Fragaria ananassa
Fragaria ananassa · Rosaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant fragaria ananassa: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, semi-evergreen depending on climate
- Flowering
- April-May, white or pink flowers
- Adult size
- 20 to 30 cm in height, spreading habit
- Growth
- Fast
- Hardiness
- Excellent, down to -20°C
- Origin
- Modern hybrid, North and South America
- Soil type
- Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic
- Production
- May to June (depending on region and variety)
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Strawberries need well-draining soil and renewal every 3 years: don't keep aging plants. Plant densely so fruits don't rot on the ground.
The common mistake
Letting runners become an untameable mess.
The pro's trick
Smother runners under mulch up to 5 cm as soon as they appear: very little maintenance after, fruits raised off ground, no grey mold.
Care
Regular and moderate watering
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, especially during flowering and fruiting phases. Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the foliage. During dry periods, watering 2 to 3 times per week is necessary. Reduce watering in autumn and winter.
Optimal light and exposure
Strawberries require a minimum of 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily for good fruit production. A location in full sun promotes sugar concentration and reduces fungal diseases. Avoid dense shade which slows fruiting.
Rich and well-structured soil
Prepare soil enriched with organic matter (compost or well-decomposed manure) before planting. A slightly acidic pH (6 to 6.5) is ideal. Ensure good drainage to prevent root rot and fruit decay in direct contact with soil.
Cleaning and stolon removal
Regularly remove diseased or overly dense leaves to improve air circulation. Runners (trailing stems) can be left to form young plants or removed to concentrate energy on fruiting. After harvest, thorough cleaning prepares the plant for winter dormancy.
Fertilization suited to the season
Apply a balanced fertilizer (NPK) in spring and when flower buds appear. Potassium promotes fruit quality and sweetness. Fertilizing every 3 to 4 weeks during growth and flowering is recommended.
Prevention of common diseases
Strawberries are susceptible to powdery mildew and gray mold in humid conditions. Regularly aerate the foliage and avoid excess nighttime humidity. Inspect regularly to detect aphids or spider mites, and remove affected fruits as soon as they appear.
Did you know?
The modern strawberry (Fragaria ananassa) is an accidental hybrid discovered in the 18th century in Brittany, resulting from a cross between two wild species: a Chilean strawberry (brought from South America) and a Virginia strawberry. This fortunate accident revolutionized fruit cultivation in Europe and gave birth to the strawberry as we know it today, much larger than its wild ancestors.
Where to buy it
Plant in spring or early autumn, avoiding spells of intense heat. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, April, May, September.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.