Villarica Strawberry Chilean Guava
Villarica Strawberry is a new-to-us Chilean Guava selection that we’re very excited to trial! This one collected by Paul Barney of Edulis Nursery at a rather high elevation in Pucon, Chile and named for the Villarica Volcano (pronounced “via-rica”) near the town. Berries are particularly large and red and plants have proven themselves more cold hardy than other selections. Hopefully this will expand the range where this precious and delicious species can be grown. Introduced to the US by the fine folks at the Far Reaches Botanical Conservancy.
Latin Name: Ugni molinae ‘Villarica Strawberry’
Site and Soil: 1/2 day to full sun in slightly acidic, well-drained soil.
Hardiness: We’re guessing this variety will be hardy to at least 5F, possibly lower?
Bearing Age: 2-3 years after planting
Size at Maturity: Villarica Strawberry grows 3-6 ft. in height
Bloom Time: May-June
Ripening Time: August-September
Yield: 15+ lbs.
Pests & Diseases: None that we’ve found here
USDA Zone: at least Zone 7b, possibly lower