Wild StrawberryFragaria vesca

Wild Strawberry

Wild Strawberries

1. Woodland strawberry
2. Alpine strawberry
3. European strawberry

1. Woodland strawberry
2. Alpine strawberry
3. European strawberry

1. Rotbeere
2. Buscherdbeere

1. Monatserdbeere

1. Fragaria vesca
2. wild strawberry
3. woodland strawberry
4. Alpine strawberry

1. Tracheophytes
2. Angiosperms
3. Eudicots
4. Rosids

Rose family

1. Fruits

The Alpine strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is the perennial, everbearing cultivated form of the woodland strawberry. Unlike large-fruited garden strawberries, it impresses with an incomparable aroma and an extremely long harvest season from May until the first frost. It often produces few to no runners, making it ideal for edging garden beds or for container gardening on balconies.

1. TaskAussaat von Erdbeeren im Freiland oder Vorziehen im Haus.

   Label

   Sow strawberries

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 3

   ConditionBoden frostfrei

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   For indoor sowing: sow seeds in seed trays.

2. TaskBoden vorbereiten: Kompost einarbeiten, Unkraut entfernen.

   Label

   Prepare soil for strawberries

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 3

   ConditionBoden frostfrei

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Prefers well-drained, humus-rich soil.

1. TaskPflanzen von Erdbeerjungpflanzen ins Freiland.

   Label

   Plant out strawberry young plants

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5

   ConditionNach letztem Frost

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Observe recommended planting distance.

2. TaskMulchen zur Feuchtigkeitserhaltung und Unkrautunterdrückung.

   Label

   Mulch strawberry beds

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 4
   2. 5

   ConditionNach dem Pflanzen

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Use straw, wood chips, or special mulch films.

1. TaskRegelmäßig gießen, besonders während Trockenperioden.

   Label

   Water strawberries

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8

   ConditionTrockenheit

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Best to water in the morning or evening to minimize evaporation.

2. TaskErste Früchte ernten.

   Label

   Harvest strawberries

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8
   5. 9
   6. 10

   ConditionFrüchte reif

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Pick ripe fruits carefully to avoid damage.

1. TaskFortlaufende Ernte.

   Label

   Harvest strawberries

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8
   5. 9
   6. 10

   ConditionFrüchte reif

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Regular harvesting stimulates the plant to produce more fruit.

2. TaskVerblühte Blütenstände entfernen, um die Fruchtbildung zu fördern.

   Label

   Remove spent strawberry blossoms

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 6
   2. 7

   ConditionBlüten verblüht

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   This directs the plant's energy into fruit development.

1. TaskErnte fortsetzen.

   Label

   Harvest strawberries

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8
   5. 9
   6. 10

   ConditionFrüchte reif

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Watch for signs of diseases or pests.

2. TaskAusläufer bei Bedarf entfernen oder zur Vermehrung nutzen.

   Label

   Manage strawberry runners

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 7
   2. 8

   ConditionAusläuferbildung

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Remove excess runners to conserve the mother plant's energy, or direct them into pots for propagation.

1. TaskErnte fortsetzen.

   Label

   Harvest strawberries

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 5
   2. 6
   3. 7
   4. 8
   5. 9
   6. 10

   ConditionFrüchte reif

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Monitor plants for signs of fungal diseases, especially in wet weather.

2. TaskVorbereitung für die Herbstpflanzung oder Aussaat.

   Label

   Prepare for autumn planting/sowing

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 8
   2. 9

   ConditionBoden vorbereiten

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Ensure soil is well-prepared and fertilized.

1. TaskAussaat oder Pflanzung von Herbstsetzlingen.

   Label

   Plant/sow strawberries (Autumn)

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 9

   ConditionBoden feucht und warm genug

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Allows for an earlier harvest next year.

2. TaskBoden für das nächste Jahr vorbereiten.

   Label

   Soil care for strawberries

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 9
   2. 10

   ConditionNach der Ernte

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   Incorporating compost or well-rotted manure improves soil structure.

1. TaskLetzte Ernte.

   Label

   Final strawberry harvest

   Prioritymedium

   Months

   1. 10

   ConditionFrüchte reif

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Harvest all remaining ripe fruits before the first hard frost.

