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Description
Fragaria Ananassa Cambridge Favourite, commonly known as the strawberry plant, is a herbaceous perennial that belongs to the Rosaceae family. It is a hybrid species that is cultivated for its edible fruit. The strawberry plant is native to Europe, but it is now widely grown in many parts of the world, including the United States, Canada, and Asia. The fruit of the plant is sweet, juicy, and has a characteristic aroma that makes it a favorite among many people.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Fragaria |
| Species | Fragaria Ananassa |
Appearance
The Fragaria Ananassa Cambridge Favourite has a low, creeping growth habit, with runners that produce new plants. The leaves of the plant are trifoliate, meaning they have three leaflets, and they are green and toothed. The flowers of the plant are white to pink and have five petals. The fruit of the plant is a red, juicy, and sweet berry that is approximately 2-3cm in diameter. The fruit is covered in small seeds on the outside, which are the true fruits of the plant.
Care Guide
- Water: The strawberry plant requires regular watering, especially during the growing season. The soil should be kept moist, but not waterlogged.
- Fertilization: The plant benefits from regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season.
- Soil: The plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. A pH range of 5.5-6.5 is ideal.
- Sunlight: The strawberry plant requires full sun for optimal growth and fruit production.
- Hardiness Zones: The plant is hardy in USDA zones 3-10.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Fragaria Ananassa Cambridge Favourite is susceptible to several pests and diseases, including:
- Aphids: These small, soft-bodied insects can cause significant damage to the plant by sucking sap from the leaves, causing them to wilt and turn yellow.
- Spider mites: These pests are tiny, and they feed on the underside of the leaves, causing them to turn yellow and dry out.
- Gray mold: This fungal disease causes the fruit to rot, and the leaves to turn brown and wilt.
- Verticillium wilt: This soil-borne fungal disease causes the leaves of the plant to turn yellow and wilt, and it can eventually kill the plant.
Habitat
The Fragaria Ananassa Cambridge Favourite is a versatile plant that can be grown in a variety of habitats. It prefers cooler climates and does well in areas with mild summers and cold winters. It can be grown in gardens, containers, and raised beds, as long as the soil is well-draining and the plant receives full sun.
Question and Answer
Q. How long does it take for the plant to produce fruit?
A. The plant typically produces fruit in the second year after planting.Q. How do I propagate the plant?
A. The plant can be propagated by dividing the runners that emerge from the parent plant and planting them in new locations.Q. How often should I fertilize the plant?
A. The plant benefits from regular fertilization every few weeks during the growing season.Q. How do I prune the plant?
A. The plant should be pruned in the early spring by removing any dead or damaged leaves and runners.
Related Plants
- Fragaria Vesca
- Fragaria Chiloensis
- Fragaria Virginiana
References
- “Fragaria ananassa (strawberry) – CABI.org.” CABI.org, https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/22027. Accessed 16 Nov. 2021.
- “Growing Strawberries – Bonnie Plants.” Bonnie Plants, https://bonnieplants.com/how-to-grow/growing-strawberries/. Accessed 16 Nov. 2021.
- “Strawberries – University of Minnesota Extension.” University of Minnesota Extension, https://extension.umn.edu/fruit/growing-strawberries. Accessed 16 Nov. 2021.
