---
title: Strawberry
---
# Strawberry
**Scientific Name**: Fragaria x ananassa
## Description
The strawberry is a widely appreciated fruit known for its sweet flavor, bright red color, and juicy texture. It is a perennial plant that produces small white flowers which develop into aggregate fruits. The fruit is actually a collection of numerous tiny "seeds" called achenes that are embedded on its surface.
## Where it Grows
- United States
- Mexico
- Spain
- Turkey
- Poland
- Japan
## Planting
### When
- **Spring**: Ideal for temperate climates after the last frost.
- **Fall**: Suitable for mild climates, allowing plants to establish before winter.
### How
1. Choose a well-drained location with full sun.
2. Prepare the soil by adding organic matter and maintaining a pH of 5.5 to 6.8.
3. Space the plants 12-18 inches apart in rows 3 feet apart.
4. Plant in holes deep enough to cover the root system without burying the crown.
## Care
### Watering
- Water consistently, about 1-2 inches per week, increasing during dry spells.
- Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.
### Thinning
- Thin out runners to encourage larger fruit production by leaving the strongest.
### Weeding
- Regularly remove weeds by hand or use mulch to suppress growth.
### Mulching
- Use straw or wood chips to retain moisture and control weeds.
### Fertilizing
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and side-dress as needed during the growing season.
### Pest Management
- Monitor for pests such as aphids, spider mites, and slugs.
- Use organic pesticides or introduce beneficial insects when needed.
### Harvesting
- Harvest when the berries are fully red and fragrant.
- Pick by gently twisting the stem above the fruit to avoid damage.
## Common Problems
- **Fungal diseases**: Such as powdery mildew and gray mold.
- **Insect pests**: Including aphids and spider mites.
- **Blight**: Leaf blight and fruit rot can affect yield.
## Nutrition
### Nutritional Benefits
- Rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
- Supports heart health and enhances skin health.
### Nutritional Composition (per 100g)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|------------------|----------|
| Calories | 32 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 7.68 g |
| Sugars | 4.89 g |
| Fiber | 2.0 g |
| Protein | 0.67 g |
| Fat | 0.3 g |
| Vitamin C | 58.8 mg |
| Calcium | 16 mg |
| Iron | 0.41 mg |
## Varieties of Strawberry
1. **June-bearing**: Standard variety producing a single large crop in late spring.
2. **Everbearing**: Produces fruit continuously throughout the growing season.
3. **Day-neutral**: Produces fruit irrespective of day length.
## Health Benefits
- Boosts immune function.
- May reduce the risk of chronic diseases through antioxidant properties.
- Promotes digestion due to high fiber content.
## Fun Facts
- Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside.
- A serving of strawberries can provide more vitamin C than an orange.
- The world's largest strawberry was grown in Japan, weighing in at 250 grams!