Origin
Fragaria chiloensis (L.) P. Mill. ssp. sandwicensis (Dcne.) Staudt is a plant that is native to Chile and Argentina. However, it is also commonly found in other parts of the world, including the United States and New Zealand, where it has been cultivated for centuries.
Common Names
Fragaria chiloensis (L.) P. Mill. ssp. sandwicensis (Dcne.) Staudt is commonly known as beach strawberry, coastal strawberry, Chilean strawberry, or sand strawberry.
Uses
This plant is often used for culinary purposes. The delicious berries can be eaten raw or used in a variety of dishes, including jams, jellies, pies, and desserts. The leaves of the plant can also be used to make a tea that is said to have medicinal properties, such as aiding in digestion and lowering blood pressure.
General Appearance
Fragaria chiloensis (L.) P. Mill. ssp. sandwicensis (Dcne.) Staudt is a small plant that typically grows to be 6-8 inches in height. It has green, trifoliate leaves that are toothed and hairy on the undersides. The flowers are white or pink and appear in the spring and summer. The berries are small and red, measuring about 1 inch in diameter, and are usually ripe in the late summer or early fall.
Light Requirements
The Fragaria chiloensis (L.) P. Mill. ssp. sandwicensis (Dcne.) Staudt plant thrives in areas with bright, direct sunlight. It requires a minimum of 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, but partial shade during the hottest parts of the day can also be beneficial. Insufficient sunlight can cause stunted growth and poor fruit production.
Temperature Requirements
The ideal temperature for the growth of the Fragaria chiloensis (L.) P. Mill. ssp. sandwicensis (Dcne.) Staudt plant is between 15°C and 25°C. Temperatures above 30°C can be detrimental to the growth and development of the plant, and frost can also be damaging. Optimal temperature conditions support healthy development of the plant's roots, leaves, and runners.
Soil Requirements
The Fragaria chiloensis (L.) P. Mill. ssp. sandwicensis (Dcne.) Staudt prefers a well-draining, loamy soil that is slightly acidic with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant requires good soil fertility, so adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil can be beneficial. The soil should be moist, but not waterlogged, as the plant does not tolerate waterlogged conditions. It is also important to avoid planting in heavy clay soils or soils with poor drainage.
Cultivation Methods
Fragaria chiloensis (L.) P. Mill. ssp. sandwicensis (Dcne.) Staudt, commonly known as beach strawberry, is a hardy plant that grows well in US hardiness zones 8-10. The plant prefers well-draining soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5. It can be propagated both by seeds and runners.
When growing Fragaria chiloensis ssp. sandwicensis from seeds, it is recommended to start indoors in the early spring. Fill a container with a seed-starting mix, scatter the seeds on top, and press them gently into the soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the container in bright, indirect light. Once the seedlings have grown large enough, transplant them outdoors into a prepared bed.
When propagating Fragaria chiloensis ssp. sandwicensis from runners, ensure that the runners are healthy and disease-free. Cut the runner from the mother plant and plant it in a prepared bed. Keep the soil moist until the plant becomes established.
Watering Needs
Beach strawberry plants require regular watering, but the soil should not be waterlogged. Water the plants about once a week, making sure the soil is moist down to the root level. In hot, dry weather, watering the plants twice a week may be necessary.
Beach strawberry plants do not like overhead watering, as excessive moisture on leaves and fruits can cause damage and promote fungal growth. It is recommended to use drip irrigation or water the plants at the base.
Fertilization
Fragaria chiloensis ssp. sandwicensis does not require heavy fertilization. It typically needs a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at planting time, and once every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Fertilize the plants according to the package instructions, being careful not to over-fertilize as this can burn the roots and damage the plant.
If the leaves of the plant turn yellow, this may indicate a need for more nitrogen. In this case, a light application of a nitrogen-rich fertilizer can improve the plant's health.
Pruning
Pruning beach strawberry plants can help improve plant health and increase fruit production. Prune the plants during the winter, while they are dormant. Remove any dead or diseased leaves, as well as any weak or spindly stems.