2. TaskPflanzen für den Winter vorbereiten: Mulchen, Schutz vor starkem Frost.

   Label

   Winterize strawberry plants

   Priorityhigh

   Months

   1. 10
   2. 11

   ConditionVor starkem Frost

   Estimated effortmedium

   Notes

   A layer of mulch (e.g., straw) protects the roots from frost damage.

1. TaskPflanzen ruhen lassen.

   Label

   Let strawberry plants rest

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 11
   2. 12
   3. 1
   4. 2

   ConditionWinter

   Estimated effortvery_low

   Notes

   Plants are in winter dormancy.

2. TaskGartengeräte reinigen und warten.

   Label

   Maintain garden tools

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 11
   2. 12

   ConditionWinterpause

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Clean, sharpen, and oil tools for the next season.

1. TaskPflanzen ruhen lassen.

   Label

   Let strawberry plants rest

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 11
   2. 12
   3. 1
   4. 2

   ConditionWinter

   Estimated effortvery_low

   Notes

   Plants are in winter dormancy.

2. TaskGartengeräte reinigen und warten.

   Label

   Maintain garden tools

   Prioritylow

   Months

   1. 11
   2. 12

   ConditionWinterpause

   Estimated effortlow

   Notes

   Clean, sharpen, and oil tools for the next season.

Full sun to partial shade

Sheltered

A location with good air circulation is beneficial to prevent fungal diseases.

Humus-rich, loose, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral

Medium to high

Avoid heavy, clay soils that tend to waterlog.

Regularly, keep soil lightly moist

Best at the root zone to avoid leaf diseases.

Especially important during flowering and fruiting. Avoid waterlogging.

Organic, compost, well-rotted manure

Once in spring, if needed in summer after harvest

Avoid over-fertilization, as this can lead to reduced fruiting and softer fruits.

Well-suited for beds, raised beds, containers, and as ground cover.

Can spread vigorously via runners. Regular thinning may be beneficial.

Strawberries

As perennials, strawberries remain in one spot for 3-5 years. Afterwards, a break of at least 3 years should be observed to prevent soil fatigue and diseases. Do not plant after other Rosaceae.

1. Slugbohne-busch

   Name

   Bush Bean

2. Slugerbse

   Name

   Pea

3. Slugsalat

   Name

   Lettuce

1. Slugstickstoffmangel

   Name

   Nitrogen Deficiency

   Symptoms

   1. Pale green to yellowish leaves
   2. Stunted growth
   3. Poor fruit set

   Causes

   1. Nutrient-poor soil
   2. Leaching during heavy rain

   Management

   1. Incorporate organic fertilizer with nitrogen (e.g., compost, horn meal).
   2. Liquid fertilizer for quick effect.
2. Slugkaliummangel

   Name

   Potassium Deficiency

   Symptoms

   1. Leaf margins yellow and turn brown (necrosis)
   2. Weak fruits
   3. Reduced winter hardiness

   Causes

   1. Potassium-poor soil
   2. Imbalance with other nutrients

   Management

   1. Use potassium-rich organic fertilizer (e.g., wood ash, comfrey tea).
   2. Sulfate of potash (for severe deficiency).
3. Slugeisenmangel

   Name

   Iron Deficiency

   Symptoms

   1. Young leaves show yellowing between veins (interveinal chlorosis)
   2. Veins remain green

   Causes

   1. High soil pH (iron becomes insoluble)
   2. Calcareous soil

   Management

   1. Lower soil pH (e.g., with rhododendron soil or acidic mulch).
   2. Apply iron chelate fertilizer.

Balanced nutrient supply is crucial for healthy strawberry plants and good yields. A soil test can help identify deficiencies.

1. Sluggeringer_fruchtansatz

   Name

   Poor Fruit Set

   Description

   Few or no fruits despite flowering.

   Causes

   1. Lack of pollination (few insects, rain during flowering)
   2. Late frost damage to flowers
   3. Extreme temperatures (heat or cold)

   Management

   1. Attract pollinators (plant flowers nearby).
   2. Protect blossoms from late frost (fleece).
   3. Ensure consistent watering.
2. Slugkleine_fruechte

   Name

   Small Fruits

   Description

   Fruits remain small and do not develop fully.

