What do strawberry plants look like, is a question that most people know but a lot that live in places that are less likely to have them cultivated.
However, most people cannot identify the plant when invited to a strawberry garden when the plants have not started to produce fruit.
Read the article to learn the different characteristics of the strawberry plant and how to differentiate it from a weed that resembles it.
Contents
What Do Strawberry Plants Look Like?
Strawberry plants look like little red berries that have a dense crown, and they would grow their red fruit, which is red. Moreover, the fruit would have seeds that are light green to yellow, and on top of it would be held by a green stem with leaves.
Strawberries have light red to darker red shades when ripe. Many people love them for their juicy and sweet taste. They can be eaten raw, in salads, and when cooked. They are a healthy food option for humans because they are rich sources of fiber, antioxidants, and vitamins.
There are different strawberry varieties. Garden strawberries are the most common and can grow in hardiness zones 3 to 11. They belong to the rose family and are scientifically referred to as Fragaria.
Strawberries adapt well to different environments and have been planted by gardening enthusiasts worldwide. However, it is notable that they do not do well in Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.
As a result of climate change, gardening specialists have created strawberry hybrids to ensure that growing strawberries is consistent and that superb harvesting of big and juicy berries continues. There are approximately 20 varieties available today for human consumption.
– Dense Crown
Strawberries are short-statured plants and are hard to identify when young. However, if your garden has plants that seem to develop a dense crown, you will probably be looking at a strawberry. Strawberries grow six inches above the ground since they do not have strong stems to support a massive height.
– Fruits
They are what most of us identify the plant with. They are usually white when unripe. The color changes from orange-red when partially ripe to completely red when fully ripe. The color transformation can slightly differ depending on the variety.
– Seeds
Strawberry fruits have an oval-like shape, and rough skin made up of multiple seeds called achenes. The skin is also covered with a hair-like substance that wears off after cleaning. In some hybrid varieties, achenes can be absent.
– Leaves
At first glance, strawberry leaves may seem unremarkable. They’re green, and they’re shaped like any other leaf you’ve ever seen. Strawberry plants have compound leaves that grow in threes with a dark green hue when mature and light green when young.
They’re rough to the touch, with a slightly jagged edge. They’re also slightly fuzzy, as if they’re covered in a fine layer of dust.
– Tiny and White Flowers
White is the typical color of petals in most varieties. However, red and pink are available in other types and are not an indication of disease. Petals can be five to eight, depending on the type in the garden. The flowers take time to develop and usually form from buds formed in the previous year.
Buds are the slender stalks you find on the axils of the leaves. They look like creeping stems arising from the surface.
The strawberry plant flower has yellow centers surrounded by pollen-bearing stamens. These stamens have a feathery look and an ashy feel.
What Are Varieties of Strawberry Plants Available?
Different varieties of strawberry plants available are the June-bearing ones, and the ever bearing ones, and lastly the day-neutral ones. Remember that these fruit varieties are classified under different categories. Each variety offers its own unique flavor, texture, and growing characteristics.
Whether you’re looking for a sweet and juicy berry to enjoy fresh off the vine or a variety that’s perfect for preserves, use in cereals, salads, and jams, there’s a strawberry out there for you.
– June-bearing Strawberries
They are the epitome of summertime sweetness. These plump red berries are the perfect addition to any dessert or breakfast dish. Their bright color and juicy texture make them a favorite among both children and adults. These are different because of the size that they grow in, they don’t show little growing berries, on the contrary they would grow in their width.
But what sets June-bearing strawberries apart from their counterparts is their unique growing cycle.
These strawberries are known for producing a single large crop each year, usually in late May or early June. This means that the window for enjoying these delicious berries is relatively short, making them all the more special.
Gardeners apply a genius trick to ensure they maximize their harvest for a prolonged period. That is, they plant these plants at different intervals to ensure they harvest in early, mid, and late seasons. Since the fruits are continually harvested for 10–14 days, spacing ensures you harvest throughout the month.
For example, after the first early season harvest, the mid-season fruit gets ready after five days, and the late season eight days after mid-season. You see, this spacing allows you to have more produce than planting them all at once. These red fruits would also include Allstar, Honeoye, and Jewel and are truly a taste of the season that shouldn’t be missed.
– Ever-bearing Strawberries
They are the ultimate multitaskers of the strawberry world. They are often characterized by the little shape that they have, the plumped and meaty fruit that they contain. Moreover, their flavor is also one that is popularized, because it is very sweet.
Unlike the other varieties, which produce a single large crop each year, ever-bearing varieties produce a steady stream of smaller berries throughout the growing season.
This means that you can enjoy sweet, juicy strawberries from late spring all the way through fall. And let’s be real, is there anything better than biting into a sun-warmed strawberry straight from the vine?
On other words, these are also known for their compact growth habits and smaller size, making them perfect for container gardening or small spaces. Plus, their extended harvest season means you get to enjoy fresh strawberries for longer in all their delicious glory.
But the real beauty of everbearing strawberries is their versatility in the kitchen. Whether you’re whipping up a batch of homemade jam, adding them to a salad, or simply eating them straight from the carton, these berries are a true taste of summertime.
