Alpine Strawberry

Alpine Strawberry prefers consistently moist soil to allow for deep rooting. During the warm season, water deeply and evenly at the base of the plant to avoid wetting their leaves, as this can lead to fungal infections. During the winter, reduce the frequency of watering to make sure their soil does not go soggy. When in doubt, allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering.

Alpine Strawberry enjoys bright, direct sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. If your home does not have enough natural light, you may need to use grow lights to directly or indirectly provide more light to the plant. During the hottest months of summer, they may appreciate light filtered through a shade cloth to protect from burning.

Alpine Strawberry prefers cooler temperatures. The optimal growing range is 45 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit (7 to 24 degrees Celsius). At temperatures higher than 80 degrees F (27 degrees C) the plant will start to stress, so provide adequate ventilation and/or a fan.

Alpine Strawberry does not require high humidity, but some humidity is beneficial to them. Humidity levels of 50 to 70% are ideal. You can mist the leaves occasionally or use a humidity tray.

Alpine strawberries prefer to grow in light, well-draining, nutrient rich soil. An ideal soil mix would be two parts peat moss, one part well-rotted cow manure, and one part coarse, irregular sand. This will help to ensure proper drainage and allow the plant’s roots to thrive.

Alpine strawberries should be fertilized once a month during the spring and summer months. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer that is formulated specifically for edibles and follow the instructions on the package. Fertilization is not generally required during the fall and winter months, since this is the plant's rest period.

Alpine strawberries can occasionally be affected by aphids, but proper care can help keep them away. Keeping a clean and tidy garden will give them fewer places to hide. Check your plants regularly. If aphids are found, they can be removed by hand or treated with an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray. The soap or oil should be sprayed directly onto the pests and reapplied every few days until they are gone.

Alpine strawberries should be repotted every 2 - 3 seasons. When repotting, use a pot with well draining soil that is one size larger than the previous pot size. Make sure the plant is not planted too deep or too shallow. Avoid overcrowding, as more than one plant in the same pot can create heat and moisture build ups.

Alpine strawberries should be pruned regularly to encourage bushier growth and more blooms throughout the season. Prune the plant back in early spring as new growth begins.Remove any old, woody, or spindly stems, as well as dead foliage. Also, deadhead and trim any leggy or large flowers during the growing season.

Mulching with organic material such as straw or pine needles can help keep the soil moist and prevent weeds from taking over. Spread a thin layer of the mulch so that it does not smother or suffocate the plants' roots.

Alpine strawberries can be easily propagated in both spring and late summer. A stem cutting or dividing the plant can both be done. For stem cuttings, cut a 4-inch stem from the crown and chop off 3 of the leaves. Plant stem in moist soil and keep the soil temperature between 45 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit (7 and 20 Celsius). In order for the stem to thrive, it should be planted in well-draining soil and kept lightly moist.

Alpine strawberries should be provided with a support system to enable their horizontal, vining habit. Stakes, cages, or trellises will provide the perfect support for the plant. Try to install the supports while the plant is small for best results.

Alpine strawberries don't require a rest period, but in order to encourage more bountiful blooms, they should be kept slightly cooler and watered less during the fall and winter months. This will help to mimic a natural winter rest and reduce the amount of blooms in the following season.

Alpine strawberry plants are not toxic to pets or humans.