Overview: Fragaria vesca L. var. bracteata (Heller) R.J. Davis
Fragaria vesca L. var. bracteata (Heller) R.J. Davis is a subspecies of the woodland strawberry, which is a member of the Rosaceae family. It is commonly known as the dwarf or alpine strawberry due to its small size. This plant is native to Europe, Asia, and North America, and it has been naturalized in many other regions.
Description and Characteristics
Fragaria vesca L. var. bracteata (Heller) R.J. Davis is a perennial plant that typically grows to about 10-15 centimeters in height. It has small, trifoliate leaves that are green on top and lighter on the bottom. The plant produces white or pink flowers in the spring and summer, followed by small, red, and flavorful berries that ripen in the summer and fall.
This plant is distinguished from other Fragaria vesca subspecies by its unique bracts, which are small leaf-like structures that grow just below the flowers. The bracts of Fragaria vesca L. var. bracteata (Heller) R.J. Davis are large and foliaceous, and they extend beyond the flowers.
Uses
Fragaria vesca L. var. bracteata (Heller) R.J. Davis has been used for centuries for its medicinal and culinary properties. The plant is rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and flavonoids, making it a popular herbal remedy for a variety of ailments such as inflammation, diarrhea, and sore throats. It is also used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat hypertension and liver disorders.
The berries of this plant are small, but they are known for their intense flavor and aroma. They are frequently used in jams, jellies, and baked goods, and they are also a popular ingredient in natural and organic cosmetics due to their high antioxidant content.
Cultivation and Habitat
Fragaria vesca L. var. bracteata (Heller) R.J. Davis is an adaptable plant that can grow in a variety of soil types and light conditions, although it prefers moist, well-drained soil and partial shade. It is often found in deciduous forests, meadows, and along streams and canyons.
The plant is easy to propagate by seed or from runners, and it does well in containers as well as in the ground. It is a low-maintenance plant that requires little fertilization or irrigation, making it an ideal choice for beginning gardeners or those seeking a low-energy landscape option.
Light Requirements
Fragaria vesca L. var. bracteata thrives in areas with partial to full sun exposure. Too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch, while too little light can result in weak stem growth and low fruit production. The ideal light requirement for this plant is direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day.
Temperature Requirements
This plant variety prefers a cool to warm temperature range of 10°C to 24°C, making it suitable for growing in most climates. The ideal temperature for maximum growth and fruit yield is around 18°C. Temperatures above 27°C can cause heat stress, which can inhibit growth. In areas with a warm climate, it is essential to provide some shade during the hottest part of the day.
Soil Requirements
Fragaria vesca L. var. bracteata requires well-draining and fertile soil, with a pH range of 5.5 to 7.5. The ideal soil texture is loam, which allows for good drainage and adequate moisture retention. This plant requires sufficient moisture, but overwatering can lead to root rot and other diseases. Adding compost or organic matter to the soil can improve its nutrient content and drainage capabilities.
Cultivation Methods
Fragaria vesca L. var. bracteata, also known as the Alpine strawberry, is a hardy plant that is easy to grow. It is best grown in well-draining fertile soils that are rich in organic matter, with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5. The plant should be grown in an area that receives full sun or partial shade. It is a perennial plant that grows up to 6 inches in height, and 10 inches in width.
Water Needs
The Alpine strawberry requires a considerable amount of water to grow and fruit, especially during the growing season. The soil must be kept moist but not waterlogged, as waterlogging can cause the roots to rot. It is advisable to irrigate the plant in the early morning or late afternoon, on hot sunny days, to avoid water evaporation. Mulching is also essential in maintaining soil moisture levels.
Fertilization
It is essential to fertilize the Fragaria vesca L. var. bracteata to enhance its growth and fruiting. You can use well-rotted manure or compost to fertilize the plant. Alternatively, you can use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, that contains equal parts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. It is best to apply the fertilizer during the growing season, ideally once every month.
