Plant Description: Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb.
Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb. is a perennial herb that is a subspecies of the Fragaria vesca L., commonly known as the woodland strawberry. It belongs to the family Rosaceae and is native to Europe and some parts of Asia. The plant is known for its small, white, and sweet strawberries that are popularly picked and eaten in the wild.
Common Names:
Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb. has several common names, including White Alpine strawberry, Pineapple strawberry, and Wild Strawberries. In some regions, it is also referred to as the "woodland strawberry" or "European strawberry."
General Appearance:
Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb. has a small, bushy growth habit with thin, wiry stems that grow up to 6 inches in height. The plant has a basal rosette arrangement of leaves that are trifoliate, meaning they have three oval-shaped leaflets. The leaves are dark green and glossy with serrated margins. Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb. produces delicate, white flowers that bloom from late spring to early summer. The fruit is a small, white strawberry with a sweet fragrance and taste that ripens in early summer.
Uses:
Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb. is primarily grown for ornamental purposes in gardens and is valued for its edible fruit. The fruit is often eaten raw, used in jams, baked goods, or as a flavoring. The plant, particularly the leaves, also contains natural astringent compounds and is used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, skin irritation, and sore throats. In addition, Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb. is often used as an herbal tea infusion for its diuretic and antioxidant properties.
Growth Conditions for Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb.
Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb. is a perennial plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. This plant species is commonly known as white alpine strawberry and is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The white alpine strawberry plant grows to a height of around 15cm and has a spread of around 25cm. It produces white flowers and edible red fruits that are around 1.5cm in diameter.
Light Requirements
The white alpine strawberry plant requires full sun to grow and produce healthy fruits. It needs to receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Lack of sunlight can result in weak plants that are susceptible to diseases and pests.
Temperature Requirements
The white alpine strawberry plant prefers a cool climate and grows well in temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C. At temperatures above 25°C, the plant may stop producing fruits and may even die. On the other hand, at temperatures below 0°C, the plant may become dormant and stop growing until the temperature rises above freezing point.
Soil Requirements
The white alpine strawberry plant prefers moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The pH of the soil should be between 5.5 and 6.5. The plant grows well in sandy, loamy, and clay soils. However, it does not tolerate waterlogged soils as the roots may rot and die. The soil should be prepared well before planting by adding compost or well-rotted manure to improve the soil structure and fertility.
In conclusion, the white alpine strawberry plant requires full sun, cool temperatures, and moist, well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter to grow and produce healthy fruits.
Cultivation Methods for Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb.
Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb is a small plant from the Rosaceae family with a close resemblance to strawberries. To cultivate this plant, start by selecting a site that receives at least six hours of sunlight every day. Ensure that the soil is moist, well-draining and has a pH of slightly acidic to neutral.
Plant Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb seeds in rows 12 inches apart and cover with a thin layer of soil. The seedlings will germinate within 2-3 weeks and will be ready for transplanting after 4-8 weeks.
Watering Needs for Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb.
Since Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb is a small plant, it is important to be careful with the amount of water used. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering will cause the leaves to wither. Water the plants once a week or when the soil feels dry to the touch. Apply water directly to the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which may cause water damage.
Fertilization for Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb.
The best time to apply fertilizer to Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb is during the growing season, which is typically from spring to fall. Use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer around the base of plants and water appropriately.
Pruning for Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb.
Pruning is not a mandatory step when it comes to Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb. However, it is important to remove any leaves or flowers that may be diseased or dead. Pinching out runner tips will also help to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth. If the plants become too crowded, thinning them out can help improve air circulation and reduce the risk of disease.
Propagation of Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb.
Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb. can be propagated through various methods, including:
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the easiest way to propagate Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb. Seeds can be directly sown in the soil or started indoors. However, growing from seeds can result in plants that vary in size and quality.
Vegetative propagation
Vegetative propagation involves growing the plant from runners, stolons, and root cuttings. This method ensures that all propagated plants have the same characteristics as the parent plant, which is useful if you want to maintain a specific flower color or fruit flavor.
Division
Division can be used when the parent plant forms a clump of offsets. Carefully lifting the clump and dividing it into smaller clumps can allow growers to transplant multiple Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb. plants.
Overall, the propagation of the plant is relatively easy for growers, and most of the methods don't require a lot of expertise. It depends on what kind of results you are looking for and how much you are willing to invest in propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb.
Fragaria vesca L. var. alba (Ehrh.) Rydb., commonly known as the white alpine strawberry, is a delicate plant that requires regular monitoring and management to prevent diseases and pest infestations. Here are some common diseases and pests that might affect the plant and ways to manage them.
Common diseases that affect Fragaria vesca L. var. alba
1. Powdery mildew: This is a fungal disease that affects the leaves, stems, and flowers of the plant. It appears as a white, powdery coating on the plant's surface, which can eventually lead to stunted growth and reduced fruit production. To manage powdery mildew, it is essential to keep the plant's environment dry, avoid overcrowding, and prune affected parts of the plant and dispose of them properly. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
2. Gray mold: Also known as botrytis cinerea, this fungal disease affects the fruit and flowers of the plant, causing them to rot and decay. To prevent gray mold, it is essential to provide proper ventilation and keep the plant dry. Remove dead plant material, and avoid overhead watering. Fungicides can also be used to manage the disease.
Common pests that affect Fragaria vesca L. var. alba
1. Spider mites: These tiny pests feed on the plant's leaves, causing yellowing and stippling of the foliage. To manage spider mites, it is essential to provide proper ventilation and keep the plant dry. Spraying the plant with water can help dislodge the mites. In severe cases, insecticides may be necessary.
2. Slugs and snails: These pests feed on the fruit of the plant and can cause significant damage to the crop. To manage slugs and snails, it is essential to remove any debris and decaying plant material from around the plant. Use diatomaceous earth or copper tape around the plant to create a barrier. Beer traps can also be used to attract and drown the pests.
By taking proactive measures to prevent diseases and pest infestations, Fragaria vesca L. var. alba growers can enjoy a healthy and productive crop.
