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Fragaria

Common name: Garden strawberry

Fragaria A genus of low-growing, perennial herbs in the rose family, native mostly to the temperate Northern Hemisphere and best known for the strawberry. Strawberries spread by above-ground runners that root to form new plants, and their fleshy red 'fruits' are actually swollen receptacles dotted with tiny true fruits called achenes. The garden strawberry, Fragaria × ananassa, is an accidental hybrid of two American species that arose in 18th-century Europe and now accounts for nearly all commercial production.

Care summary

Sun Full sun, at least 6 hours per day
Water Keep consistently moist, especially during fruiting
Soil Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.8–6.5)
Hardiness
Mature height
Pet safe

Fun facts

  • First bred in 18th-century Brittany from wild strawberries
  • Not a true berry by botanical definition

Common problems

    • Mulch with straw under the fruit
    • Space plants for good air flow
    • Pick ripe berries promptly and often
    • Net plants as fruit starts coloring
    • Set beer traps or slug pellets
    • Harvest berries as soon as ripe
    • Plant in full sun with airflow
    • Avoid wetting foliage when watering
    • Remove badly infected leaves promptly
    • Remove excess runners each season
    • Replace plants every three years
    • Thin rows to renew the bed