Beach strawberries produce fruit on runners that grow out from the main plant. To encourage fruit production, trim back the "daughter" plants that grow from the runners, leaving only a few to develop into new fruiting plants. This will ensure that the plant's energy goes towards fruit production, rather than the proliferation of additional plants.
Propagation of Fragaria chiloensis ssp. sandwicensis
There are several methods for propagating Fragaria chiloensis P. Mill. ssp. sandwicensis (Dcne.) Staudt, including:
Seed Propagation
The easiest way to propagate Fragaria chiloensis ssp. sandwicensis is through seed. The seeds should be collected from ripe fruit, cleaned well and then kept in a cool, dry place. Before sowing the seeds, they should first be stratified by placing them in a refrigerator for 4-6 weeks. Once stratified, the seeds can be sown in trays or pots filled with a well-draining soil mix. Keep the soil moist and at a temperature of around 20-25°C (68-77°F) until germination, which can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks.
Division
Another way to propagate Fragaria chiloensis ssp. sandwicensis is through division. This method involves separating the roots of a mature plant to create new individual plants. To do this, select a mature plant and dig out the entire root system. Use a sharp knife or shovel to divide the root system into several sections, making sure that each section has enough roots and foliage to survive. Replant each section into well-draining soil and water well. Keep the newly divided plants in a shaded area until they establish themselves.
Runner Propagation
Fragaria chiloensis ssp. sandwicensis also spreads through runners, which are horizontal stems that extend from the main plant and grow along the soil surface. These runners will produce plantlets at various intervals, which can be left in place or separated from the parent plant. To propagate using runners, carefully remove the plantlets from the runners by cutting the stem that connects them to the parent plant. Plant the new plantlets in well-draining soil and water well. Keep the newly propagated plants in a shaded area until they establish themselves.
Disease and Pest Management for Fragaria chiloensis (L.) P. Mill. ssp. sandwicensis (Dcne.) Staudt
Like all plants, Fragaria chiloensis (L.) P. Mill. ssp. sandwicensis (Dcne.) Staudt is vulnerable to various diseases and pests that can affect its growth, yield, and overall health. It is important to monitor the plants regularly and apply appropriate disease and pest management methods to prevent or control any damage that might occur. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect Fragaria chiloensis and ways to manage them:
Diseases
1. Powdery Mildew: Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that often affects the leaves and stems of Fragaria chiloensis plants. It causes powdery white or gray patches on the affected parts, which can reduce the plant's photosynthetic activity and lead to stunted growth and yield. To manage powdery mildew, you can use fungicides or natural remedies like neem oil or baking soda. It is also important to maintain good air circulation and keep the foliage dry to avoid moisture buildup.
2. Verticillium Wilt: Verticillium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that affects the roots and stems of Fragaria chiloensis plants. It causes wilting, yellowing, and browning of the leaves, and can lead to premature death of the plant. To manage verticillium wilt, you should remove and destroy any infected plants, improve soil drainage and aeration, and rotate the crops to prevent the buildup of the pathogen in the soil.
Pests
1. Spider Mites: Spider mites are tiny pests that often infest Fragaria chiloensis plants and suck the sap from the leaves, causing yellowing, bronzing, and premature aging of the foliage. To manage spider mites, you can use insecticidal soaps or oils, introduce predatory mites or insects, or remove and destroy severely infected plants.
2. Strawberry Bud Weevil: Strawberry bud weevils are small beetles that often infest the buds and flowers of Fragaria chiloensis plants, causing deformed or damaged fruit and reduced yield. To manage strawberry bud weevils, you can use insecticides, remove and destroy infested buds or flowers, or use physical barriers like row covers or netting to prevent the adult weevils from laying eggs or feeding on the plants.
By monitoring your Fragaria chiloensis plants regularly and applying appropriate disease and pest management methods, you can ensure that they remain healthy and productive throughout the growing season.
