thermal → everbearer_strawberry_gdd
Everbearing strawberries do not behave like traditional June-bearing types. They have reduced dormancy dependence and a more temperature-driven flowering habit.
This page explains how to interpret GDD / GDH for everbearers safely and realistically.
As a result, thermal models must be interpreted differently.
Everbearers: - Still experience partial endodormancy - Usually require low to moderate chill - Exit dormancy earlier and more flexibly
Indicative chill ranges: - Utah Chill Units: ~150–300 CU - Dynamic Chill Portions: ~8–15 CP
These are guidance values, not strict thresholds.
Once dormancy is released, development becomes heat-responsive.
Typical patterns observed (after dormancy release):
| Approx. thermal accumulation | Development response |
|---|---|
| 0–50 GDD (≈ 0–1,200 GDH) | Leaf expansion resumes |
| 50–120 GDD (≈ 1,200–2,900 GDH) | First flowers visible |
| 120–250 GDD (≈ 2,900–6,000 GDH) | Fruit set and early harvest |
| Ongoing cycles | Repeated flowering every ~80–150 GDD |
GDH is especially valuable because: - Day/night patterns matter - Protected systems exaggerate temperature swings - Short warm spells can trigger flowering
GDH captures rate of change, not just seasonal progression.
Thermal time explains when things happen — not how well they happen.
For everbearers: - Use chill to confirm dormancy release - Use GDD/GDH to anticipate cycles, not fixed dates - Expect variability between flushes
Everbearers reward observation as much as modelling.