The Botanical Diary
G
Fruit trees

Garden strawberry

Fragaria × ananassa
Also known asgarden strawberry, strawberry

One strawberry plant can yield up to 1 kg of berries per season with proper care.

Regions
all regions
Colour
White
Garden strawberry (garden strawberry, strawberry)
🌸
Bloom
May–June
☀️
Light
Full sun / напівтінь
💧
Watering
High
📏
Height
0,2–0,3 m
❄️
Hardiness
Zone 4а

Garden strawberry is one of the most beloved berry crops, winning the hearts of gardeners around the world. This hybrid originates from the crossing of two South American species and was first cultivated in France during the eighteenth century. Today strawberries grow almost everywhere — from small vegetable patches to commercial plantations — because they combine incredible productivity with low maintenance requirements.

Strawberry plants are easily recognised by their glossy, heart-shaped leaves and charming white flowers that bloom from May onwards. Each plant bears several flower stems, with bright red berries developing simultaneously. The market offers tremendous variety in cultivars — from early varieties like 'Elsanta', which produce fruit as early as June, to remontant types that fruit throughout the summer. Some cultivars bear berries the size of walnuts, whilst others impress with their abundance and reliable harvests.

In the garden, strawberries become true royalty of the berry beds. They pair well with raspberries and currants, creating a harmonious berry corner. A single well-tended plant can yield up to one kilogramme of sweet berries per season — a figure that makes even a modest patch financially rewarding for the gardener. Strawberries flourish in sunny spots and partial shade alike, making them versatile for gardens of various layouts.

Fascinating to note, garden strawberries ripen earlier than most other berry crops — the first fruits can be harvested as early as May or June. This makes them splendid for those who cannot wait for summer harvests. Moreover, growing strawberries requires no specialist knowledge: regular watering, especially during fruit ripening, and simple removal of old foliage in autumn suffice. If your garden still lacks a strawberry bed, now is the perfect time to plant one!

Location & soil

Garden strawberry — planting & location

LightFull sun / напівтінь
Soil typelight, рН 5,5–6,5
Planting timeAugust або April
Plant spacing0,25–0,35 m
Planting depth5–7 см

Berries ripen first among berry crops (May–June).

Water needs

How to water Garden strawberry

IntensityHigh
FrequencyEvery 5–7 days (в)
Volume5–7
MethodAt the base

Essential during berry ripening.

Annual care

Fertilizing and pruning: Garden strawberry

Spring fertilizingNitrogen (April)
Summer fertilizingNo feeding required
Autumn fertilizingPotassium (August–September)
Pruning timeПісля збору врожаю (серпень)
Pruning typeSanitary

Remove old foliage and runners (if not propagating).

Cold hardiness

Garden strawberry — winter hardiness & care

Hardiness zoneZone 4а
Winter coverFleece or straw protection from frost during flowering.
Cover timingПри загрозі –2°C
Plant protection

Diseases and pests of Garden strawberry

Diseases
Сіра гниль ягід (боtritis)Powdery mildew
Pests
Суничний кліщслимаки
Garden design

What grows well with Garden strawberry?

Raspberry, Currant, Gooseberry