   Causes

   1. Lack of water
   2. Nutrient deficiency
   3. Overaged plants
   4. Too many runners/plants per area

   Management

   1. Water regularly and sufficiently.
   2. Fertilize balancedly.
   3. Renew plants after 3-4 years.
   4. Regularly remove runners or use for propagation.
3. Slugsonnenbrand

   Name

   Sunscald on Fruits

   Description

   White or brown patches on fruits that become hard and dry.

   Causes

   1. Intense sun exposure, especially after rain or watering

   Management

   1. Mulch to keep fruits off the ground.
   2. Avoid watering plants in direct midday sun.
   3. Provide light shade during extreme heat.

Many problems can be avoided through good site selection, appropriate watering, and regular care.

1. Chewing pests (slugs, birds, beetle larvae)
2. Sucking pests (aphids, spider mites)

1. Fungal diseases (grey mould, powdery mildew, root rot)
2. Viral diseases (transmitted by sucking pests)

1. Site selection: Full sun to partial shade, sheltered, good air circulation.
2. Soil care: Humus-rich, well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil.
3. Watering: Keep evenly moist, avoid waterlogging, water in the morning.
4. Mulching: Use straw or wood chips for moisture regulation and fruit cleanliness.
5. Planting distance: Sufficient space for good ventilation.
6. Crop rotation: Change location after 3-5 years.
7. Hygiene: Immediately remove affected plant parts.
8. Beneficial insect promotion: Create habitat for ladybugs, lacewings, etc.

Look for changes in leaves, flowers, and fruits. Yellowing, spots, deformities, or mold are initial signs. Also check the underside of leaves for pests.

1. Sluggrauschimmel

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. High humidity
   2. Wet leaves and fruits
   3. Dense planting
   4. Rainy periods

   Affected parts

   1. Fruits
   2. Flowers
   3. Leaves
   4. Stems

   Prevention

   1. Maintain adequate plant spacing.
   2. Mulch with straw to keep fruits off the ground.
   3. Water in the morning so plants can dry during the day.
   4. Regularly remove weeds and dead plant material.

   Organic control

   1. Immediately remove and dispose of affected fruits and leaves in household waste (do not compost).
   2. Spray with horsetail decoction to strengthen plants.
   3. Use biological fungicides based on microorganisms (e.g., Bacillus subtilis).
2. Slugechter_mehltau

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Dry, warm days followed by cool, humid nights
   2. Poor air circulation

   Affected parts

   1. Leaves (upper and lower side)
   2. Flowers
   3. Fruits

   Prevention

   1. Choose resistant varieties.
   2. Ensure good air circulation through adequate plant spacing.
   3. Balanced fertilization (do not overdo nitrogen).

   Organic control

   1. Remove affected leaves.
   2. Spray with a milk-water mixture (1:8) or baking soda solution (1 tsp per 1 liter water with a little oil/soap).
   3. Sulfur preparations (organically approved).
3. Slugschnecken

   Severityhigh

   Conditions

   1. Damp weather
   2. Mulch layers providing shelter
   3. Dense vegetation

   Affected parts

   1. Fruits
   2. Leaves

   Prevention

   1. Keep beds clean, reduce hiding places.
   2. Regular hand-picking, especially in the evening or after rain.
   3. Slug barriers (copper tape, sawdust, eggshells).

   Organic control

   1. Organic slug pellets (iron phosphate).
   2. Beer traps.
   3. Encourage beneficial predators (hedgehogs, toads, ground beetles).
4. Slugerdbeerbluetenstecher

