Wild Strawberry

These delightful plants are found mainly in forests, clearings and shady roadsides in the cool temperate climates of Europe, northern Asia and Australia. Other species are found in North America.

Strawberry's name does not in fact originate from a traditional practice of placing straw beneath the berries to keep them clean. Rather, it dates back to the 10th century when the Anglo-Saxon word 'straw' meant small particles of chaff, and which in this case referred to the scattering of pips

(achenes) over the surface of the fruit.

Fragaria originates from 'fraga', the old Latin name for 'fragrans' meaning fragrant. The fruit of this herb is dedicated to Venus and the Virgin Mary.

Species

There are many forms of this small strawberry, some with variegated leaves, some with white fruit; the 2 identified here are the originals.

Fragaria vesca

Wild Strawberry

Hardy perennial. Ht 15-30cm (6-12in) spread 18 cm (7in), more if you include the runners. The flowers have 4 or 5 white petals with a yellow centre in spring to early summer. The leaf is composed of 3 brightish green leaflets with serrated edges.

Fragaria vesca 'semperflorens'

Alpine Strawberry

Hardy perennial. Ht 5-25cm (2-10in) spread 15cm (6in). The flowers have 4 or 5 white petals with a yellow centre from spring to autumn. The leaf is made of 3 brightish green leaflets with serrated edges. True Alpine strawberry does not set down runners, so propagate by seed only.

Cultivation

Propagation

Seed

The seed of the strawberry is imbedded all around the surface of the fruit. To collect it, leave the fruit in the summer sun until fully dry and shriveled; then rub I the seed off. Sow in late winter, early spring. Do not cover. A bottom heat of 15°C (60°F) is helpful. Germination will take place in a couple of weeks. Later in spring the seeds can be sown without heat, germination taking the same time. When the seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant to a prepared site in the garden at a distance of 30cm (12in).

Division

The daughter plants are produced on runners and easily propagated by division, each having its own small root system. These can be taken off and replanted where required during the growing season from spring to early autumn.

Pests and Diseases

Obvious pests are slugs and birds, followed closely by children and at flower shows by members of the public. With all of these there is not a lot one can do, apart from growing enough so that it does not matter. If grown in containers the plants can suffer from mildew. Remove the affected parts and make sure there is plenty of light and air.

Maintenance

Spring: Sow seed. Divide runners.

Summer: Feed with liquid fertilizer.

Autumn: Divide runners if they have become invasive.

Winter: No need for protection.

Garden Cultivation

Wild strawberries prefer a good fertile soil that docs not dry out in summer and either full sun or shade. They grow well in woods and hedgerows and make a marvelous ground cover, the dainty white flowers standing out amongst bright green shiny leaves which, when dry, have a fragrance of musk. The tiny delicious summertime fruits are a terrific bonus and have a good flavor.

Feed regularly with a liquid fertilizer (high in potash) as soon as the fruit begins, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Often regarded as a weed by tidy gardeners, if you cannot stand the idea of rampant strawberry plants grow the Alpine variety.

Harvest

Pick leaves as required. If needed for drying, pick before the fruit sets.

Pick fruits as they ripen to eat fresh. They can be frozen.

Container growing

Being small plants they are marvelous in containers, window boxes, even those pots with holes in the side, and also hanging baskets, where the runners look most attractive, trailing over the edge. Use the bark, peat mix of compost. Water and feed with liquid fertilizer regularly, especially when the fruit begins to set.

Other uses

The strawberry is used extensively in the cosmetic industry in skin cream manufacture. Mash the fruit and extract juice to add to face packs to whiten skin and lighten freckles.

Apply cut strawberries lo washed face to ease slight sunburn - makes a lovely picture, if you get bored you can always eat them.

Culinary

Eat the fruit fresh in fruit salads or on their own with cream, or use in cakes, pies and syrups and to flavor cordials. If you have enough you can also make jam.

The leaves have a musky flavor and scent. A tea can be made from them, but it is better to combine them with other herbs.

Medicinal

The fruit of the wild strawberry (unlike the cultivated varieties) are good for anaemia, had nerves and stomach disorders. They are also an astringent, diuretic, tonic and laxative.

The leaves can be used to make a gargle and mouthwash for sore gums and mouth ulcers. Strawberry leaf tea is said to be a good tonic for convalescence and is enjoyed by children.