The White Alpine Strawberry ( Fragaria vesca ) is one of the most expensive to purchase. This wonderful variety is not often seen in the supermarkets, as it is a a bit of a rare gem. The flavour is sweet & delicious and is best described as sweet with a hint of pineapple; which gives them a bit of a tropical edge.
Please note: If you decide to grow these, they may not make it to the fridge; as it is too tempting to not eat them while harvesting. This is possibly the reason why they rarely make it to the supermarket shelves! They are a lot tastier than the large, commercially grown strawberries that seem to have been grown for size, rather than flavour.
Unlike common strawberries the Alpine varieties do not create runners that may take over your garden, they grow in small clumps that can be easily divided to make more plants. This variety is compact and ideal for hanging pots or edges of garden beds, they also double as a pollinator and display cute white flowers in spring.
Suitable for Cold to Sub-Tropical climates.
Our other strawberry varieties include the Red Garden Strawberry and Mignonette.
Growth
The White Alpine 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 (White Alpine 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!
