Description
Alpine Strawberry (Fragaria vesca var. vesca), also known as Fraises des Bois or Woodland Strawberry, has white flowers and small, very flavorful crimson berries throughout the season. Thomas Jefferson sowed three rows of Alpine Strawberry seeds on March 31, 1774. In a letter to James Monroe some twenty years later, Jefferson included Alpine Strawberries as one of the "three objects which you should endeavor to enrich our country with." This European wildflower makes a compact, mounded plant that spreads by runners. Jefferson-documented: Alpine Strawberries were documented by Thomas Jefferson in his Garden Book, Notes on the State of Virginia, or other writings.
Sow strawberry seeds indoors 8-12 weeks before last frost date at 60˚F; may take up to 4 weeks to germinate. Transplant Alpine Strawberries to 3" pots once they have several true leaves, then harden off and plant outdoors after last frost in fertile, well-drained soil with consistent moisture. Approximately 50-60 strawberry seeds per packet.
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Alpine strawberries (Fragaria vesca var. vesca) are smaller-fruited than standard types but they have a very distinct flavor and make an excellent ground cover in the yard and garden. Alpine strawberries are prettier than the large modern garden varieties, with small white flowers and fruit often held above the leaves.
