Growing Alpine Strawberries: A Gourmet Delicacy
It’s strawberry season! Time to plant and enjoy those bright red berries that remind us of summer. While you’re planting, why not try growing alpine strawberries? These small, tasty berries are considered a gourmet delicacy and are easy to grow, bearing fruit most of the year.
What Are Alpine Strawberries?
“Alpines [Fragaria alpina] are a great snacking berry,” says Sharon Kaszan, trials manager for W. Atlee Burpee & Co. in Warminster, Pa. “Alpine strawberries might be small, but there’s something about them that makes you keep coming back for more.” Kaszan describes the berries as slightly tart, with a flavor sometimes compared to a cross between raspberries and strawberries.
Types of Alpine Strawberries
Several varieties of alpine strawberries are available, including both red and yellow berries. The most commonly found red variety is ‘Baron von Solemacher,’ which grows particularly well from seed. Another popular variety is ‘Ruegen Improved,’ a type frequently found in European gardens, where alpines are a favored crop.
Alpine plants form compact mounds of lush, green foliage, with starry white flowers on pert stems. They do well along borders and in containers.
Planting and Caring for Alpine Strawberries
April is the perfect time to plant alpine strawberries, either from plants or seeds. Follow these tips for successful growth:
- Plant in Part-Shade: Choose a location that gets morning sun and afternoon shade.
- Amend Clay Soil: If the soil is heavy in clay, mix in 25% to 50% compost (either homemade or bagged) to improve drainage.
- Planting Depth: Make sure to plant the crown (the center mound where new growth originates) level with the surrounding soil. Planting too deep can cause rot, while planting too high will dry out the plant.
- Use Quality Potting Soil: If planting in containers, use a high-quality potting soil with good drainage, such as one high in perlite or pumice.
- Spacing: Plant alpines 3 to 4 inches apart for a dense, lush look.
Growing from Seed
Growing alpine strawberries from seed can be challenging, but it is possible. Here’s how:
- Cold Stratify the Seeds: Refrigerate the seeds for 5 to 7 days before planting.
- Planting: Sprinkle seeds on top of a seed-starting mixture and mist them well.
- Germination: Keep the seeds in a warm spot, such as a sunny window, until they sprout (typically in 2 weeks to a month). Keep them moist, but not overly wet.
- Post-Germination Care: Once the seeds have germinated, move them to a cooler location to prevent the growth of soil bacteria, which can kill young plants.
Watering and Fertilizing Alpine Strawberries
- Watering: Water when the soil is approaching dryness, but avoid keeping the soil overly wet.
- Fertilizing: Alpines are heavy feeders. Use a fertilizer high in phosphorus, such as a 10-30-10 formula, or bone meal. Feed container plants every two weeks and in-ground plants monthly. Fertilize seed-grown alpines once they have three true leaves using fish emulsion and seaweed or kelp extract.
Additional Tips for Alpine Strawberry Care
- Heat Sensitivity: Alpine strawberries don’t produce well in hot weather. During heat spells, berries may become misshapen due to the heat damaging the pollen. Pinch off malformed berries to make room for better-shaped ones.
Where to Buy Alpine Strawberries
Alpine strawberries will be available soon at Mother’s Market health-food chain (locations include Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, and Irvine) and at the Green Scene Garden Show on April 24-25 at the Fullerton Arboretum. Plants can also be purchased directly from W. Atlee Burpee & Co. (800-888-1447) or seeds from Bountiful Gardens (707-459-6410).
