The beginning of the strawberry season in Huelva is marked by the use of potted plants, a technique some farms are adopting to help their plants mature faster and enter the market before large quantities of fruit arrive. Juanjo Contreras, the production manager at Las Posadillas, one of the leading farms in Mazagón, reviews the first results of this system, which they have implemented for the first time this season.
"This is our first year planting strawberries in pots, using the Felicity variety from Emco Cal, which we transplanted between September 24 and 26. Around October 10, we planted the rest of our crop, bringing our total to 90 hectares of strawberries. Our main varieties are Marimbella and Belvedere, along with Cleopatra, which is performing very well in Huelva. When managed properly, Cleopatra can help extend the season while producing high-quality fruit," he stated.
Growing the crop in pots, with increased leaf growth and a larger initial substrate volume, has clearly provided benefits: "We entered the market in November with our fruit from Huelva, and the kilos we've already sold have done very well and at a good price." However, what truly defines Las Posadillas is its steady production toward the end of the season, which it can extend into July.
"To achieve this, Las Posadillas relies on the Belvedere variety for its late harvest program. This variety extends the season into June or July, providing quality fruit at a time when we are almost alone from Huelva, with large fruit and high Brix levels that perform well in the German and French markets," he stated. Last year, he added, this variety was among the most resistant to botrytis after heavy rains in March.
A season start that confirms the sector's ongoing technical shift
This season's initial pot-grown strawberry output indicates a move toward more technical farming practices in the region, where every decision—such as planting times, plastic type, or variety choice—affects early harvesting, quality, and yields.
Las Posadillas will continue to monitor the pot's performance over the coming weeks. However, Juanjo's initial conclusion suggests they will keep using this method, at least as a supplement at the beginning of the season: "Being able to provide our clients with fruit in November, especially of such excellent quality, is both a great satisfaction and a significant benefit."
For more information:
Las Posadillas
Carretera Las Peñuelas s/n
(Road "Las Posadillas") 21130 Mazagón (Huelva)
Tel: 959 500 123
Email: [email protected]
https://lasposadillas.com/
