Virginia strawberry
Fragaria virginiana · Rosaceae
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant virginia strawberry: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, intense green, composed of three leaflets
- Flowering
- April to June, white or slightly pink flowers
- Fruits
- Red strawberries, small (0.5 to 1.5 cm), fragrant
- Adult size
- 15 to 20 cm in height, spreading habit
- Growth
- Fast, stoloniferous (lateral runners)
- Hardiness
- Very hardy, tolerates down to -20 °C
- Origin
- North America (United States and Canada)
- Soil type
- Well-draining, rich in organic matter, neutral to slightly acidic pH
Care
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist without waterlogging, especially during the growing season and fruiting period. In summer, water generously but let it dry slightly between waterings. Reduce watering after harvest and in winter.
Light exposure
Plant in full sun for optimal fruiting (at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight). The strawberry tolerates partial shade but produces fewer fruits and risks fungal diseases.
Soil and planting
Enrich the soil before planting with ripe compost or well-decomposed manure. Ensure excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Space plants 25 to 30 cm apart.
Fertilizing
Apply balanced fertilizer in spring when vegetation starts. During fruiting, favor potassium-rich fertilizer to enhance fruit quality. Avoid excess nitrogen which stimulates foliage at the expense of fruit production.
Maintenance and runners
Regularly remove dead or diseased leaves. You can control runner formation by removing them, or direct them to multiply plants. Clean up after harvest and leaf senescence.
Diseases and pests
Watch for powdery mildew and downy mildew in humid climates: space plants well and ensure good air circulation. Aphids and mites can infest the plant: intervene early with gentle solutions. Remove plants affected by rot to prevent spread.
Did you know?
The Virginia strawberry was the direct ancestor of most modern cultivated strawberries in Europe. Introduced to France in the 17th century from North America, it later cross-bred with the Chilean strawberry to create today's hybrids, much larger and more productive. Its small strawberries long delighted French royal gardens before being progressively replaced by their larger descendants.
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.