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Released 2002. Fruit production is very early, earlier than Rubygem and continues throughout the season. Fruit is attractive glossy red, slightly firmer than Chandler, conical, medium-sized, with resistance to rain damage. Fruit will soften if over-fertilized. Well displayed and easily harvested, although some smalls similar to Kabarla may occur. For best flavour and sweetness, pick when fully ripe.
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A day-neutral variety and forms a medium dense, highly productive plant. Fruit is uniformly conical, red in colour, large and very glossy all season. Flesh is light red throughout. Higher production than Selva but fruit can be soft if the correct nutritional program is not followed. In frost-free regions, with the right care Lowanna will produce fruit almost all year round.
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Compared to Festival: early yield slightly less, total yield (to end Aug), slightly less, ease of harvest similar: Fruit , size larger, attractive, shape conic slightly rounded, resistance to bruising and abrasion similar to Rubygem, resistance to rain damage less than Rubygem, external colour paler than Rubygem, flavour/consumer acceptability good distinctive, 'vintage flavour'.
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This variety has an upright plant structure with large tall canopy than flower pedicels. Flowers and fruit tend to be inside the canopy due to shorter pedicels with large very visible calyx. Fruit production begins end of May in Queensland conditions and consistent throughout the season, Fruit size can be large to extra large, conic to short wedged shape and may be irregular at times, with bright red colored berries. Resistance to bruising and abrasion is similar to Aussie Gem and needs to be handled carefully. Fruit is prone to rain damage due to extra large calyx where water/moisture collects and cause fruit to rot. Also susceptible to frost damaging flowers/fruit resulting in deformed fruit shape. It also may require insect pollination for good fruit development. Fruit is not as sweet but less acidic compared to other varieties and consumer acceptability is yet to be established. This variety is suitable for home gardening situations.
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Fruit is large and one of the sweetest strawberries in Australia. Can be as early as Kabarla and produces high yields throughout the season. Softer, more tender and a little lighter in colour than Californian varieties. Texture is similar to Chandler. Resists rain damage. Fruit are well displayed and easily harvested. This variety has excellent consumer acceptability and is always very popular for local sales.
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A mid-season variety. Fruit production commences in early June. Fruit are exceptionally attractive red, glossy, conical, L to XL sized (20g), firm and resilient, with resistance to rain damage. Flesh is bright red, of low acidity, and excellent sweet flavour. Fruit are well displayed, and easily harvested. Eating quality is exceptionally high. Sugarbaby received the highest score in the Better Berries Field Day taste tests at Redlands in July 2003. Well suited to local niche market sales.
