Woodland strawberry (Fragaria vesca)

Also known as: Fraisier Des Bois, Wood strawberry, European strawberry

The plant you're describing is the Alpine strawberry (Fragaria vesca). This ever-bearing variety spreads via runners that root along the way. It produces small but edible fruit throughout the year. Due to its tiny fruit, Alpine strawberries are often used more for ornamental purposes or as ground cover.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Woodland strawberry

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

5 cm to 30 cm

Spread

22 cm to 30 cm

Leaf Color

Green

Flower Size

1.3 cm to 1.5 cm

Flower Color

White

Images of Woodland strawberry

Quickly Identify Woodland strawberry

Woodland strawberries can be identified by their small, trifoliate leaves with serrated edges, white five-petaled flowers with a yellow center, and small red fruits usually bearing achenes (seeds) on the surface.

Scientific Classification of Woodland strawberry

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Roses, elms, figs, and allies

Family

Rose

Genus

Strawberries

Species

Woodland strawberry

Planting and Growing of Woodland strawberry

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 4 days

Sunlight Requirements

Full sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

60-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Terracotta

How to Water Woodland strawberry?

For Fragaria vesca, watering should be thorough yet moderate, ensuring the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged. The goal is to maintain moisture that you can feel with your fingertips without drowning the roots. Observe the moisture level about an inch or two below the soil surface to guide your watering needs.

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Woodland strawberry? ›

What should I do if my Woodland strawberry is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Woodland strawberry? ›

How to save an overwatered Woodland strawberry? ›

More About Watering Techniques→

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Woodland strawberry?

Sunlight Requirements: Full sun, Partial sun

Duration of light: 6 to 8 hours

Fragaria vesca flourishes between full sun and partial sun settings, benefiting from 6 to 8 hours of light daily. Ideal lighting supports vigorous growth, improved flowering, and plentiful, flavorful fruit yields.

What is the ideal lighting for Fragaria vesca? ›

How can I ensure Fragaria vesca gets the ideal light? ›

What are the benefits of ideal lighting for Fragaria vesca? ›

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Woodland strawberry?

Ideal Temperature: 60 ~ 75℉

The ideal temperature range for Fragaria vesca, commonly known as wild strawberry, lies between 60°F to 75°F. This temperature range provides optimal conditions for growth, flowering, and fruiting, ensuring that the plant can thrive and produce quality strawberries.

What Soil is Best for Woodland strawberry?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Fragaria vesca thrives in soil that allows air to circulate freely. Well-aerated soil ensures the roots can breathe and absorb nutrients efficiently, leading to healthier growth and abundant fruit production. This plant prefers soil that retains moisture but drains excess water. Proper moisture balance prevents root rot and keeps the plant hydrated, promoting lush foliage and flavorful fruits. Rich nutrient content in the soil is crucial for Fragaria vesca's growth. Fertile soil promotes robust plant development, vibrant leaves, and increased yield, ensuring the strawberries are delicious and plentiful. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Woodland strawberry?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

Fragaria vesca, commonly known as wild strawberry, benefits from a gentle fertilization approach. For liquid fertilizers, use a solution mixed at half the recommended strength, approximately 50% of the manufacturer's suggestion. Generally, 1 to 2 tablespoons per gallon of water should suffice. For solid fertilizers, such as granular slow-release types, an annual total of about 1 to 1.5 pounds per 100 square feet is recommended, applied in early spring. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Woodland strawberry?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Prune Fragaria vesca in early spring and throughout summer for optimal results. Pruning before new growth starts lets the plant recover and flourish during its peak growing periods. Always sterilize your pruning tools before and after use to prevent transmitting diseases between plants. A simple solution of water and bleach works wonders for sanitation. Be cautious not to damage new growth. These young shoots are essential for developing the next batch of leaves and flowers, which are critical for a bountiful harvest. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Woodland strawberry plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring, Late spring

To propagate Fragaria vesca from seeds, it is important to first prepare the seeds by soaking them in water for 12 to 24 hours. This step helps soften the seed coat, accelerating germination when planted in seed trays filled with appropriate soil.

When propagating through cuttings, select healthy runners from the parent plant. Use sharp pruning shears to cut about 10 cm below the node. Ensure that each cutting has at least one leaf and no flowers to channel energy into root development.

For division propagation, carefully dig up a mature Fragaria vesca plant, separating clumps of crowns that each have a root system. Replant these divisions in well-prepared soil, ensuring that they are adequately watered and shaded during their initial growth period.

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How to Repot Woodland strawberry plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repotting Fragaria vesca is usually indicated when you notice that the plant's roots are protruding from the drainage holes, the soil dries out rapidly, or the growth rate has noticeably slowed down. These are clear signals that the plant has outgrown its current container and needs more room to thrive.

Selecting the right pot involves opting for a container that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one. Ensure it has sufficient drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. A slightly larger pot gives roots space to expand, supporting more robust growth.

For Fragaria vesca, it's essential to use a well-draining potting mix. This type of soil ensures excess water doesn't accumulate around the roots, reducing the risk of root rot and providing a stable base for nutrients and air circulation necessary for healthy plant growth.

More About Repotting Techniques→