Alexandria (Alpine) Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) – Seeds

The Alexandria Alpine Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) is a unique, everbearing variety of strawberry known for its small, intensely flavored, and fragrant berries. Unlike traditional strawberries, which produce one large crop per season, Alexandria strawberries bear fruit continuously throughout the growing season, making them a delightful addition to any garden. These strawberries are not only prized for their delicious taste but also for their ornamental value. With their compact growth habit, they are perfect for container gardens, hanging baskets, or as a ground cover. Alexandria strawberries are particularly valued for their high-quality fruit, which is rich in flavor and fragrance, offering a perfect balance of sweetness with a hint of tartness. This hardy, easy-to-grow variety thrives in a variety of climates and is well-suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 3–8.

Key Features:

• Everbearing Variety: Alexandria strawberries are everbearing, meaning they will produce fruit multiple times throughout the growing season, typically starting in early spring and continuing until the first frost.
• Exceptional Flavor: These strawberries are known for their exceptional taste, offering a sweet, aromatic flavor with a slight tang. The small, delicate berries are perfect for fresh eating, jams, jellies, or desserts.
• Compact Growth Habit: Alexandria strawberries grow as compact, low-spreading plants, making them ideal for container gardening, hanging baskets, or as a ground cover in the garden.
• Ornamental Value: With their beautiful white flowers and vibrant red fruit, Alexandria strawberries are as much an ornamental addition to the garden as they are a food crop.
• Hardy and Easy to Grow: This variety is easy to grow and can tolerate a range of climates, thriving in USDA Hardiness Zones 3–8. It requires minimal maintenance and is relatively pest-resistant.

Growing Information:

Light: Alexandria strawberries thrive in full sun, which helps maximize fruit production. They can tolerate partial shade but may produce fewer berries in lower light conditions. Aim for 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best results.

Soil: These strawberries prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5). Enriching the soil with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure will help provide the nutrients needed for healthy plant growth and abundant fruit production.

Planting Tips:

• Start seeds indoors about 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost. Sow seeds on the surface of a moist seed-starting mix and lightly press them down without covering, as they need light to germinate.
• Keep the seeds in a warm, bright location (70°F/21°C) to encourage germination. It can take 2–3 weeks for seeds to sprout, so be patient.
• Once seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant them outdoors after the last frost, spacing them 6–12 inches apart. If starting in containers, ensure they have good drainage and enough space for the plants to grow.
• Alexandria strawberries can also be direct-seeded in the garden, though germination may take longer.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water regularly, especially during dry spells, to keep the plants hydrated. Use a drip irrigation system or water the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to fungal diseases.

Benefits:

• Delicious Fruit: The small, fragrant berries of Alexandria strawberries are bursting with flavor, offering a unique balance of sweet and tangy tastes. Ideal for fresh eating, baking, or making homemade preserves.
• Continuous Harvest: Unlike June-bearing strawberries, Alexandria strawberries produce fruit throughout the growing season, making them a great choice for gardeners who want a steady supply of fresh berries.
• Compact and Versatile: Their compact size makes Alexandria strawberries an excellent choice for container gardening, hanging baskets, or as a low-growing ground cover. They’re perfect for small spaces or urban gardening.
• Low Maintenance: Alexandria strawberries are relatively easy to grow, requiring minimal maintenance once established. They are generally resistant to pests and diseases, making them a low-fuss option for gardeners.
• Ornamental Beauty: In addition to their delicious fruit, Alexandria strawberries are attractive in the garden with their white flowers and red berries, adding both beauty and functionality to your landscape.

Growing Zones: Alexandria Alpine Strawberries are suitable for USDA Hardiness Zones 3–8. This wide range of adaptability makes them a great choice for gardeners in both colder and milder climates. These strawberries can handle light frost and continue to produce fruit even during cooler temperatures.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Container Gardening: Due to their compact growth habit, Alexandria strawberries are perfect for growing in containers. They can be grown on patios, balconies, or decks in hanging baskets or pots.
• Ground Cover: Plant them as a ground cover in garden beds to create a low-maintenance, edible carpet. The spreading plants will fill in gaps, suppress weeds, and provide a steady supply of delicious fruit.
• Edible Landscape: Use Alexandria strawberries in an edible landscape, where the plants provide both beauty and nourishment. Their fragrant flowers and berries make them an attractive addition to mixed borders or as part of a vegetable garden.
• Hanging Baskets: The cascading nature of Alexandria strawberries makes them an excellent option for hanging baskets, allowing you to enjoy the beauty of the plant while harvesting the berries at eye level.
• Companion Planting: These strawberries can be interplanted with other vegetables or herbs that benefit from the slightly acidic, nutrient-rich soil they prefer. They can also be used alongside flowers to create a vibrant, multi-use garden.

Conclusion: Alexandria (Alpine) Strawberries (Fragaria vesca) are an outstanding choice for any garden, offering continuous fruiting, delectable flavor, and a charming ornamental presence. Their compact size makes them ideal for container gardening, hanging baskets, or as a ground cover in edible landscapes. With minimal care and attention, these everbearing strawberries will reward gardeners with a steady supply of sweet, aromatic berries all season long. Whether you’re growing them for fresh eating, preserves, or as part of an ornamental garden, Alexandria strawberries provide both beauty and bounty, making them a must-have for fruit enthusiasts and garden lovers alike.