Climbing strawberries: properties

Climbing strawberries belong to the rose family (Rosaceae). This perennial shrub is native to America, Europe and Asia. The flowers of the strawberry have a simple structure with five petals, which are usually white or pink and red in some varieties. The three-part leaves of the strawberry, toothed at the edges, are a rich green. The strawberry itself is an aggregate fruit to which the small yellow strawberry seeds, also known as nutlets, are attached. This means that strawberries are in fact nuts, and so-called collective nut fruits.

What exactly are climbing strawberries? 

Climbing strawberries are like ordinary strawberry plants, just that they form runners that can climb using a support. It is important to keep in mind that climbing strawberries are not climbing plants as such because they cannot hold on to anything with their runners and cannot grow upwards on their own. Therefore, climbing strawberries, both outdoors and in pots, need a climbing aid to which you tie the runners. That way, growing strawberries requires no more space than a flowerpot, which is great for those of us who only have small patios or balconies. Plus, climbing strawberry plants look fantastic!

How and where to plant climbing strawberries

The ideal location for climbing strawberries is in a sunny spot that is sheltered from wind and weather. The delicious fruits also thrive in partial shade but then they are not as sweet. Make sure the soil is well-drained, rich in nutrients and humus and has a pH-level of 6 –7, i.e. slightly acidic. You will also need a climbing aid, such as a garden fence or trellis. Climbing strawberries can be planted either in a pot or in a bed.

• Planting time: it is best to plant strawberries at the beginning of April or, for a harvest the following year, between July and early autumn.
• Substrate: Slightly acidic potting soil is best when growing strawberries in pots. This well-structured soil provides strawberries with support and ideal growing conditions. Garden soil can be enhanced with compost.
• Planting distance: in a flowerbed, keep a planting distance of 20 – 30 cm. A maximum of 3 strawberry plants fit in a pot that is 30 cm in diameter.
• Preparation: prepare the strawberry bed 2 weeks before planting so the soil can settle. To do so, loosen the soil well and remove weeds and stones. If you are planting your strawberries in a pot, make sure there is good water drainage by creating a drainage layer of clay shards at the bottom of the pot.
• Planting: when planting the strawberries, make sure the plants are not too deep – the heart bud should still protrude from the soil. Then water the plants well.
• As soon as the first runners appear, they can be attached to the climbing aid to give the plant direction.

Tip: remove the first runners from young plants. That way, compact plants with many shoots will form.

Highlights:

• Product Type: Bonsai
• Classification: Mini Garden
• Use: Outdoor Plants
• Type: Succulent Plant
• Location: Courtyard
• Size: Mini,Small,Medium
• Style: Annual
• Full-bloom Period: Spring
• Function: Beautifying
• Cultivating Difficulty Degree: Very Easy
• Climate: Temperate
• Applicable Constellation: Sagittarius
• Variety: Strawberry
• Flowerpot: Excluded