Fragaria ananassa

Fragaria ananassa — garden strawberry

Fragaria ananassa is the botanical name for the garden strawberry, the large, juicy summer berry that defines the season for so many growers. It is the species behind our strawberry range within the fruit seed collection. New to fruit from seed? Our fruit growing guide covers the basics.

History & origin

The garden strawberry is a relative newcomer, born in 18th-century Europe from a chance cross between two wild American species: Fragaria virginiana from eastern North America and Fragaria chiloensis from coastal Chile. The pairing combined sweetness with size, and within a few decades the hybrid had largely replaced the small wild strawberries grown until then.

The species name ananassa means “pineapple-like,” a nod to the rich, aromatic scent of the ripening fruit; Fragaria itself comes from the Latin fraga, for fragrance.

Botanical characteristics

A low, spreading perennial, the garden strawberry forms rosettes of trifoliate leaves and sends out runners that root to make new plants. White, five-petalled flowers give way to the familiar red, seed-studded fruit — botanically not a true berry at all, but a swollen flower base carrying its seeds on the surface. Compact and adaptable, it suits beds, our container range and hanging baskets alike.

Growing Fragaria ananassa from seed

Strawberries from seed reward patience. Sow early on the surface of moist compost — the fine seed needs light to germinate — then grow on, harden off and plant out in a sunny, fertile spot. Keep plants watered as fruit swells and protect ripening berries from birds. Our fruit growing guide and fruit sowing calendar cover the timing.

Ready to grow your own strawberries? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Strawberry · Berry & Small Fruits · Container Fruits · Hanging-Basket Fruits · All Fruit Seeds

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