Strawberries: how to grow them, and the strange story of the fruit itself.
How to plant, grow, water, feed and pick strawberries in beds, pots and hanging baskets; the three types and the RHS’s recommended varieties; pests and problems; the French spy who brought big strawberries home; and the myths. Every fact is linked to its source, and there is a quiz at the end.
The short version
The garden strawberry is Fragaria × ananassa. The RHS calls it sweet, juicy and easy and rewarding to grow. RHS
There are three main types to grow: summer-fruiting, perpetual and alpine. RHS
They grow best, and taste sweetest, in a sheltered spot in full sun, though they will put up with some shade. RHS
Botanically, a strawberry isn’t a true berry. Britannica calls it an “accessory fruit”: the red flesh is the swollen base of the flower, called the receptacle. Britannica
The Chilean strawberry crossed with a strawberry from Virginia. All modern commercial strawberries come from that hybrid. Science History Institute
Most of the growing advice here comes from the RHS. Where sources disagree, or tell a story we can’t check, we say so.
Explore
How to growPlanting, soil, sun and spacing.
Pots and basketsStrawberries on a patio or balcony.
Care and pickingWater, straw, nets and runners.
Types and varietiesSummer-fruiting, perpetual and alpine.
Pests and problemsVine weevil, grey mould and frost.
HistoryA spy, a king’s garden and a pineapple.
Tile pictures are credited on their pages and on the credits page.
Try the games
A 12-question quiz, a myth-or-fact challenge, and a planner that works out how many plants fit your bed.