PlantBetter

Strawberry

Fragaria x ananassa

Strawberries are beloved for their sweet, juicy red fruits and are relatively easy to grow in many climates. They are typically grown as perennial ground covers or in containers.

Strawberry (Fragaria x ananassa)
Scientific name
Fragaria x ananassa
Family
Rosaceae
Also known as
Garden Strawberry
Category
Vegetables, Fruits & Herbs
Care difficulty
Easy
Pet safety
Non-toxic to cats and dogs

How to care for strawberry

  • Light: Strawberries need at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best fruit production.
  • Water: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruiting, but avoid waterlogging.
  • Soil: They prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil rich in organic matter, with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5.
  • Temperature: Strawberries are hardy plants, tolerating a range of temperatures but preferring moderate warmth for fruiting.
  • Humidity: They generally do well in moderate humidity, but good air circulation is important to prevent fungal issues.
  • Fertilizer: Fertilize in early spring and again after the harvest with a balanced granular fertilizer or compost.
  • Propagation: Strawberries are easily propagated from runners, which are new plantlets that grow from the mother plant.

Is strawberry toxic to pets?

Pet-safe. Strawberries are non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. See our guide to toxic plants for cats and dogs.

Common problems

  • Birds eating fruit: Cover plants with netting as soon as berries start to form color.
  • Powdery mildew or other fungal diseases: Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and remove affected leaves promptly.

Did you know?

The average strawberry has about 200 seeds on its outer surface.

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