   Severitymedium

   Conditions

   1. Spring, when flower buds appear

   Affected parts

   1. Flower buds

   Prevention

   1. Early covering of beds with fine mesh netting.
   2. Regular inspection and removal of beetles and affected buds.

   Organic control

   1. Remove and destroy affected buds.
   2. Encourage beneficial insects like parasitic wasps.

1. Symptom

   Grey, fuzzy mold on fruits

   Possible causes

   1. grauschimmel

   First checks

   1. Check humidity
   2. Check plant spacing
   3. Remove affected fruits
2. Symptom

   White, powdery coating on leaves

   Possible causes

   1. echter_mehltau

   First checks

   1. Improve air circulation
   2. Remove affected leaves
3. Symptom

   Holes in fruits or leaves, slime trails

   Possible causes

   1. schnecken

   First checks

   1. Look for slugs in the evening
   2. Check slug barriers
4. Symptom

   Bent, withered flower buds

   Possible causes

   1. erdbeerbluetenstecher

   First checks

   1. Look for beetles
   2. Check buds for puncture marks
5. Symptom

   Leaves pale green/yellowish, stunted growth

   Possible causes

   1. stickstoffmangel

   First checks

   1. Soil test
   2. Check fertilization
6. Symptom

   Leaf margins yellow/brown

   Possible causes

   1. kaliummangel

   First checks

   1. Soil test
   2. Check fertilization
7. Symptom

   Young leaves yellow between green veins

   Possible causes

   1. eisenmangel

   First checks

   1. Check soil pH
   2. Check lime content

For detailed diagnosis of plant problems, consult the profiles under 'disease_graph' and the diagnostic rules listed there.

1. Germination
2. Seedling stage
3. Vegetative growth
4. Flowering
5. Fruiting
6. Harvest
7. Dormancy

Wild strawberries are everbearing, meaning they flower and fruit over a long period from May until the first frost.

May to October

White

Small, white flowers with five petals, often arranged in loose cymes.

Insect pollination (mainly bees), self-fertile

Although self-fertile, insect pollination increases fruit set and fruit quality.

May to October

Hand-picking of ripe fruits

Yields can vary depending on variety, location, and care. Wild strawberries fruit over a longer period.

Regularly, every 1-3 days, as fruits ripen continuously.

1. Fruits are fully red
2. Fruits are soft and yield to gentle pressure
3. Fruits detach easily from the stem

Strawberries are very delicate. Pick carefully and avoid stacking. Best consumed or processed immediately.

Cool and dry, ideally in the refrigerator in a shallow container, do not wash before storage.

Very short-term, 1-2 days

Highly perishable

1-2 days in the refrigerator

1. Freezing (whole or pureed)
2. Jams and jellies
3. Syrup
4. Drying (for tea or granola)
5. Liqueur or vinegar

Fresh consumption, jams, jellies

Desserts, cakes, sauces, beverages (smoothies, syrup, liqueur)

The small fruits of wild strawberries have a more intense flavor than cultivated strawberries and are excellent for delicate desserts and preserves.

1. Fresh as a snack
2. In fruit salads
3. As a garnish for desserts
4. In yogurt or granola
5. For jams, jellies, and preserves
6. In cakes and tarts
7. For sauces with game or poultry
8. In smoothies and shakes
9. For syrups and liqueurs
10. Leaves for herbal teas

Intensely sweet, highly aromatic, with a slightly tart note, typical 'wild strawberry' flavor.

1. Cream and vanilla ice cream
2. Yogurt and quark
3. Chocolate
4. Mint and basil
5. Sparkling wine or Prosecco
6. Goat cheese (in salads)

The small but intensely flavored fruits are a delicacy and versatile in the kitchen. The leaves can be used fresh or dried for a healthy tea.

1. Fruits
2. Leaves (for tea)

Wild strawberry is non-toxic, and all mentioned parts are edible.

The fruits are excellent for raw consumption. The leaves can be steeped fresh or dried for tea.

Extract seeds from ripe fruits by crushing, washing, and drying them. Alternatively, seeds can also be obtained through fermentation.

Wild strawberries are generally open-pollinated, meaning offspring will be true to type. Ensure to select seeds from healthy, vigorous plants.

For maintaining varietal purity, an isolation distance of at least 100 meters from other strawberry varieties (Fragaria spp.) is recommended. In home gardens, this is often difficult, but self-pollination reduces the risk of cross-pollination.

Germination test on moist paper towel: lay out 10-20 seeds and keep moist. Determine germination rate after 2-4 weeks.

Store cool, dry, and dark, ideally in airtight containers in the refrigerator or freezer to extend viability.

Wild strawberry seeds may exhibit dormancy, which can be broken by cold stratification or fermentation of the fruits before seed extraction. However, this is not always strictly necessary.

Wild strawberry is a herbaceous perennial and is not cultivated as a woody plant. The concepts relevant to woody plants are therefore not applicable here.

Important nectar source for wild bees and hoverflies. The fruits are prized by birds and small mammals.

Regular picking encourages the formation of new flowers and fruits.

Remove old foliage in spring to prevent fungal infections.

Cleaning the beds and first fertilization.

Main harvest time and daily water check.

Final harvest and pruning of withered leaves.

Frost protection recommended for container culture.