Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of strawberry plant (Fragaria.times.ananassa) named `NJ8614-2`, which is a short day cultivar similar to `Earliglow`, but which is exceptional for its disease resistance and its combination of early season harvest of very attractive large fruit, with high productivity. The plant is well adapted to matted-row, ribbon-row, and high density planting systems, and performs consistently in diverse environments. The fruit size is larger than that of `Earliglow`, the major cultivar in its season, and the fruit flavor is good.