Species Strawberry-Blite
dark-red fruits with pink flowers, green-black buds, green leaves on light-green stems

Strawberry-Blite

Blitum capitatum

Strawberry-blite (Blitum capitatum) is a low-growing plant native to Europe, Northwest Africa, and parts of Asia. Growing to a height of just about 6 inches, the plants have small, clasping leaves, giving way to yellowish-green flowers. When mature, the fruits resemble strawberries but, unlike them, are not edible. These and the entire plant have a bitter taste. Overlooked by most gardeners, Strawberry-blite is a unique and interesting looking plant, adding texture and color to any garden.

Watering:

Frequent

Propagation:

Seed Propagation,Cutting,Division

Hardiness Zone:

Sun:

full sun,part shade

Leaf:

Yes

Leaf Color:

bronze,green,red,purple

Growth Rate:

Low

Drought Tolerant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Invasive:

Yes

watering

Water strawberry-blite (Blitum capitatum) once per week, using 1-2 liters of water per plant. Water deeply and thoroughly to ensure that the soil is thoroughly soaked. Water in the early morning before the heat of the day reaches the plant so that the foliage is not wet for long periods of time. Water around the base of the plant, avoiding wetting the leaves as this encourages fungal diseases. Make sure to always water the plant at the same time every week for consistent watering.

sunlight

Strawberry-Blite (Blitum capitatum) typically needs full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily, to grow and produce fruit. Plant this species in an area where it will receive direct sunlight throughout the day for the best results. When direct sunlight is not available, it can still grow but will not produce as many fruits. It likes to have warmth and should be planted in late spring or early summer for the best harvest.

pruning

Strawberry-Blite should be trimmed in mid-to-late spring after its first flowering period has ended. Pruning should be minimal, removing any dead, damaged, or diseased branches. Healthy shoots should be trimmed back to just above a bud to promote further growth and flowering. To maximize the yield of edible fruit, it may be beneficial to prune out certain parts of the plant that are not fruiting well. If the leaves are beginning to look lanky and sparse, a more drastic pruning may be necessary. This will stimulate the plant to re-shoot and produce more vigorous and abundant foliage.