Fragaria
( frah - GAR - ee - uh )
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At-A-Glance InformationCommonly called Strawberry, this genus of herbaceous perennial plants includes species native to North America, Europe, and Asia. Fragaria require consistent moisture in the garden and full sun to perform well in the garden. Plants are low-growing and spread via runners. Leaves are green and trifoliate and flowers are white with yellow centers. These plants can be grown as a groundcover, as a member of edible or wildlife gardens, or in containers.
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Fragaria species and varietals
The genus Fragaria includes 20 species and is a member of the plant family Rosaceae. Strawberries grow well in USDA hardiness zones 3-10, though this varies somewhat depending on the species cultivated. For more information, see the descriptions below. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Fragaria x ananassa (Strawberry, Garden Strawberry)
This species is a cultivated hybrid between species Fragaria virginiana and Fragaria chiloensis. It is grown and celebrated worldwide for its sweet, aromatic, juicy red fruits.
This species is a cultivated hybrid between species Fragaria virginiana and Fragaria chiloensis. It is grown and celebrated worldwide for its sweet, aromatic, juicy red fruits.
'Albion'
Day-neutral variety; large, sweet fruits. |
'Camarosa'
Commercially grown; large, firm berries. |
'Chandler'
Consistent producer with large, tasty fruits. |
'Festival'
Good for tropical areas, early producer. |
'Galletta'
Early-season producer, high yields. |
'Jewel'
Large, glossy berries with good disease-resistant. Temperate climates. |
'Ozark Beauty'
Classic variety, everbearing. High yield. |
'Pink Panda'
Ornamental; grown for its pink flowers. |
'Red Ruby'
Ornamental; with reddish pink flowers. |
'Ruby Ann'
An ornamental cultivar with red flowers. |
'Sonata'
Uniform, sweet juicy berries. |
'Sweet Charlie'
Sweet fruits with low acidity. |
'Toscana'
Ornamental-edible with pink flowers and sweet fruits. |
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Fragaria x bringhurstii (Hybrid Wild Strawberry, Bringhurst's Strawberry) This species is native to the West Coast of the United States, and is a natural hybrid between species Fragaria vesca and Fragaria chiloensis. Individual plants reach up to 8 inches tall and produce thick, leathery leaves. These plants have a spreading habit, utilizing runners to form colonies. It thrives near coastlines, and grows well in USDA hardiness zones 5-9. |
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Fragaria cascadensis (Cascade Strawberry, Wild Strawberry, Cascades Strawberry) This species is native to the Cascade Mountains, and was first described in 2012. It produces trifoliate green leaves that have hairs on their upper surface. Flowers are white and fruits are red, maturing in August. |
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Fragaria chiloensis (Coastal Strawberry, Beach Strawberry, Chilean Strawberry) This species of wild strawberry is native to the coasts of the Pacific Ocean in North and South America. Individual plants reach up to between 6 and 12 inches tall and produce white flowers in spring and summertime. Fruits are small and red. Foliage and stems can be covered in long hairs. |
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Fragaria moschata (Musk Strawberry, Hautboy Strawberry, Hautbois Strawberry) This hardy species is native to Europe and is grown commercially on a small scale in Italy. Fruits are small and round, used in gourmet dishes for their intense aroma and flavor, which is described as a mixture between Strawberry, Raspberry, and Pineapple. Cultivars include 'Capron' (also known as 'Le Chapiron'), 'Capron Royal' (with highly aromatic fruits), 'Profumata di Tortona' (a popular Italian female cultivar), and 'Male Musk Strawberry' (a necessary pollinator for female plants). |
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Fragaria nilgerrensis (Nilgiri Strawberry) This species is native to southern and southeastern Asia, and is named for the Nilgiri Hills in India. Plants produce white flowers with yellow centers and deep green foliage. Fruits are white to light pink in color and have a taste similar to that of Peach fruit. This species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7-9. |
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Fragaria orientalis (Oriental Strawberry) This species is native to eastern Asia and Siberia, where it is occasionally cultivated as an edible fruit. It flowers from April to May in its native range, and produces red fruits. Individual plants reach up to between 2 and 12 inches tall and wide, and form dense colonies through long runners. |
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Fragaria vesca (Woodland Strawberry, Alpine Strawberry, Wild Strawberry, Carpathian Strawberry, European Strawberry) This species of Strawberry is native to much of the Northern Hemisphere, and produces a plant that reaches up to 4-12 inches tall and 1-3 feet wide when mature. Plants will form dense mats if allowed via runners. Leaves are green and flowers are white, followed by small, sweet, red fruits with many seeds per fruit. |
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Fragaria viridis (Creamy Strawberry, Green Strawberry) Native to central Asia and Europe, this species produces fruits that can ripen without necessarily turning red. They have an acidic aroma. Individual plants reach up to between 4 and 12 inches tall when mature and can spread to reach 1 to 3 feet wide. |
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Fragaria virginiana (Virginia Strawberry, Wild Strawberry, Common Strawberry, Mountain Strawberry) This species grows as a wild plant across much of North America (United States and southern Canada). It is the parent species of the Garden Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa). These plants reach up to between 3 and 7 inches tall when mature and spreads rapidly via runners to form mats 12 to 24 inches wide. Leaves are trifoliate and green and flowers are white with yellow centers, sitting atop stems 4-6 inches tall. Fruits that follow are red and small, typically up to 1/2 inch across. |
