Alpine Strawberry ‘Baron von Solemacher’
£4.00
The Baron von Solemacher alpine strawberry is an antique German variety that yields dainty clusters of deep red, sweet and juicy berries, which can be up to 25 mm in diameter.
Although we aren’t sure who the Baron was, we know that this variety was first offered by F.C. Heinemann, a German seed merchant, in 1935.
Alpine strawberries are hardy perennial plants that will flower and fruit from late spring until the first frosts. It’s also an early-fruiting variety – the first strawberries may develop as quickly as three months after sowing.
They make a joyous addition to pastries but are also popular in their raw state – young and old alike will love the sweetness and heady aroma of these strawberries, which fill any room with a beautiful fragrance.
| Common name | Alpine strawberry |
|---|---|
| Latin name | Fragaria vesca |
| Variety | Baron Von Solemacher |
| Quantity | 250 seeds |
| Plant size | Height: 15 cm Width: 15 cm |
| Container size | Height: 20 cm Width: 30 cm |
| Companion plant(s) | Thyme, borage, lettuces, onions, spinach |
| Planting indoors | Apr to May |
|---|---|
| Planting outdoors | Apr to Jun |
| Germination | 15 to 30 days |
| Harvesting | 90 to 120 days |
| Planting | 1 cm to 3 cm apart at 0.2 cm depth |
| Thinning | 10 cm to 15 cm |
| Light | Partial shade |
| Soil | Well-drained, fertile and moist |
| Watering | Regular, heavy watering |
| Feeding | Light feeding |
| Caring | Tiny strawberry seeds require a bit of patience, but don’t give up on them. Sow them on the surface and don’t cover them. Be sure not to let the soil dry out – not even for a few hours. For best results, keep the soil temperature at around 20°C. |
| Beneficial wildlife | Borage and thyme attract bees and butterflies, helping with strawberry pollination. |
| Pests | Grow companion plants that attracts ladybirds to prevent aphids attacks. |
| Harvesting | There’s nothing easier than picking alpine strawberry. Grasp the tiny strawberry between your thumb and your forefinger, pull gently, eat and repeat! |
|---|---|
| Eating | Medicinal properties: The juice of alpine strawberries can be applied to the skin to eliminate wrinkles. How to eat: Alpine strawberries can be cooked and used in jams, tarts and other sweet treats. But, in my opinion, the best way to experience their delicious flavour and scent is to grow them in your garden and eat them fresh, straight from plant to mouth. |
