Found all along the West Coast of both North and South America, the Beach Strawberry is a mighty versatile and useful native groundcover that can handle just about any sunlight or soil conditions you throw it in, creating a nice weed suppressing mat. And of course, there’s the little strawberry gems that are produced in summer that really pack a flavorful punch! It’d take a lot of picking to make a strawberry short cake but they’re fantastic for foraging on and kids adore them.
Sweet and flavorful, Strawberries are the most popular small fruit in home gardens. Grow them in small places like flower borders or even in attractive containers on your patio, deck or balcony.
Latin Name: Fragaria chiloensis
Site and Soil: Strawberries like 1/2 day to full sun and well drained soil.
Pollination Requirements: Strawberries are self-fertile.
Hardiness: Hardy to -30° F
Bearing Age: 1st year after planting.
Size at Maturity: 6-8″ in height.
Bloom Time: March – April
Ripening Time: June
Yield: 1 pint
Pests & Diseases: Strawberries are highly resistant to pests and viruses. Use straw mulch to keep berries off of soil and to deter slugs.
USDA Zone: 4-8