Strawberry
fragaria x
Also known as: ["Garden Strawberry","Fraise des bois"]
Overview
A widely cultivated plant known for its sweet, edible fruits, often used in culinary applications.
Benefits & Perks
["edible fruits","culinary herb","wildlife attractant (bees, butterflies, birds)","disease resistant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Rosales |
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Genus: | Fragaria |
| Botanical Name: | Fragaria x |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Fruits
- Suitable Location: outdoor garden bed in a sunny spot
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"-10–30°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"5–8"}
- Misting: rarely required, only if ambient humidity is very low
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent root rot.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with compost, perlite, and a bit of sand.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: Annually in late winter or early spring; remove runners as needed during growing season.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of old growth to rejuvenate the plant.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to full sun in cooler seasons and partial shade in hot months.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to stronger light, protect from harsh midday sun, and move indoors or provide shade during extreme heat.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
easyeasy
Sunlight
full sun to partial shade
Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains for indirect light; avoid direct afternoon sun.
Watering
every 5–7 days during active growth, reduce in winter
Water thoroughly until it drains from the bottom, avoid wetting foliage, and ensure soil dries slightly between waterings.
Soil
well-draining, loamy soil with added organic matter
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–6.5).
Use raised beds for better drainage; top-dress with compost annually; avoid heavy clay soils.
Temperature
Ideal range 60–75°F (15–24°C); cooler temperatures (50–60°F) during dormancy in winter.
Avoid drafts; use a thermometer; adjust watering with temperature changes.
Fertilizing
monthly during spring and summer, every 2 months in fall and winter
Fertilize after watering; stop in fall; use organic options for healthier growth.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings (runners) or division of crowns.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Take a healthy runner, cut below a node, plant in medium, keep moist, and wait for roots.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when growth is active.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%), warm temperatures (65–75°F), indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand.
Hormone
Optional, but rooting hormone can speed up the process.
Timeline
Roots in 2–4 weeks; new plants establish in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Sharp scissors, rooting hormone (optional), small pots, well-draining soil.
Quick Tips
Use runners for faster results; keep soil consistently moist; provide bottom heat if needed.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Cut back old leaves, remove runners, and thin out dense areas to improve air circulation.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or diseased foliage, thin overcrowded plants, and encourage new growth for better fruiting.
Tools
Pruning shears, gloves, and clean cutting tools.
Checklist
Sanitize tools, cut at a 45-degree angle, remove dead/diseased parts, clean up debris.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Early spring before active growth begins.
Pot Size
Increase pot size by 2–3 inches in diameter; ensure good drainage holes.
Method
Gently remove plant, trim roots if needed, place in new pot with fresh soil, water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 1–2 years or when roots fill the pot to refresh soil and provide space.
Checklist
Choose right pot, prepare new soil, handle roots carefully, water after repotting, place in shade temporarily.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture, water deeply, ensure drainage, avoid wetting leaves, water in the morning.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone, apply until water drains from the bottom, ensure even moisture without waterlogging, and water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water deeply once the top inch of soil feels dry, typically every 2–3 days in summer and every 5–7 days in winter, adjusting for rainfall and humidity.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage, incorporate compost for fertility, and ensure aeration with organic matter.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf discoloration, wilting, stunted growth, or bud drop.
Cold Stress
Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and may lead to root damage in freezing conditions.
Solution: Move to a warmer location, insulate pots, and avoid watering during cold snaps.
Hot Stress
Leaves wilt, scorch, or drop; growth slows due to excessive transpiration.
Solution: Provide shade, increase humidity, water more frequently, and ensure good air circulation.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check fertilizer type, dilute correctly, apply to soil, avoid foliage, follow seasonal schedule.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer), avoid fertilizing in winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
Non-toxicFragaria x is non-toxic to cats. While not a typical part of a cat's diet, strawberries do not pose a toxic risk if ingested.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Dogs
Non-toxicFragaria x is non-toxic to dogs. Strawberries are occasionally used as treats for dogs and do not pose a toxic risk.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Humans
Non-toxicFragaria x (strawberry) is generally considered non-toxic to humans. It is widely consumed as a food crop and is not known to produce any toxic compounds.
⚡ Toxic If:
None
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I water my strawberry plants?
A: Water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
Q: Can strawberries be grown indoors?
A: Yes, but they require ample sunlight or grow lights and well-draining soil.
Q: Do strawberries need to be fertilized?
A: Yes, apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and after fruiting to promote growth and fruit production.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Rosaceae |
| Care: | easy |
| Light: | full sun to partial shade |
| Water: | every 5–7 days during active |
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