The strawberry genus is home to interesting species that produce fascinating varieties. Familiarize yourself with the details worth knowing here to make cultivation in the garden and on the balcony even more varied.
Which species belong to the strawberry genus?
There are about 20 species in the strawberry genus, including the pineapple strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa), the Vescana strawberry (Fragaria x vescana) and the wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca), the most popular species for containers and flower boxes. In addition, strawberries are collected nuts and not real berries.
Species and hybrids that thrive in the hobby garden
In contrast to commercial strawberry cultivation, as a hobby gardener the door is wide open for you to grow rare species and varieties. The following list presents the pearls within the genus.
- Scarlet strawberry (Fragaria virginiana): a parent plant of the cultivated strawberry, large fruits, ideal for preserving
- Chile strawberry (Fragaria chiloensis): the other parent, also thrives in sandier soil
- Musk or cinnamon strawberry (Fragaria moschata): in the past it was the most common strawberry in the garden
- Cracking strawberry (Fragaria viridis): a cracking sound can be heard when its tart fruits are harvested
Three strawberry species lead the genus
Within the approximately 20 species within the strawberry genus, German gardeners are particularly fond of the following 3 candidates:
- Pineapple strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa): considered the leading cultivated strawberry with countless, delicious varieties
- Vescana strawberry (Fragaria x vescana): the successful crossing of wild and garden strawberries with a long lifespan
- Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca): known as a monthly strawberry, the best type for pots and flower boxes
From this system it can be seen that the popular garden strawberry does not come from the native wild strawberry. It was bred in the Netherlands; Their parent plants come from the American continent.
A berry that isn't one
In addition to the wide range of species, the strawberry genus has other interesting aspects to offer. As a member of the rose family (Rosaceae), strawberry plants do not produce real berries, but rather collectible nuts. In contrast to raspberries or currants, the seeds are not in the pulp, but on top.
Precisely defined, the yellow grains are the actual fruits in the form of nuts. What's so tempting is the juicy red flower base.
Tips & Tricks
Within the complex strawberry genus, the musk strawberry in particular impresses with its rarity status. Their deep, dark fruits exude an intoxicating scent in the garden that is reminiscent of fresh strawberry cake with vanilla cream. The old variety 'Schöne Wienerin' was recently rediscovered and is ideal for cultivation in the bed and on the balcony.
