Overview
Fragaria vesca 'Semperflorens' is a perennial plant that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a cultivar of wild strawberry and commonly known as Everbearing Woodland Strawberry due to its ability to produce fruit throughout its growing season.
Origin and Distribution
Fragaria vesca is native to Europe, Asia, and North America and has been grown for centuries for its edible fruits. 'Semperflorens', specifically, was first cultivated in Germany and is now widely grown in various parts of the world, including the United States, Australia, and South Africa.
Appearance
The plant has a creeping habit and produces small, white flowers from spring to fall. Its leaves are trifoliate, with toothed edges, and the plant typically grows to a height of 15-30 cm. The fruits produced by the plant are round, red, and sweet.
Uses
Fragaria vesca 'Semperflorens' is primarily grown for its edible fruits, which can be eaten raw or used in cooking and baking. The plant is also used in traditional medicine for its various medicinal properties, including its anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effects. Additionally, the plant is often grown as an ornamental plant due to its attractive flowers and fruits.
Light Requirements
The Fragaria vesca 'Semperflorens' plants require at least six hours of sunlight exposure every day to achieve optimal growth. This plant species prefers being exposed to morning sunlight instead of hot afternoon sun. If planting indoors, ensure to place the plant pot in a brightly lit area to supplement the natural light.
Temperature Requirements
The Fragaria vesca 'Semperflorens' home soil should be between 40°F and 85°F. The ideal daytime temperature should range between 60°F and 75°F. At night, the temperature should be lower, ranging between 50°F and 60°F. If the home temperatures are too high, misting the plant's foliage with water can help create a cooler and humid environment.
Soil Requirements
This plant species prefers well-draining, fertile, and healthy soil. The soil pH should be between 5.5 and 7.0. Fragaria vesca 'Semperflorens' plant prefers humus-rich soil, which is often obtained by introducing organic matter to the soil during development. Vermicompost, compost, or well-aged manure are great soil enhancers since they help improve texture and water retention of the soil.
Cultivation Methods
Fragaria vesca 'Semperflorens' is a low-growing, ever-blooming plant that is easy to grow. It prefers full sun exposure but can also do well in partial shade. It's important to keep the soil moist but well-draining. This plant species is best grown in well-drained soil with high organic matter, with a pH of approximately 5.5 to 6.5. The plant will typically produce fruit in its first year of growth.
Watering Needs
Regular watering is essential to keep the soil moist but not soggy, as strawberries need consistent moisture. When watering, it's best to avoid wetting the foliage directly to prevent the spread of diseases such as grey mould or powdery mildew. Watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is not too harsh, and the heat of the day has passed. During periods of drought, you should water more frequently to keep the soil evenly moist.
Fertilization
Strawberries are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization. You can fertilize with a complete, balanced fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. It's best to apply the fertilizer just before watering to help the nutrients reach the plant's roots more quickly. You can also use organic fertilizers such as compost or well-rotted manure, which can be mixed into the soil before planting to provide a slow-release source of nutrients.
Pruning
Fragaria vesca 'Semperflorens' requires minimal pruning. However, it's essential to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged foliage promptly to prevent the spread of diseases. Also, remove any runners that emerge from the plant to prevent overcrowding and encourage the plant to produce more flowers and fruits. You can also remove the blooms after they've finished flowering to encourage more blooming throughout the growing season.
Propagation of Fragaria vesca 'Semperflorens'
Fragaria vesca 'Semperflorens', also known as perpetual-flowering strawberry, can be propagated by different methods:
1. Division
The plant can be propagated through division. This method involves uprooting the plant, gently separating its roots and replanting the divided sections. This process should be done during spring or autumn. The plant should be dug up, and the roots carefully separated into smaller sections. Each section should have both new and old roots and a bud. The newly created plants can then be replanted in the desired location.
2. Seeds
Seeds can also be used to propagate Fragaria vesca 'Semperflorens'. After flowering, the plant will produce fruits that contain seeds. These seeds can be collected, cleaned, and planted. The seeds should be sown in trays or pots filled with well-prepared soil. The seeds should be watered, and the trays should be covered with plastic to maintain moisture. The seeds generally germinate within 3-4 weeks.
3. Runners
Fragaria vesca 'Semperflorens' produces runners, which are horizontal stems that grow above the ground. These runners develop new roots and create new plants. To propagate the plant using runners, the runner should be allowed to grow to a reasonable length and then pinned to the ground or soil. The point where the runner touches the soil will root, and a new plant will form. Once the new plant is established, it can be cut off from the parent plant and replanted in its desired location.
Propagation of Fragaria vesca 'Semperflorens' can be done through division, seeds, and runners. Care must be taken to ensure that all procedures are done correctly to maintain plant health and ensure successful propagation.
Disease and Pest Management for Fragaria Vesca 'Semperflorens'
Fragaria vesca 'Semperflorens' is prone to several diseases and pests that can cause significant damage to the plant and reduce its productivity. Here are some common diseases and pests that affect the plant and ways to manage them:
Diseases
Powdery Mildew: This fungal disease causes a white, powdery coating on the leaves, which eventually turns yellow and dies. It can spread rapidly and cause severe damage to the plant. To manage powdery mildew, remove and destroy infected plant parts and ensure good airflow to reduce humidity. You can also apply fungicides to prevent and control the disease.
Botrytis Fruit Rot: This fungal disease affects the fruit, causing it to turn gray and mushy. It often occurs in wet and humid conditions and can spread rapidly. To manage the disease, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation. Remove and destroy infected fruits and apply fungicides to prevent and control the disease.
Verticillium Wilt: This fungal disease causes yellowing and wilting of the leaves, followed by stunted growth and premature death of the plant. There is no cure for verticillium wilt, so it's essential to prevent it by planting disease-resistant cultivars, rotating crops, and managing soil moisture and fertility.
Pests
Strawberry Root Weevil: This pest feeds on the roots, crowns, and leaves of the plant, causing stunted growth, wilting, and eventually death. To manage the pest, remove and destroy infected plants and treat healthy ones with insecticides. You can also use beneficial nematodes to control the pest naturally.
Two-Spotted Spider Mite: This pest feeds on the undersides of leaves, causing yellowing, stippling, and eventually defoliation of the plant. To manage the pest, avoid overhead watering and provide good air circulation. You can also apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to control the pest.
Slugs and Snails: These pests feed on the leaves and fruits of the plant, causing significant damage. To manage the pests, remove hiding spots like debris and weeds and use traps or baits to catch them. You can also apply iron phosphate-based baits to control the pest naturally.
By managing diseases and pests effectively, you can ensure that your Fragaria vesca 'Semperflorens' plant remains healthy and productive.
