Strawberry 'Alexandria' organic
description
Organic 'Alexandria' Strawberry ( Fragaria vesca ) – offered by Gaia, a tasty and compact strawberry for small spaces
The 'Alexandria' strawberry is a day-neutral heritage variety , producing aromatic red fruits , about twice as large as wild strawberries . Its compact shape and lack of invasive stolons make it an ideal candidate for growing in pots, planters, rockeries or borders , bringing a decorative and gourmet touch to the garden.
Hardy in zones 5 to 8 , this strawberry can produce from the first fall if it is sown early, with a harvest assured from the second year. It offers an extended harvest throughout the season , attracting pollinators and guaranteeing a good production in a small space .
Did you know?
Wild strawberries like the 'Alexandria' strawberry are rich in antioxidants and vitamin C , and were once cultivated in Europe for their medicinal properties . Their sweet and intense taste is reminiscent of wild strawberries, but more generous!
Spread : Compact habit, without invasive stolons
Plant height : 20 to 30 cm
Quantity per pack : ± 200 seeds
Companion plants : Borage, bush bean, caraway, asparagus, catnip, yarrow, alliums, sage, spinach, lettuce
Enemy plants : Brassicaceae (cabbage, broccoli, etc.), Solanaceae (tomato, pepper, etc.)
Cultivation method
Sowing should be done indoors 6 to 8 weeks before transplanting . To maximize germination, it is advisable to cold stratify the seeds for 2 to 4 weeks by placing them in the refrigerator before sowing.
Sow in a light, well-drained substrate , covering the seeds lightly (they need some light to germinate). Germination can take between 5 and 20 days , depending on conditions. When hardening off young plants , reduce water and nitrogen intake to avoid excess foliage at the expense of fruit.
Plants should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart in the ground, with 4 feet between rows for good air circulation. They prefer partial to full sun and moderate watering to avoid excess moisture.
Harvesting and conservation
The fruits ripen 4 to 6 weeks after flowering and should be picked every three days to prolong production. For best preservation, strawberries should be harvested in the morning , when they are very fresh.
Fresh fruits can be kept for 3 to 5 days in the refrigerator , without being washed. For longer storage, they can be frozen whole for about 2 months , or made into jams and coulis.
With its compact growth , abundant harvest and intense taste , the 'Alexandria' strawberry is perfect for those who want to grow tasty strawberries even in small spaces! ??