Examples of everbearing strawberries under this classification include Alexandria, Alpine, Arapahoe, and Baron solemacher.
– Day-Neutral Strawberries
The features of these berries are beautiful, as they are a bit more elongated, strong in their red color, and a bit more straight as it makes it look more point from below. When you cut it from the green stem, it has a cap of little hairy and green leaves on the edges.
The fruit production of the day-neutral is not affected by the length of daylight hours. This means that you can enjoy sweet, juicy strawberries from late spring all the way through fall and even through winter in some areas with milder climates.
Their small size may fool you, but these berries pack a powerful punch of flavor that is sure to delight your taste buds. They are perfect for adding to desserts, smoothies, salads, and more.
To elaborate further, the key characteristic that they are known by is their taste. Day-neutral strawberries are known for their sweet and juicy flavor, making them a favorite among strawberry lovers everywhere.
Day-neutral strawberries produce berries all season long, Unlike June-bearing strawberries, which produce a single large crop each year, and ever-bearing varieties, which produce a steady stream of smaller berries throughout the growing season,
These fruits are known for their compact growth habits and smaller size, making them perfect for container gardening or small spaces. Plus, their extended harvest season means you get to enjoy fresh strawberries for a longer period of time.
They are also known for their high yield and disease resistance. This makes them an ideal option for those who want to grow them in small spaces or for those who just love strawberries in general.
Another great thing about day-neutral strawberries is their versatility. They can be grown in a variety of different settings, whether it be in a traditional garden, raised beds, or even in containers on a balcony or patio.
This makes them an accessible option for both experienced and novice gardeners. Some examples of this strawberry variety include seascape, tristar, Albion, Eversweet, and Fortuna for all summertime enjoyment.
What Other Plants Look Like Strawberries?
Several plants resemble strawberry plants due to their similar appearance and growth habits. They include:
– Potentilla Indica
The potentilla Indica is also known as mock strawberry, and the name indicates that it only looks and mocks the features,but it is a type of rose that is often referred to as a “strawberry rose.”
The plant has its origins in Asia and was originally used as ornamental. It is a perennial that grows low to the ground and produces small, yellow flowers. It also has leaves similar in shape and size to strawberry plants, with a toothed edge and a glossy green color; however, it grows spikes that are pointed outward.
Potentilla indica has fruits that can be confused with strawberries but are less tasty, which makes another difference.
– Barren Strawberry
It is native to eastern North America and is a low-growing ground cover that produces small, yellow flowers that are not showy, but they do add a subtle touch of color to the plant.
It also has glossy green leaves, that are slightly larger than those of a strawberry plant, but they have a similar shape and texture. The leaves also look thinner than those of garden strawberries. They won’t always bear this little red fruit.
The barren strawberry bears inedible single-seeded achenes. These achenes take root and form new plants, making the plant a fantastic ground cover. Its foliage tends to turn from green to bronze during winter.
– Alpine Strawberry
The Alpine strawberry, is also known as the Fragaria Vesca, and it is a low-growing perennial that produces small white flowers. The leaves of this plant are coarsely toothed dark green. It also makes small, red berries that are similar in size and shape to strawberries, but of course they only resemble them.
Although they have a round shape, they are not as sweet. The achenes of this plant’s fruits are more protruding than those of garden strawberries.
FAQs
1. What Way Do Strawberry Propagate?
Strawberry plants often produce long, thin stems called runners that can be used to propagate new plants. When a runner has grown roots, cut it away from the parent plant and plant it in a pot of compost. Keep the hanging baskets in a sunny spot and water regularly until the new plants are established.
Use a pair of scissors or garden shears to cut the stem of the strawberry. Cut it as close to the base of the fruit as possible. Be careful not to damage or pull up the entire plant when removing the fruits. Once the fruits have been harvested, they can be frozen for future use, enjoyed fresh, or used in various recipes.
Conclusion
What strawberry plants look like is one of the most frequently asked questions by gardening enthusiasts that want to try them in their gardens. The characteristics discussed can help you clear the confusion. Here is a summary of this incredible plant:
- Strawberry plants come in different varieties, including hybrids that help overcome the shortcomings of garden strawberries.
- Pinching these plants when the first buds of the new plants help in more foliage and fruit production.
- These plants can be planted indoors and thrive like those grown outdoors.
- Some plants that look like strawberries can be used for aesthetic purposes. Mock strawberry is a great example.
- Bacterial and fungal diseases can attack these plants. These are common and easy to identify and manage.
You can grow strawberry plants indoors. Unlike the outdoor environment, you can control the growing conditions indoors for a healthy plant. Another aspect that makes these plants great candidates for indoor planting is their short height stature.
References
https://fsi.colostate.edu/strawberries/
https://www.webmd.com/diet/features/nutritional-benefits-of-the-strawberry#:~:text=Strawberries%20are%20good%20for%20your,source%20of%20manganese%20and%20potassium.
https://nph.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1469-8137.2007.02324.x#:~:text=Plants%20show%20extensive%20and%20complex,and%20size%20are%20common%20synonyms.
https://www.britannica.com/plant/loganberry
https://www.fs.usda.gov/wildflowers/plant-of-the-week/fragaria_vesca.shtml
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