Propagating Alpine Strawberries

 

It is the time of year again to propagate our alpine strawberries (Fragaria vesca). Throughout the summer, these tiny ruby-red gems burst with a sour sweetness far more flavoursome than full sized garden strawberries. I know this is a stroke of good luck, however, because the same can't be said of all alpine or wild strawberries. Many look luscious, but taste of little more than watery nothingness, from personal experience. 

I know you're now anxious to know what variety I grow. Unfortunately, I'm at a loss to tell you. The single little plant I originally bought was sold simply as an alpine strawberry. This is interesting in itself, however, because alpine strawberries are not known for producing runners. These ones definitely do. Just take a look at this tangle. 

All those new little daughters are still attached to their mother plants by runners, also called stolons, that act a lot like umbilical cords. 

The fact these plants produce such exuberant runners has always left me wondering if maybe they aren't alpines after all... Ah well, I'm not complaining. The runners are a boon. 

I grow these strawberries as shade tolerant ground cover under my fruit trees and bushes. The fact they produce sweet tidbits on the side is a welcome bonus. Such a dual purpose fills me with glee! Anyway, back to the point, it is the runners which help these plants spread with such exuberance through the undergrowth.

This time of year though, I can't help but assist them on their way. I do it, because it is so damn easy and yet so satisfying. I simply fill a few spare pots with potting mix I make from my own compost (I'll explain this recipe in a later post) and plant one little daughter into each.

As you can see, once planted, I leave them attached to their stolons for several months. This ensures their mother plants can still feed them until they establish strong root systems of their own. 

When these particular ones are ready to fly the nest, as it were, I'll taking them to our allotment to grow as ground cover beneath the black currant bushes. I look forward to this.