The Red Alpine Mignonette Strawberry ( Fragaria vesca ) may possibly be the sweetest & tastiest of all varieties! They are certainly tastier than commercially grown strawberries, which seem to be grown for size; rather than flavour. This variety is easy to grow; compact and ideal for containers; raised garden beds; ornamental or hanging pots and as a border plant on the edges of garden beds.
Unlike many strawberries plants; the Alpine Mignonette does not create runners that may take over your garden. These plants grow in small clumps, that can be easily divided to make more plants. The Alpine Mignonette Strawberries have lovely little white flowers that attract beneficial insects to the garden.
Suitable for Cold to Sub-Tropical climates.
Our other strawberry varieties include the Red Garden Strawberry and White Alpine.
Growth
The Red Alpine Mignonette Strawberry plant is a small, perennial heirloom variety, growing to around 15-20 cm tall and 25-30 cm wide, they prefer a part shade position where they receive full morning sun but are protected from any harsh afternoon sun.
Alpine strawberries can produce fruit in the first 3-4 months from seed and are prolific fruiters; with the right care. Fruit is approximately 2-2½ cm in length and available from mid-late Spring through Summer to Autumn.
Feeding your strawberries through their flowering and fruiting periods will keep them healthy and productive. We recommend growing all edible plants organically, your body will thank you and the food will taste much better! There are plenty of options these days for organic fertilisers; soil conditioners and pest & fungal control. Don’t underestimate companion planting.
FAMILY:
Rosaceae
CLIMATE:
Cold to Sub-Tropical
TEMPERATURE RANGE:
-30°C to 35°C / -22 to 95°F
SOIL TYPE:
Well draining, compost and nutrient rich soil.
LOCATION:
Morning Sun & Afternoon Shade
HEIGHT:
Up to 20 cm (8 inch)
WIDTH:
Up to 30 cm (12 inch)
pH:
5.8-6.8
GROWTH TYPE:
Perennial
WATER REQUIREMENTS:
Medium
POLLINATION:
Pollinated by bees and insects
MATURITY:
3-6 months
GERMINATION RATES:
76-88%
GERMINATION TIME:
1-4 weeks
SEEDS PER GRAM:
Approximately 1500
MEDICINAL QUALITIES:
Yes
WEED POTENTIAL:
No
EDIBLE:
Yes!
SEED STORAGE & VIABILITY:
Cold Storage at 4°C (Fridge) up to 2 years or; in a freezer will survive up to 4 years.
FACTS ABOUT FRAGARIA VESCA (Alpine Mignonette Strawberry)
Alpine strawberries are native to Europe and are famous for their use in French cuisine.
If properly cared for, Alpine strawberries will provide a continual harvest during their long fruiting season; from Spring to Autumn. One small plant can provide a handful of fresh strawberries every day.
All parts of the Fragaria vesca have been used in traditional medicine. They have been used to treat diarrhoea; sore throats; wounds and even inflammation of the liver. Among many other health benefits, Strawberries provide antioxidant activity; assist with blood pressure issues; improve eye health and are high in vitamin C!
