Sale Sold out

Wild strawberry

Name: Wild strawberry
Brand: Akène
SKU: AKE-SEMGR3
Price: 6.99 CAD
Availability: OutOfStock

Common name Wild Strawberry

Latin name Fragaria virginiana

Quantity per packet Minimum 50 seeds

Wild Strawberry produces delicious fruit while stabilizing the soil through its spreading runners. It also attracts pollinators and supports biodiversity in natural and edible gardens throughout Canada.

Product information

Product
identification

Common nameWild Strawberry

Latin nameFragaria virginiana

FamilyRosaceae

TypeNative groundcover

CyclePerennial

Quantity per packMinimum 50 seeds

Code produitAKENE-0021

Product
description

Wild Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) is a charming native perennial that combines ornamental beauty, edible fruit, and exceptional ecological value. Its low-growing foliage forms a dense, natural groundcover, making it an excellent choice for borders, rock gardens, edible landscapes, and woodland gardens. In spring, its delicate white flowers attract native bees and other pollinators before giving way to fragrant bright red strawberries. Although smaller than cultivated varieties, the fruit is renowned for its intense flavor and aroma while also providing an important food source for birds and other wildlife.

Easy to grow, Wild Strawberry thrives in full sun to partial shade in well-drained sandy to loamy, slightly acidic soils. Once established, it spreads naturally by runners, gradually forming a living groundcover that suppresses weeds and helps reduce soil erosion. It requires very little maintenance but benefits from consistent moisture during flowering and fruit production to ensure the best harvest. Its exceptional hardiness allows it to return reliably year after year in gardens throughout Canada.

In the garden, Wild Strawberry blends beautifully into ecological landscapes, edible gardens, and naturalized plantings. It pairs naturally with Wild Columbine, Wild Bergamot, Goldenrods, and Shadblow Serviceberry to create biodiverse plantings with continuous seasonal interest. Its delicious berries can be enjoyed fresh or transformed into jams, jellies, desserts, and other preserves, while the leaves have traditionally been used to prepare herbal teas. With its attractive groundcover habit, pollinator-friendly flowers, and flavorful fruit, Fragaria virginiana is one of the finest native edible plants for sustainable gardens throughout Canada.

Sowing
guide

Sowing periodAutumn or spring after stratification

Best time

Spring after the last frost

Sowing depthSurface sow

Spacing / density

30 to 45 cm (12 to 18 in)

Germination temperature18 to 22°C (64 to 72°F)

Germination time30 to 60 days

Propagation

Propagate easily by seed or by rooting runners. Young plantlets can be transplanted once they develop their own root systems.

Growing
method

Sow Wild Strawberry seeds in autumn or spring after a period of cold stratification to improve germination. Surface sow the seeds because light encourages successful germination. Maintain temperatures between 18 and 22°C (64 to 72°F) and keep the growing medium evenly moist. Germination typically occurs within 30 to 60 days. Transplant seedlings once several true leaves have developed. Mature plants spread naturally by runners, gradually forming an attractive edible groundcover.

Soil
and care

ExposureFull sun to partial shade

Soil

Well-drained, slightly acidic sandy to loamy soil. Organic-rich soils promote the best fruit production.

Soil pHAcidic to neutral

Watering

Water moderately but consistently to keep the soil slightly moist, especially during flowering and fruit production.

Fertilization

A light application of compost in spring encourages vigorous growth and abundant fruit production. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes foliage at the expense of fruit.

Care levelModerate

In spring, remove damaged leaves and apply a thin layer of compost around the plants. Maintain even moisture during flowering and fruit production. Control or redirect runners if necessary, or allow them to root for easy propagation. Apply mulch to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. In autumn, allow the foliage to naturally protect the crowns through winter.

Container
growing

Recommended pot size

25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in)

Wild Strawberry grows easily in containers at least 25 to 30 cm (10 to 12 in) deep. Use a rich, well-drained growing medium and place the container in full sun or partial shade. Water regularly to maintain consistent moisture without waterlogging the soil. Runners can be trimmed or guided to keep the plant compact. Container growing makes harvesting the flavorful berries easy, even on patios and balconies.

Bloom,
harvest
and garden

Its dense foliage and delicious edible berries make Wild Strawberry an outstanding native groundcover for ecological and edible gardens. It combines ornamental beauty, biodiversity, and a flavorful harvest.

Garden use

Wild Strawberry is ideal as a groundcover in rock gardens, open woodlands, edible landscapes, and naturalized gardens. It forms a dense living carpet that reduces erosion while producing delicious fruit. Its spring flowers attract pollinators, while its berries feed birds and other wildlife. It also performs beautifully along pathways and garden borders.

Bloom period

White spring flowers bloom from May to June and provide an important nectar source for early-season pollinators.

Flower colorWhite

Foliage colorGreen

Harvest

June to July

Fruiting

Small, fragrant red strawberries harvested in early summer. The fruit is enjoyed by both people and wildlife.

Wildlife appealBees and pollinators

Size
and facts

Height10 to 15 cm (4 to 6 in)

Spread30 to 60 cm (12 to 24 in)

Growth rateModerate

Hardiness zoneUSDA Zones 3–8

Minimum temperature-40°C (-40°F)

Foliage typeDeciduous

Papillonstrue

Insectes utilestrue

Pet friendlytrue

Planting
partners

Good companions

Shadblow Serviceberry, Wild Bergamot, Wild Columbine, Goldenrod

Avoid planting with

Horsetail, Northern Blue Flag Iris, Marsh Marigold, Ligularia

Recipe
and inspiration

The fragrant berries of Wild Strawberry are delicious eaten fresh straight from the garden or used in a wide variety of traditional recipes. Their exceptionally rich flavor makes them perfect for homemade jams, jellies, syrups, sauces, pies, desserts, and fresh fruit salads. The leaves have also been traditionally used to prepare herbal teas. Beyond its edible harvest, Wild Strawberry supports pollinators, provides food for wildlife, and makes an outstanding addition to edible landscapes and ecological gardens throughout Canada.

Frequently asked questions

When should I sow Wild Strawberry seeds? +

Wild Strawberry seeds are best sown in autumn or spring after cold stratification, which greatly improves germination.

Does Wild Strawberry produce edible fruit? +

Yes. Wild Strawberry produces small, intensely fragrant red berries enjoyed by both people and wildlife. The fruit ripens in early summer

Can Wild Strawberry be used as a groundcover? +

Yes. Wild Strawberry spreads naturally by runners to form an excellent living groundcover that suppresses weeds and helps reduce soil erosion.

Does Wild Strawberry attract pollinators? +

Yes. Its spring flowers attract native bees and many other pollinating insects, making it an excellent addition to pollinator-friendly gardens.

Is Wild Strawberry hardy in Canada? +

Yes. Wild Strawberry is fully hardy throughout most of Canada and returns reliably year after year.

The availability of our seeds varies depending on seasonal availability, production schedules and supplier inventory. Certain varieties may only be offered for a limited time based on their natural growth cycle, sowing period or available stock. These product pages are designed to help and inspire gardeners in choosing the right seeds for vegetable gardens, flower beds, pollinator gardens, container growing, naturalization projects and sustainable outdoor spaces.