As Spring started to show early signs of arrival, my
attention was quickly taken in by a brief article on Alpine Strawberries in the
Spring issue of Heirloom Magazine. As a foothills resident, I thought it would be a great little experiment to try and educate
myself on these for this season, so I’m sharing my experiences after 3 months
of worthy efforts. Here are 5 simple
considerations to pass along from this trial:
1.
What exactly is an Alpine strawberry? It’s not your standard hybrid Fragaria variety of garden plant with
runners streaming down pots, across garden pathways and greatly loved by all
for their fat red berries, sweet tastes and bountiful production. (Assuming no persistent
birds or small critters are in close proximity). The perennial Alpine origins are quite
interesting, from Persia along the Silk Road into Europe and eventually into
North America. The Europeans started
cultivation of the larger Fragaria
strawberries in the 18th century which eventually became the early
forbearers of what the popular hybrid varieties are today. The Alpine woodland
favorites were originally known as Toot
Farangi. They are small fruited,
equally sweet & flavorful and even
now a favorite decoration on French patisserie!
(No wonder I was taken). Many
varieties of Alpine strawberries have no runners and may be used as low,
bush-like border or ground cover plants in the garden setting, with heights of
8-10”. Contemporary cultivars relish the sun, but there are several varieties
that do well in partial shade. It is
easy to do an online search for cultivar characteristics of Alpines from larger
growers.
2.
Challenge #1.
Sourcing. Surprisingly, I found
the larger urban garden centers mostly unaware about these Alpine plants. Box store nursery sections are not the place
to look for these small jewels. Most
garden centers directed me to seed packs, which were for the standard Fragaria plants! A good friend suggested Boulder or Ft.
Collins as better sources. Not being able to work day trips into my schedule, I
resorted to the Internet. I held my
breath but ended up ordering 2 cultivars from a Delaware grower of Alpines. The plants were reasonable in price. So reasonable, I wasn’t sure what I’d get. I finally
chose two runnerless cultivars , one for sun (Bowlenzauber) and another for part shade (Pineapple Crush). Both rated
well for growth and productivity. I was happily surprised when I opened the box
to see the health & vigor of the plants.
3.
Challenge #2.
Beds or Containers and what about soils at altitude?? Feeling inspired, I decided to split plants
between beds and containers. The beds
were my standard foothills soil (sand & clay w/minimal organic matter). In
one small bed, I added a one third mix of peat to loosen the soil plus nitrogen
fertilizer to get roots established, then nothing was added in the second Control area bed. I caged
both plantings immediately at the perimeter to discourage any sneaky little
critters. The balance of plants were
assigned to small deck containers w/drainage holes. The soils here were ¾ potting soil, ¼ peat
and nitrogen fertilizer to establish roots.
(Official planting Day was April 14, 2016.)
4.
Challenge #3. Growing. Water management is essential to keep plants
and soils moist, as the plants become established. With luck I have found
healthy leaf growth and flowering as
rewards! I have had some sun scorch on
leaves from part shade varieties, but as of late July, the amended soils bed
area plants are alive with healthy leaves over the majority of the plant, but
no sign of flowering. The non-amended Control bed plant seems to be shrinking
in comparison!! The container plants are
quite happy with healthy leaves and several small flowers to date. 
5.
Challenge #4.
What next?? I have recently
fertilized all plants to encourage bloom production. I was only able to get a 20-20-20 fertilizer
the day I went shopping, so time will tell.
I need to expand my knowledge in this arena. I have read that Alpines
prefer a compost rich soil, so aged contributions from a friend’s horse were
added in the past month. Between now and
October when the plant beds will be put to rest for the winter with mulch and
compost, I will watch for insect and animal infestation. I may consider partial
burial of the containers in a sunny southern exposure to over-winter? I plan to also crisscross thread the tops of
the cages to discourage browsing elk and deer attacks as fall gets closer. To date, the containers have managed not to
be discovered by the chipmunks.
This has been an enlightening
trial. Valuable lessons have been
reinforced for me, yet again. We live in
an area where soils, fertilizing and water management DO matter. Barring any
surprise hail or animal attacks, I hope to have at least several berries to
adorn a tart soon. I encourage everyone
to take the time to experiment with something new in their gardens that can be
shared with friends and family.