Pruning
Regular pruning is necessary to maintain the health of the plant and to stimulate fruit production. The best time to prune the plant is in late winter, after the last frost. Trim off any dead or diseased leaves, and remove old and unproductive stems. This pruning will stimulate the plant to produce new and productive stems. In addition, you can also pinch off the blooms of the first flush of flowers to encourage more abundant fruiting throughout the season.
Propagation of Fragaria Vesca L. var. Bracteata (Heller) R.J. Davis
Fragaria Vesca L. var. Bracteata (Heller) R.J. Davis, commonly known as Alpine strawberry, is a small plant that produces small, sweet-tasting fruits. The plant is generally propagated through three different methods, including seeds, runners, and division.
Propagation by Seeds
The simplest method of propagation for Fragaria Vesca L. var. Bracteata (Heller) R.J. Davis is through seeds. Seeds can be collected from ripe fruits and kept in a cool, dry place until the next planting season. After stratification, which involves the exposure of seeds to cold temperatures to spark germination, the seeds can be sown in soil. Keep the soil moist, and the seeds will germinate in approximately three weeks.
Propagation by Runners
Propagation by runners is another method for propagating Fragaria Vesca L. var. Bracteata (Heller) R.J. Davis. Runners are long stems that grow from the mother plant and form new roots and shoots where they touch the soil. The runners can be set in a pot or bed of soil and left until they develop several leaves. Once new growth appears, the runner can be separated from the mother plant and planted into a new pot or bed of soil.
Propagation by Division
Propagation by division is also a simple and effective method of propagating Fragaria Vesca L. var. Bracteata (Heller) R.J. Davis. The plant can be divided by carefully cutting the root ball into several parts, each with a healthy root system and several leaves. Each divided plant can then be replanted into a new pot or bed of soil, and with proper care and attention, will grow into a mature plant.
Disease Management
Fragaria vesca L. var. bracteata is prone to various diseases that can severely impact its growth and productivity. Below are some common diseases and ways to manage them:
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that can cause browning of leaves, blackening of petioles and crowns, and dieback of plant parts. To manage this disease, it is advised to plant disease-resistant varieties, maintain proper plant spacing, avoid overhead watering, and remove infected plant debris.
Verticillium Wilt
Verticillium wilt is a soil-borne fungal disease that can lead to the yellowing and wilting of leaves, stunting of plants, and ultimately death. Once a plant is infected, it is difficult to save it. Therefore, the best management strategy is to use disease-resistant varieties, rotate crops, and use pathogen-free planting material.
Botrytis Fruit Rot
Botrytis fruit rot is a fungal disease that affects the fruit of Fragaria vesca L. var. bracteata. It can cause gray mold to develop on the fruit, making them unmarketable. To manage this disease, it is essential to maintain proper plant spacing, avoid overhead watering, and keep the foliage dry. Also, fruit picking and post-harvest handling should be done carefully, and diseased fruit should be removed from the field to prevent further spread of the fungus.
Pest Management
Fragaria vesca L. var. bracteata is also vulnerable to pest attacks, which can reduce the yield and quality of the plant. Below are some common pests and ways to manage them:
Strawberry Crown Borer
The strawberry crown borer is a beetle whose larvae can bore into the plant's crown and cause significant damage. To manage this pest, it is essential to remove and destroy infested plants and plant debris and avoid planting in areas where this pest has been reported.
Two-Spotted Spider Mite
Two-spotted spider mites are tiny pests that suck the sap from leaves, leading to leaf discoloration and reduction in plant growth. To manage this pest, it is vital to maintain proper plant hygiene and reduce plant stress through proper irrigation and fertilization. Farmers can also use insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the population of this pest.
Slugs
Slugs can feed on the leaves and fruits of Fragaria vesca L. var. bracteata, causing significant damage. To manage this pest, it is essential to maintain proper plant hygiene, remove plant debris, and apply organic slug baits around the plants.
