wild strawberry

Wild strawberry plants should be watered about once or twice a week, depending on the weather and soil conditions. Water thoroughly to ensure that the entire root system gets enough moisture. Depending on the temperature, this could be anywhere from 1-4 inches of water. Avoid waterlogging the soil to prevent root rot. If the soil is sandy and hot, water more often but in shorter amounts. Wild strawberry plants favor slightly moist but well-drained soil, so a little moisture is best. In hotter, dryer months, water deeply just once a week. If you are uncertain about when to water, check the soil with your fingers and if the top 2-3 inches of soil are dry, water the plant.

Wild strawberry (Fragaria vesca) needs full sun to part shade for optimal growth. Morning and mid-day sun are best, though the plant can handle afternoon sun in the cooler months. During the summer, direct sun is best avoided. Wild strawberry does need at least 4 hours of sunlight a day to survive and thrive, year-round.

Wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca) should be pruned in late winter or early spring when the plants are dormant. Prune the canes off at ground level or to within inches of the ground to create a mounded shape. Remove dead or damaged canes and any canes that are crossing or growing too close together. If you don’t prune the plants, the canes will crowd each other and create too much shade. Too much shade will discourage fruit production.