Strawberries are very popular as ice-creams, cakes, milkshakes and other such desserts worldwide. The fruit is very popular owing to its nutritional quality, color, aroma, texture and of course, its taste. Artificial flavoring is also used in cosmetics, hand sanitizers, candies, etc.
The cultivation and production of strawberries is a fairly global industry, except in those countries with the coldest climate. However, the quality, flavor, and vitamin content of the berries are linked directly to the part of the world where they are grown. The ideal growing climate for strawberries is one where they are exposed to warm, sunny days and cool nights.
Strawberry needs a temperate climate for cultivation although some of the varieties can grow in subtropical climate. They are short day plants. During flower formation, they need a photoperiod (sunlight) of eight to twelve hours for about ten days. They are dormant and do not grow during winters. Winter is followed by spring when the days grow longer. Therefore, the plants get sunlight initiating flower development. However, in case of varieties grown in sub-tropical regions wherein winters are mild the plants continue to grow.