Alexandria Alpine Strawberry Seeds

Alexandria Alpine is a compact perennial plant that will produce delicious red strawberries all season long. Small but sweet strawberries are a gourmet treat. These plants are a must-have for your garden or edible landscape! Excellent for containers too!

Edible Flowers: Flowers add a mild, strawberry-like flavor if sprinkled on salads or when used as a garnish for drinks and desserts.

Planting by Zones

Zones 9-10

• Strawberries are a perennial crop best planted from December to February in Zones 9 and 10. Start seeds indoors 12-14 weeks before your planting date.

Zones 2-8

• Start seeds indoors 12-14 weeks before the last frost. Plant outdoors when the danger of frost has passed.

Planting Strawberry Seeds

• Transplant strawberry plants into the garden after beginning them in starter pots. The most difficult part of growing strawberry plants from seed is germination.
• Germination Tip: Some strawberry seeds require cold treatment to encourage germination. Seal your seed packet in an airtight bag or container and place it in the freezer of your refrigerator for 3-4 weeks. Remove from the freezer and allow to fully come to room temperature before opening.
• Sprinkle seeds on top of a finely sifted, well-moistened soilless mix; press gently and barely cover. Bottom water or mist gently to water the seeds. Strawberry seed germination can take 2-3 weeks. Keep seeds in a warm location; a heating pad is helpful. The ideal soil temperature for germination is between 60°F and 75°F.
• Once the seedlings have germinated and have a first set of true leaves be sure to fertilize regularly with an organic liquid fertilizer.
• When the seedlings have their 3rd set of true leaves, they can be moved into larger pots until they are ready to be transplanted out into the garden.
• Strawberry plants grow best in full sun to partial shade.
• Space plants to at least 12″ apart in the garden.

Choosing Strawberry Varieties

There are three main types of strawberry plants.

June-bearing: Produces one early summer harvest. Largest fruits. More runners.

Everbearing: Produces two harvests per season; one larger early crop of fruit is followed by a smaller crop of fruit later in the season. Fewer runners.

Day-neutral: Produces a continuous harvest during the growing season. Fewer runners.

Growing Strawberry

• Alexandria Alpine strawberry plants produce fruit in their second year. To help plants get established, remove flower buds for the first 6 weeks and remove runners for the first year.
• Strawberry plants require well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter such as compost or aged manure.
• Keep the soil moist. Mulch heavily around your plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or heat up too much. Compost added to the soil at the time of planting will help retain moisture in the soil during hot, dry weather. .
• During the hottest parts of the summer, fruit production and size may decline. Use shade cloth to protect the crop.
• Keep weed-free by pulling any weeds that may compete with your plants.

Growing Strawberry in Containers

• Strawberry plants grow well in containers. Make sure your container is at least 10″ deep and wide enough for the number of plants you wish to grow—allow 12″ between each plant. Keep in mind containers will dry out faster because they have more surface area and less soil to hold onto moisture.

Southern California Pro-tips

• In areas of Zones 9 and 10, strawberries are an easy crop to care for once they are established.
• Mulch heavily around your plants to ensure the soil does not dry out or heat up too much. Compost added to the soil at the time of planting will help retain moisture in the soil during hot, dry weather. 
• During our hottest months of August, September, and October, plants can suffer from the heat. Using shade cloth can help protect the plants from extreme heat.

Companion Flowers/Crops

• Alexandria Alpine strawberry plants are small and compact. Interplant with other ornamental crops to create an edible landscape. Other ornamental plants to consider for an edible landscape are anise hyssop, artichoke, chives, and runner beans.

Additional Learning Resources

• New to starting crops from seeds? Please watch our Seed Starting Presentation to learn the basics!
• Learn about growing all our crops on our YouTube page!
• Having pest issues? Check out in-depth information for pests that can be an issue to strawberry plants at the UC Integrated Pest Management site.