Fragaria vesca

Fragaria vesca — wild & alpine strawberry

Fragaria vesca is the botanical name for the wild or alpine strawberry, the dainty woodland berry prized for its intense, aromatic flavour. It is a favourite within our strawberry range, part of the wider fruit seed collection. New to fruit from seed? Our fruit growing guide covers the basics.

History & origin

Unlike the modern garden strawberry, the wild strawberry is ancient and truly native, growing across Europe, Asia and North America in woodland edges and clearings. It was the strawberry of medieval gardens and old herbals, gathered from the wild and later tamed into cultivated alpine forms that fruit tirelessly through the season.

The species name vesca means “thin” or “small,” describing its slender stems and modest fruit; Fragaria comes from the Latin fraga, for the berry's heady fragrance.

Botanical characteristics

A neat, low-growing perennial, the alpine strawberry forms tidy clumps of bright trifoliate leaves and dainty white flowers, followed by small, deeply flavoured red berries. Many cultivated forms are runnerless, staying compact and well-behaved — perfect for edging, our container range and hanging baskets, where they crop from late spring to autumn.

Growing Fragaria vesca from seed

Alpine strawberries are wonderfully easy from seed — easier than the garden type. Sow on the surface of moist compost in good light, grow on and plant out in sun or light shade in fertile soil. Once established they self-sow gently and fruit for years. Our fruit growing guide and fruit sowing calendar cover the timing.

Ready to grow alpine strawberries? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Fragaria ananassa · Berry & Small Fruits · Container Fruits · Hanging-Basket Fruits · All Fruit Seeds

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