Strawberry Seed Starts (mignonette)

 Cherryville Homestead – Mignonette Strawberry Seed Starts

Mignonette strawberries are a type of alpine strawberry. While they may be small in size, they more than make up for it with their incredible flavor. These plants produce small, deep red berries with an intense, true strawberry taste. Most often they are called wild strawberries or woodland strawberries, they grow wild out in nature all over North America. Because they take up less space than standard strawberries, they are perfect for small garden beds or containers, ideal for gardeners with limited space. Expect modest harvests throughout the season, offering a steady supply of fruit that’s great for fresh snacking.

Our strawberries are grown from seed right here on our land. They are first-year plants, raised for strong root and leaf development so they can establish well in your garden.

Strawberries grown from seed are meant to focus on plant growth during their first season rather than fruit production. Most plants will not fruit in their first year. In fact, we encourage you to trim away any blooms that form to help the plant grow strong for the following season. Harvesting can be expected in the second year.

These strawberries are sold as young seed starts and are best planted out as soon as weather and soil conditions allow. We want the soil to be workable and daytime temperatures to be staying above freezing with minimal risk of freezing overnight. 

Ensure that when transplanting into the ground or containers, you use high quality well draining soil. Space plants approximately 24" apart, or plant 1-2 per container depending on container size. Over time the space between plants will fill with runners that will produce fruit of their own.  (if you choose to let them) 

Applying straw or a similar mulch will help retain moisture and keep fruit off the soil, which can reduce pest issues. Mulch is optional, we have successfully grown strawberries for years without bedding material in certain situations.