White Alpine Strawberries

Growing Alpine Strawberries

As the name suggests, alpine strawberries are quite tolerant of cold conditions and are a frost hardy perennial, dying back in the winter if temperatures are cold enough and then coming back to life in the spring.

They enjoy full sun but will tolerate some shade, especially during the hotter months. They like to have moist soil and will not tolerate extended dry conditions very well. Like most fruit they prefer fertile, organic soils.

These strawberries have quite a long harvest season over the summer and will sometimes produce second round of fruit into the autumn as well. The berries are small and white when ripe. To test ripeness, pull gently on the fruit like you would with a raspberry – if they come off, they are ready to eat!

This variety of alpine strawberry produces clumps rather than sending out runners. Clumps should be divided each year or two to maintain plant health.

Uses

Obviously these little strawberries are great for eating fresh. I also imagine they would be great in desserts, jams and other goodies however we have never managed to get any into the kitchen – they are always devoured before they get there.

Their hardiness makes them suitable for multiple climates and soil types although they may struggle through summers in Mediterranean conditions if they are not watered regularly.

Due to their clumping growth they make great edging plants. This is also handy for harvesting as you happen to be walking past. We will be using them alongside Comfrey and lemongrass around the edges of our food forest.