Wild strawberries are known to be less sensitive than the large cultivated strawberries. Of course, the caring hand of the hobby gardener is essential for magnificent growth in the garden and on the balcony. Here you will find answers to all essential questions.
How do you properly care for wild strawberries?
Wild strawberries need slightly moist soil, fertilized with compost, pruned after harvest and winter protection in the planter. They are susceptible to strawberry powdery mildew, gray rot and pests such as strawberry blossom borers and slugs.
How to water wild strawberries?
The native strawberries prefer slightly moist soil that should dry out occasionally. Therefore, always water after a thumb test. Ideally, you water wild strawberries early in the morning, directly to the roots. Be sure to avoid watering under the blazing sun so that flowers and leaves do not burn.
When and with what is fertilization done?
The closer the quality of the substrate is to the humus forest floor, the more lush your wild strawberries will thrive. Consequently, mature compost ranks first among suitable fertilizers. There are two – a maximum of three – dates for fertilizing:
- as a starter fertilizer when planting, mix plenty of compost into the substrate with a handful of horn shavings
- Administer organic berry fertilizer (€9.00 on Amazon) shortly before flowering, such as liquid compost, guano sticks
- fertilize again after harvest in the same dosage as before
Does pruning make sense?
The extent to which wild strawberries should be cut is a controversial topic among hobby gardeners. The fact is that in the process of wilting, the roots assimilate not only the nutrients from the foliage, but also inhibitors. To prevent this process, we recommend pruning after the harvest.
What diseases and pests threaten wild strawberries?
Although wild strawberries are resilient due to their native origin, the following diseases and pests can cause problems for them:
- Strawberry mildew
- Gray rot
- White and red spot disease
- Strawberry Blossom Cutter
- Strawberry centipede
- Nudibranchs
Proper planting and care is considered the most effective prevention against any threat, because it produces vital and resistant wild strawberries.
Is winter protection necessary?
Wild strawberries in the garden can easily get through the cold season without having to take any special precautions. In the planter on the balcony, however, there is a risk that the root ball will freeze. Therefore, place pots and flower boxes on wood or Styrofoam and wrap the containers with insulating material.
Tips & Tricks
Wild strawberries in the wild are always clean due to the natural mulch layer of leaves and needles. You can simulate this advantageous condition using a layer of straw or bark mulch, which is spread under the plants when flowering begins.
