February Plant of the Month: Fragaria

My favorite dessert for Valentine's Day is a chocolate tart covered in strawberries, and while strawberries are readily available in the grocery store, they aren't ready in my garden yet. They are just starting to bloom though, which is why I chose them for the February Plant of the Month. Check out these great Fragaria varieties to plant this February.

Fragaria vesca 'Semperflorens' is a compact little guy, just 1' x 1' max. Being a runnerless plant makes it a great choice for small spaces, or next to paths. Grow it for ornamental value and small but tasty berries. White flowers appear throughout the entire summer, and you can often find both flowers and fruits on the plant.

 

Fragaria x ananassa 'Seascape' is a highly productive strawberry with a long harvest season. The fruit is king-size and the flavor is superb. This is an ever-bearing strawberry, which means it will produce fruit from early summer to autumn. Full sun and disease resistant. Only 1' tall and spreads to 2' wide.

Fragaria x ananassa 'Sequoia' produces delightfully sweet strawberries. It grows about 2' tall and 2' wide. A low perennial herb with white flowers on dark green three-part compound, serrated edges. Prefers full to part sun.

Try planting these native varieties this February for a sweet harvest of strawberries this year!