Sparkle is a late-season June-bearing strawberry introduced in New Jersey in 1942 and a longtime favorite for preserves and freezing. The vigorous, hardy plants runner freely and produce heavy crops of medium-sized, glossy, deep red berries with a classic sweet, old-fashioned strawberry flavor. Although the berries tend to grow smaller as the picking season progresses, their intense flavor and rich color make Sparkle a top choice for jam, where taste matters more than size. Very cold hardy and dependable, it has remained popular in northern gardens for generations. Gardeners who prioritize flavor and preserving quality over large modern berry size continue to plant Sparkle as a reliable, classic variety.
Flavor Profile
Classic, sweet old-fashioned strawberry flavor, especially prized for making richly flavored jam and preserves.
Visual Characteristics
Medium, glossy, deep red berries that shrink somewhat late in the season, on freely runnering plants.
Growing Tips
A hardy, late June-bearer that runners heavily; thin the matted row to hold berry size and reduce fruit rot.
Resistance Information
Disease Resistance
No significant disease resistance; very cold hardy.
Where to Buy
Sourcing information coming soon. Check local nurseries and seed banks for availability.