
Green Strawberry
Fragaria viridis · Rosaceae
📷 Ivar Leidus · CC BY-SA 4.0
The gardener's calendar
Ideal time to plant green strawberry: set it out when the soil is neither frozen nor waterlogged, and water generously as it establishes.
ID card
- Foliage
- Deciduous, light green, trifoliate
- Flowering
- Spring (April-May)
- Fruits
- Small green strawberries at maturity
- Adult size
- 15-25 cm in height
- Growth
- Fast and ground-covering
- Hardiness
- Very hardy (down to -20°C)
- Origin
- Temperate Europe and Asia
- Soil type
- Well-draining, rich in humus
Care
Watering
Keep the soil regularly moist without waterlogging, especially during growth and fruiting periods. Water at the base of the plant to prevent leaf diseases. Reduce watering in winter during dormancy.
Sunlight
Place your green strawberry in a sunny location (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) to optimize fruiting and fruit flavor. Partial shade remains acceptable in hot regions. Avoid dense shade which would slow production.
Soil
Choose soil rich in organic matter, well-structured and draining. Prepare the ground with compost or potting soil before planting. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6 to 7) is ideal for this species.
Fertilizing
Apply a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer at the start of the growing season. An additional application during flowering promotes better fruiting. Favor organic fertilizers for more natural cultivation.
Pruning and maintenance
Regularly remove dead leaves and unwanted runners to maintain good air circulation. After harvest, clean the plant by removing senescent foliage. A light trim in autumn can help prepare for winter dormancy.
Diseases and pests
Watch for powdery mildew and botrytis, especially in humid conditions. Good spacing and adequate ventilation limit risks. Slugs and snails can damage leaves: inspect regularly and intervene preventatively if necessary.
Did you know?
Fragaria viridis was once considered a lesser-known wild variety compared to woodland strawberry, but botanists gradually distinguished it by its peculiar fruits that remain green at maturity and are slightly larger. In medieval Europe, all wild strawberries, including this one, were renowned for their medicinal properties and widely used in herbal medicine.
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.