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Strawberry

Fragaria x ananassa · Rosaceae

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​

Planting​

When to Plant​

  • Spring: Ideal for temperate climates after the last frost.
  • Fall: Suitable for mild climates, allowing plants to establish before winter.

How to Plant​

  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.

Planting Calendar​

  • Plant outdoors: from 4 weeks before the last frost until the last frost
  • Autumn planting: 6–8 weeks before the first autumn frost
Plant
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Strawberry
Plant out: Mar 13 – Apr 16Autumn planting: Aug 30 – Sep 19Harvest: May 12 – Sep 4
Plant out Autumn planting HarvestBased on zone 6: last frost around Apr 10, first frost around Oct 25.
  • Plant out: Mar 13 – Apr 16
  • Autumn planting: Aug 30 – Sep 19
  • Harvest: May 12 – Sep 4

Plan several plants together, or use your own frost dates →

Care​

Watering​

  • Water consistently, about 1-2 inches per week, increasing during dry spells.
  • Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases.

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.

Thinning​

  • Thin out runners to encourage larger fruit production by leaving the strongest.

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.

Growing in Containers​

Grows well in a pot of at least 5 litres (1.3 US gallons), with drainage holes. Best kept outdoors.

Propagation​

From runners​

  1. Choose a healthy parent plant.
  2. Pin a runner's young plantlet onto soil or into a small pot.
  3. Keep the soil moist while roots develop.
  4. Cut the rooted plantlet from the runner.
  5. Transplant it with its crown at soil level.

By division​

  1. Lift a healthy plant with several crowns.
  2. Separate the crowns, keeping roots attached to each.
  3. Replant each division with its crown at soil level.
  4. Water thoroughly.

From seed​

  1. Choose seed, especially for alpine strawberries.
  2. Sow it on the surface of moist seed-starting mix.
  3. Keep it moist until seedlings emerge.
  4. Pot up seedlings once they have true leaves.
  5. Harden them off before planting outdoors.

Companion Plants​

Good neighbors

  • Borage: Its flowers attract bees that can also pollinate nearby strawberry blossoms.
  • Lettuce: It can be harvested from spaces between young strawberry plants before their foliage fills in.

Keep apart from

  • Tomatoes: Avoid planting strawberries where tomatoes have grown because both can host Verticillium wilt.
  • Potatoes: Avoid planting strawberries where potatoes have grown because both can host Verticillium wilt.

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.

Pests and diseases: Gray Mold, Powdery Mildew, Slugs and Snails, Birds, Verticillium Wilt

Nutrition​

Nutritional Benefits​

  • Rich source of vitamin C and antioxidants.
  • Supports heart health and enhances skin health.

Nutritional Composition (per 100g)​

NutrientAmount
Calories32 kcal
Carbohydrates7.68 g
Sugars4.89 g
Fiber2.0 g
Protein0.67 g
Fat0.3 g
Vitamin C58.8 mg
Calcium16 mg
Iron0.41 mg

Varieties​

  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!