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Caring for Fragaria
Fragaria, or Strawberry, plants are typically purchased as starts from a reputable nursery. They are not typically grown from seed, but can be. If you will be harvesting strawberries for consumption, consider growing them plants in a protected area like a greenhouse or a raised bed with a row cover, as their bright, sweet berries are favorites of many backyard wildlife species. Plant Fragaria in a space in the landscape that receives full sun to partial shade; ideally, they appreciate between 6 and 8 hours of sun each day for the best blooms and subsequent fruits.. Ensure that soil is well-draining, very rich in nutrients, and has a pH of between 5.5 and 6.8 (slightly acidic to neutral). If local soils are particularly poor in nutrients or do not drain well, make sure to amend the planting area with plenty of organic compost before installing. Apply a layer of mulch around the planting area to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water new plantings regularly as they establish a strong root system in their new home. At maturity, these plants perform well in consistently moist soils.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms and further fruit production. Strawberry plants may need to be divided every once in a while if they are grown in a cramped space or container; for instructions on how to successfully divide a Strawberry plant, see the Propagation section below. Strawberry plants are perennial, and can survive (and produce) in the landscape for 5 to 6 years before needing to be replaced. They will form clumps over time and also send out runners in summer which can form new plants for the garden indefinitely.
Caring for Fragaria in Containers
Strawberry plants can do well in the ground and are also great candidates for container growing. Choose a pot that is at least 6-8 inches in diameter and depth. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away from the root zone. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened, but Strawberry plants do appreciate consistent moisture. Fragaria plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is. not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that the plant needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.
Harvesting Fragaria
Strawberry fruits are typically ripe from late spring to early summer (May through July in most areas), though this depends heavily on the climate and the specific variety being cultivated. On average, they take between 90 and 120 days from transplanting to harvest. The best time of the day to harvest fruits is in the early morning, after dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in and heats the fruits. Fruits will be firm, cool, and less likely to bruise at this time of the day. Only harvest fruits that have attained their full color (in most cases red); strawberries will not continue to ripen once severed from the plant. Gently grasp the stem just above the fruit and pinch or twist to detach it while leaving the green cap (the calyx) attached to the top of the fruit. Place it delicately in a container to avoid bruising. Keep your harvest in a shallow container to avoid squishing fruits towards the bottom. Discard any fruits that are mushy, discolored, moldy, or otherwise damaged by pests or disease. Do not leave discarded fruits at the base of plants, as this will encourage the spread of disease and attract more pests to the garden. Once fruits are all harvested, bring them indoors. Do not rinse them until you are ready to use them; moisture is the enemy of successful strawberry storage. They will last for about a day on the countertop or in the fridge for between 2 (pre-rinsed) and 7 (unrinsed) days. Strawberries are also commonly frozen, which can extend their storage life to between 6 and 12 months.
Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.
Fertilize yearly in early springtime with an application of 2 inches of compost around the base of plants. Pull mulch back before applying, work the compost gently into the soil a bit, water it in, and then replace mulch. Pruning is simple; remove any damaged, diseased, or dead foliage at any time during the growing season, and remove spent flower spikes to neaten up the appearance of plants and encourage reblooms and further fruit production. Strawberry plants may need to be divided every once in a while if they are grown in a cramped space or container; for instructions on how to successfully divide a Strawberry plant, see the Propagation section below. Strawberry plants are perennial, and can survive (and produce) in the landscape for 5 to 6 years before needing to be replaced. They will form clumps over time and also send out runners in summer which can form new plants for the garden indefinitely.
Caring for Fragaria in Containers
Strawberry plants can do well in the ground and are also great candidates for container growing. Choose a pot that is at least 6-8 inches in diameter and depth. Ensure that the pot has adequate drainage holes on the bottom to allow for excess water to flow away from the root zone. Fill with a well-draining potting mix amended with organic material and perlite, and top with a layer of mulch to suppress weed growth, maintain consistent soil temperatures, and to increase soil moisture retention. Water regularly as the plant establishes itself in its new home. Once established, waterings can be lessened, but Strawberry plants do appreciate consistent moisture. Fragaria plants grown in containers will need more frequent irrigation than those grown in the ground. As a general rule of thumb, water whenever the top few inches of soil feels dry to the touch. Prune to remove dead, damaged, or diseased foliage at any time during the growing season. Every few years, check the bottom of the pot to ensure that the plant is. not outgrowing its root space. If roots are growing through the drainage holes in the bottom of the container, it is a good indication that the plant needs to be potted up; choose a slightly larger container and repot.
