Key metrics — Watsonville 2026 · Open field
Season yield
3,305g / plant
From Aug 1
823g / plant
Late-season yield
Fruit size
28.3g / berry
23.2 g from Aug 1
Firmness
1.16lb / in²
Artesia was bred for organic ground, where disease resistance has to do the work fungicides can’t.
Organic growers report strong marketable yield, firmness and appearance against other commercial varieties.
Trial record · Watsonville, California
Watsonville, California, 2026 season. Open field. Artesia averaged 3,305 g per plant.
Show monthly numbers
| Month | Artesia · g / plant | Alturas · g / plant | Artesia · g / berry | Alturas · g / berry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar | 97 | 125 | 41.2 | 50.8 |
| Apr | 462 | 421 | 32.5 | 39.0 |
| May | 572 | 612 | 29.7 | 38.0 |
| Jun | 733 | 889 | 30.2 | 34.5 |
| Jul | 619 | 767 | 26.2 | 30.1 |
| Aug | 374 | 475 | 23.6 | 27.1 |
| Sep | 449 | 364 | 22.6 | 24.1 |
All cultivars in this trial — Watsonville 2026 (g / plant)
| Cultivar | Season yield | Yield from Aug 1 | Fruit size | Size from Aug 1 | Firmness lb/in² |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweet Carolina | 3,844 | 853 | 28.6 g | 22.0 g | 1.22 |
| Alturas | 3,653 | 839 | 33.4 g | 25.7 g | 1.01 |
| Carpinteria | 3,413 | 784 | 30.7 g | 23.1 g | 1.12 |
| Artesia (this cultivar) | 3,305 | 823 | 28.3 g | 23.2 g | 1.16 |
| Brisbane | 3,237 | 820 | 29.1 g | 23.7 g | 1.07 |
Growing Artesia
Planting
Santa Maria: October 15–30. Salinas and Watsonville: October 25 – November 15.
Chill
2–3 weeks of supplemental chill, especially under organic management. Bloom comes early, so start bloom removal and sprays to match.
Fertility
Build organic programs around soil health and slow-release nutrients, and test soil regularly.
Disease
Resistant to Fusarium and Verticillium; moderate resistance to Macrophomina. Use organic-approved spray programs.
