musk strawberry
Fragaria moschata
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- Seed Packets (only) £2.95
This plant is deciduous so it will lose all its leaves in autumn, then fresh new foliage appears again each spring.
- Position: Full sun or partial shade
- Soil: Moderately fertile, moist but well-drained soil
- Rate of growth: Average
- Hardiness: Fully hardy
Widely cultivated until the beginning of the 19th century, strawberry connoisseurs consider the musk to be the best flavoured strawberry. Native to Europe, it now finds favour (and flavour) with the emergence and popularity of forest gardens and agroforestry. Small, mottled brownish red or rose-violet skinned fruits with an intense aroma and superb taste follow delicate white flowers on upright stems, this leafy, hardy perennial is an ideal potted plant.
Sow either in autumn or spring, into small pots or trays, lightly covering with fine compost. Germination needs a warm environment of 18-21°C (65-70°F) and may be slow and inconsistent. As soon as the seedlings have two true leaves and are large enough to handle, transplant them to 2.5cm (1in) apart. Plant the seedlings in a sunny or lightly shaded spot in the ground or in a container from May.
Prepare the ground well before planting. Clear all the weeds and dig in lots of well-rotted manure. When planting out, space the plants at 45cm intervals with 75cm between each row and apply a generous layer of mulch around the base of the plants, being careful to avoid the crown. If training onto a support, tie them in as they start to grow and keep the runners off the ground. If you want to grow them in the more conventional way and let them trail along the ground, then put a thick layer of straw or use strawberry mats under the plants to stop the fruit touching the soil when they are starting to form. Sheets of black plastic mulch can also be used, and it will also help retain soil moisture, reduce weeds and encourage early cropping.
Sow: February to March (under glass) or April to May (direct)
Harvest: June to July