Start growing
Needs full sun and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. Mulch with straw to keep berries clean.
GROW SOMETHING WONDERFUL
Strawberry
Fragaria × ananassa
Your guide to planting, growing, and getting to know this plant.
THE PLANT NOTEBOOK
Strawberry care, from seed onward.
- Botanical name
- Fragaria × ananassa
- Common names
- Garden Strawberry
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Genus
- Fragaria
- Species
- F. x ananassa
Growing with your kit
The Seeds In A Cup® kit allows kids to observe 'epigeal' germination where the tiny seeds lift their heads on sunny windowsills.
Propagation
By runners (stolons) or seeds.
Seasonal growth & harvest
June-bearing, Ever-bearing, or Day-neutral varieties.
Growing conditions
Sunny gardens with rich, moist soil.
Weather & tolerances
Cold hardy; sensitive to drought during fruit set.
Pests & plant health
Slugs, birds, and gray mold (Botrytis).
Plant safety
Safe for all.
Botanical features
A low-growing herbaceous perennial that spreads by runners (stolons). Seeds are on the outside of the fruit.
Varieties
‘Albion’, ‘Chandler’, ‘Allstar’.
Garden & everyday uses
Global culinary favorite. high in Vitamin C
Native range & distribution
Global hybrid; parents from North and South America.
Conservation
Abundant agricultural crop.
Name origins
‘Fragaria’ from the Latin ‘fragrans’ (fragrant); ‘ananassa’ refers to the pineapple-like scent.
History
Modern strawberries were created in 1750s France by crossing a wild species from Virginia with one from Chile.