Highly regarded for its intense flavour, this cultivar combines the fragrance of wild strawberries with the larger fruit size of cultivated types. Plants form low, spreading rosettes of coarse-toothed, three-lobed leaves and send out runners that root easily.
White flowers appear continuously from late spring into early autumn, followed by medium-sized, conical berries. Fruit ripens to a deep red and has a rich, aromatic taste, ideal for eating fresh, adding to desserts or preserving. Strawberry ‘Mara des Bois’ performs best in full sun with fertile, well-drained soil. It’s a reliable, culinary choice for pots, containers, or raised beds.
How to care for strawberry Mara de Bois:
Plants purchased in pots can be spaced at 45cm (18in) apart, leaving 75cm (30in) between rows. Water thoroughly after planting and mulch around the base, avoiding the crown - they will put on new growth in spring. During warm weather and fruit growth, ensure plants are well-watered. Prevent fruit contact with soil by using a thick layer of straw, or re-usable strawberry collar around each plant. Strawberries can also be planted in tubs, containers and hanging baskets.