Harvesting Fragaria
Strawberry fruits are typically ripe from late spring to early summer (May through July in most areas), though this depends heavily on the climate and the specific variety being cultivated. On average, they take between 90 and 120 days from transplanting to harvest. The best time of the day to harvest fruits is in the early morning, after dew has dried but before the heat of the day sets in and heats the fruits. Fruits will be firm, cool, and less likely to bruise at this time of the day. Only harvest fruits that have attained their full color (in most cases red); strawberries will not continue to ripen once severed from the plant. Gently grasp the stem just above the fruit and pinch or twist to detach it while leaving the green cap (the calyx) attached to the top of the fruit. Place it delicately in a container to avoid bruising. Keep your harvest in a shallow container to avoid squishing fruits towards the bottom. Discard any fruits that are mushy, discolored, moldy, or otherwise damaged by pests or disease. Do not leave discarded fruits at the base of plants, as this will encourage the spread of disease and attract more pests to the garden. Once fruits are all harvested, bring them indoors. Do not rinse them until you are ready to use them; moisture is the enemy of successful strawberry storage. They will last for about a day on the countertop or in the fridge for between 2 (pre-rinsed) and 7 (unrinsed) days. Strawberries are also commonly frozen, which can extend their storage life to between 6 and 12 months.
Disclaimer: Information contained on this website is strictly and categorically intended as a reference to be used in conjunction with experts in your area. Foraging and consumption of plant parts should never begin without the guidance and approval of a local plant specialist. The providers of this website accept no liability for the use or misuse of information contained in this website.
Propagation
Fragaria plants are best propagated by division or layering. To propagate your Strawberry plant, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Fragaria by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
Propagating Fragaria by Layering
Strawberry plants will spread over time using runners (stolons), which creep over the ground away from the parent plant and root where they touch the soil surface. These stems appear in summertime, after plants have gotten established in the landscape. To propagate your Fragaria plant by layering, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Fragaria by Division
This type of propagation is relatively simple; you will need a clean shovel, mulch, fresh soil, compost and pots (only necessary if you will be saving divided plants for transporting elsewhere). Division is best done in spring. To propagate by division, follow these steps:
- Using a shovel, dig up your existing established Strawberry plant. Start from the outside and work your way in to avoid damaging the roots. Once you have worked the plant up out of the ground, lay it out.
- Start to tease apart the roots with your fingers, brushing off any clumps of dirt still attached. Once the roots are untangled, separate the plant into segments, ensuring that each portion has some above-ground growth.
- Prepare the pot(s) or new planting site(s) with amended, well-draining soil. Then, plant your divisions and water thoroughly.
- Apply a thick layer of mulch over the new planting, and care for the new plant using the instructions above.
Propagating Fragaria by Layering
Strawberry plants will spread over time using runners (stolons), which creep over the ground away from the parent plant and root where they touch the soil surface. These stems appear in summertime, after plants have gotten established in the landscape. To propagate your Fragaria plant by layering, follow the instructions below:
- Identify runners. These stems will be held just above the soil surface and will typically be green or reddish in color.
- Choose runners to propagate, and prepare a small hill of soil or a pot filled with well-draining soil. The runner can be pinned down over the growing space with a landscape staple or wire to ensure it stays in place while it puts out roots.
- Once the new plantlet has developed its own root system, the connecting stolon can be severed.
- Care for the new plant using the instructions above.
Problems and Pests
Fragaria, or Strawberry, plants are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases in the landscape:
- Gray Mold
- Anthracnose
- Powdery Mildew
- Leaf Spot
- Rhizopus
- Angular Leaf Spot
- Aphids
- Rodents
- Thrips
- Leafhoppers
Gallery
Strawberries produce runners that creep along the ground and produce roots to form new plants.
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Strawberry plants can produce 1 to 1.5 pounds of fruits per season (about a quart).
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Slugs and Snails love to munch on Strawberry fruits close to the ground.
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Fragaria plants can spread to form a handsome groundcover perfect for sun or shade.
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Strawberry flowers are typically white, but can also be pink or red.
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Use small strawberry plants to fit into tight spaces in the landscape.
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Potentilla is a Fragaria look-alike.
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Strawberry plants do very well in containers as long as they are watered frequently.
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Arbutus, or Strawberry Tree, produces fruits that look somewhat like those of Fragaria species.
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Videos
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Differentiating Strawberries from their look alikes.
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Learn all about these wild strawberries.
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Learn how to grow strawberries in your garden.
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Strawberries: From planting to harvest.
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