West Coast Seeds
West Coast Seeds (Regina)
West Coast Seeds (Regina)
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Fragaria vesca. Regina alpine strawberries are easy to grow from seed. The plant produces small, delicate, bright red fruits from summer until the first frost over several seasons. The berries are incredibly sweet, with a uniquely rich and fruity flavour. During the summer they can be picked almost daily. This productive ever-bearing variety works well in containers or raised beds in full sun to partial shade. The abundant and short-lived white flowers are also highly attractive to bees.
The alpine strawberry, or European strawberry, (AKA fraise des bois), is a perennial herbaceous plant that grows naturally throughout much of North America, and is a favourite of foragers everywhere. It is also known as wild strawberries, or the woodland strawberry.
| Latin Name |
Fragaria vescaNumerous hybrids exist listed as F. x ananassa |
| Difficulty | Moderately easy |
| Exposure |
Full sun to partial shade |
| Matures | 85 days |
| Spouting | 7-42 days |
| Starting |
Seal strawberry seed packets in a plastic bag or airtight container and place in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks. Remove the bag or container from the refrigerator and allow the seeds to reach room temperature over a day or two before breaking the seal. Opening the package too quickly may result in water condensing on the cold seeds, and this will reduce your chances of success. Then, sow the seeds on the surface of pre-moistened, seed starting mix in trays or small containers. Keep the seeded trays under bright fluorescent lights at a constant temperature of 18-24°C (65-75°F). Ensure the seed starting mix stays moist. Germination may take anywhere from 7 to 42 days. Once seeds germinate, increase ventilation to prevent damping off. |
| Growing |
When seedlings have their third true leaf, they can be transplanted into their own pots. Be sure to harden the seedlings off gradually before transplanting outside. Space transplants 60cm (24”) apart in rows 90-120cm (36-48”) apart. Grow strawberries in a well-drained, sandy loam that has been generously dug with organic matter such as finished compost or well-rotted manure. Dig 60mL (1/4 cup) complete organic fertilizer into the soil beneath each transplant. Keep soil moist, but not soggy. A mulch of straw around plants may help prevent the soil from drying out. |
Deliciously sweet
Perennial
Will produce fruit the first year
Works well in containers
Easy to germinate and propagate
