Rosa Linda - Variety Description

In 1997, the University of Florida released the strawberry variety, the Rosa Linda. As in the case of the Sweet Charlie variety, the Rosa Linda enters into production early in the season. In the first year of commercial trials, the Rosa Linda had a greater early season (December to February) yield than Oso Grande. Its total seasonal production was comparable to Sweet Charlie.

The Rosa Linda produces fruit that has a bright red color with a deeper red blush around the achenes. Ripening is uniform, although mature fruit may have green tips early in the season. Primary fruit from the first flowering may vary in shape. However, the second and subsequent flower cycles have a uniformly conical shape and a consistent uniformity of color. Fruit flesh is bright red throughout. The fruit has a firmness and flavor intensity that is similar to the Sweet Charlie. It is full-bodied and aromatic.

Rosa Linda grows as an upright plant. The fruit is visible and easily harvested. The fruit stalks are similar in length to those of Sweet Charlie but are stiffer.

Rosa Linda appears to be less susceptible to angular leaf spot (Xanthomonas fragariae) but more susceptible to anthracnose (Colletotrichum spp.) than Sweet Charlie. Powdery mildew and two-spotted spider mites have not been a serious problem with the Rosa Linda variety under Florida growing conditions.