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Victor is a short-day (June-bearing) cultivar producing large, exceptionally firm fruit that resists postharvest handling damage. It performs best when fall-planted, with production concentrated in the shorter days of spring and fall, and yields about twice as much as Chandler. The variety does better under organic than conventional management, has good resistance to Fusarium wilt, and is moderately resistant to Phytophthora crown rot (moderately susceptible to Verticillium wilt and charcoal rot).
Price range: $34.00 through $549.00
Shipping times ·Fall orders: Mid October – December 15Spring orders: January 15 – June 1Dormant crowns ship at your zone’s planting window.
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UCD Victor is a newer short-day strawberry released by the University of California, Davis in 2019. It was specifically selected for high marketable yields, very firm fruit, extended shelf life and resistance to Fusarium wilt. Although the current ION product metadata labels Victor as day-neutral, UC Davis and UC IPM classify it as a short-day cultivar.
Victor produces a concentrated crop during short-day conditions rather than continuously fruiting throughout the growing season. It is particularly well suited to fall planting because the plants can establish before entering their main spring production period.
One of Victor’s standout characteristics is fruit firmness. UC Davis trials found Victor fruit substantially firmer than Fronteras, while its breeding program specifically selected for resistance to bruising and post-harvest deterioration. This makes the berries particularly useful where fruit handling and storage are important.
Victor also has strong resistance to Fusarium wilt and moderate resistance to Verticillium wilt. UC Davis research found that Victor can produce high yields comparable to Fronteras and significantly greater yields than some other cultivars tested. The variety has also performed well in organic production systems.
For home gardeners, Victor is an appealing choice when the priorities are firm fruit, concentrated production, good shelf life and strong disease resistance.
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1
Soak crowns 20–30 minutes, set the crown at soil level — never buried — 12″ apart.
2
Keep new plantings evenly moist for the first month; drip irrigation once established.
3
Compost at planting, then a balanced organic fertilizer as flowering ramps up.
4
Pinch the first blossoms, remove runners you don’t need, renovate the bed each year.
Preorders ship dormant at the correct planting window for your zone.
Orders are confirmed immediately; plants ship in the season you select above.
| Season | Ship window |
|---|---|
| Fall 2026 orders | Mid October – December 15 |
| Spring 2027 orders | January 15 – June 1 |
Yes. Victor is a short-day strawberry variety, meaning its flowering and fruit production are influenced by shorter day lengths. It produces a seasonal crop rather than continuous day-neutral production.
Victor produces large strawberries with exceptionally firm fruit. Its firm texture is one of the variety’s notable characteristics.
Yes. Victor performs well in organic growing systems and can be a good choice for gardeners and growers using organic production methods.
The ideal planting time depends on your climate. In suitable regions, fall planting can give Victor plants the chilling and establishment period they need before their main fruiting season.
Victor has good resistance to Fusarium wilt and moderate resistance to Phytophthora crown rot. It has some susceptibility to other diseases, so good drainage, airflow and general plant care remain important.
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Victor
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The plants themselves were excellent quality, well packaged and clearly cared for. Shipping took a couple extra days but customer service kept me updated the whole time.