(Fragaria Vesca ‘White Soul’)
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White Soul Strawberry is a perennial fruit that is native to Europe and Asia but can be commonly found growing throughout the northeastern United States. At maturity, this plant reaches the height of 4-8” and features trifoliate green leaves, white 5-petaled flowers that have yellow centers, and 1/2” creamy white strawberries. This plant can be grown in a container, attracts bees, tolerates frost, and is edible.
Family: Rosaceae
Genus: Fragaria
Species: vesca
Variety: White Soul
Scientific Name: Fragaria Vesca
Also Known As: Woodland Strawberry 'White Soul', Alpine strawberry 'White Soul', Wild strawberry 'White Soul', Wild white strawberry 'White Soul'
Native to: Albania, Altay, Austria, Azores, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Buryatiya, Central European Rus, Corse, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, East European Russia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Irkutsk, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, Madeira, Netherlands, North Caucasus, North European Russi, Northwest European R, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sardegna, Sicilia, South European Russi, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Turkey, Turkey-in-Europe, Tuva, Ukraine, West Siberia, Xinjiang, Yugoslavia.
Introduced into: Argentina Northwest, Baleares, Bolivia, Brazil South, Canary Is., Cape Provinces, Colorado, Connecticut, Ecuador, Illinois, Indiana, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jawa, Kenya, Maine, Malaya, Manchuria, Massachusetts, Mauritius, New Guinea, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Newfoundland, Northern Provinces, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Philippines, Québec, Rwanda, Réunion, Sumatera, Tanzania, Tennessee, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia.
Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Perennial
Maturity (Bloom): May to August
Hardiness: Hardy. Strawberries are hardy during the Winter and can withstand frost. It is important to plant your berries in a place that is sheltered from Spring frosts, as strawberries become very tender once they blossom.
Crops: Spring Transplant, Fall Transplant
Growing Season: Short, Long
Cultivar Type: Early
Growing Conditions: Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot. Strawberries love sunshine. They will tolerate moderate shade, but they produce significantly better when they are planted in an area that receives full daytime sun. Plants will tolerate frost, but should be protected before.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 55°F - 85°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 60°F
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: No
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cool, Warm, Hot). Strawberries must have full sun (at least 6 hours daily) for maximum productivity and best flavor. They will tolerate some shade, but productivity will suffer. Part shade (Warm, Hot). In hot climates, strawberries will benefit from afternoon shade.
Water: Moderate. Strawberries must have a steady supply of water at all times, but especially during flowering and fruiting. Water is also very important in fall when next year's flower buds are developing. If they are dry at this time it can affect the following year's crop. The plants should receive at least 1" of water per week, though of course the exact quantity needed will depend upon the growing conditions. Drip irrigation works best as it keeps leaves and fruit dry, which reduces the potential for serious fungus and disease problems.
Feeder: Heavy. Strawberries are fairly hungry plants and should be given plenty of nutrients (especially phosphorus and potassium) for maximum fruit production.
Suitability: Tolerates light frost, Tolerates hard frost, Needs summer shade.
Small Gardens?: Yes
Containers?: Yes. Strawberries are an excellent candidate for container growing, and will thrive in almost any size container so long as it drains well. Fill the container with a good, loamy potting mix and add fertilizer as necessary. Plant the strawberries so that the root is fully covered and the crown is just above the soil line.
Attracts beneficial insects?: Yes
Maintenance: Medium
Plant Height: 6-8"
Spacing: 12-24"
Sow Depth: 1/8"
Produces: trifoliate green leaves, white 5-petaled flowers that have yellow centers, and 1/2” creamy white strawberries.
Hardiness Zone: 4-10
Genus: Fragaria
Species: vesca
Variety: White Soul
Scientific Name: Fragaria Vesca
Also Known As: Woodland Strawberry 'White Soul', Alpine strawberry 'White Soul', Wild strawberry 'White Soul', Wild white strawberry 'White Soul'
Native to: Albania, Altay, Austria, Azores, Baltic States, Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Buryatiya, Central European Rus, Corse, Czechoslovakia, Denmark, East European Russia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Iran, Ireland, Irkutsk, Italy, Kazakhstan, Kirgizstan, Krasnoyarsk, Krym, Lebanon-Syria, Madeira, Netherlands, North Caucasus, North European Russi, Northwest European R, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sardegna, Sicilia, South European Russi, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Transcaucasus, Turkey, Turkey-in-Europe, Tuva, Ukraine, West Siberia, Xinjiang, Yugoslavia.
Introduced into: Argentina Northwest, Baleares, Bolivia, Brazil South, Canary Is., Cape Provinces, Colorado, Connecticut, Ecuador, Illinois, Indiana, Ivory Coast, Japan, Jawa, Kenya, Maine, Malaya, Manchuria, Massachusetts, Mauritius, New Guinea, New York, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Newfoundland, Northern Provinces, Ohio, Ontario, Pennsylvania, Philippines, Québec, Rwanda, Réunion, Sumatera, Tanzania, Tennessee, Trinidad-Tobago, Tunisia, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia.
Ease of Growing: Easy
Grown as: Perennial
Maturity (Bloom): May to August
Hardiness: Hardy. Strawberries are hardy during the Winter and can withstand frost. It is important to plant your berries in a place that is sheltered from Spring frosts, as strawberries become very tender once they blossom.
Crops: Spring Transplant, Fall Transplant
Growing Season: Short, Long
Cultivar Type: Early
Growing Conditions: Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot. Strawberries love sunshine. They will tolerate moderate shade, but they produce significantly better when they are planted in an area that receives full daytime sun. Plants will tolerate frost, but should be protected before.
Outdoor Growing Temp: 55°F - 85°F
Min Outdoor Soil Temp: 60°F
Start Indoors: Yes
Start Outdoors: No
Light: Sun: min. 6 hours daily (Cool, Warm, Hot). Strawberries must have full sun (at least 6 hours daily) for maximum productivity and best flavor. They will tolerate some shade, but productivity will suffer. Part shade (Warm, Hot). In hot climates, strawberries will benefit from afternoon shade.
Water: Moderate. Strawberries must have a steady supply of water at all times, but especially during flowering and fruiting. Water is also very important in fall when next year's flower buds are developing. If they are dry at this time it can affect the following year's crop. The plants should receive at least 1" of water per week, though of course the exact quantity needed will depend upon the growing conditions. Drip irrigation works best as it keeps leaves and fruit dry, which reduces the potential for serious fungus and disease problems.
Feeder: Heavy. Strawberries are fairly hungry plants and should be given plenty of nutrients (especially phosphorus and potassium) for maximum fruit production.
Suitability: Tolerates light frost, Tolerates hard frost, Needs summer shade.
Small Gardens?: Yes
Containers?: Yes. Strawberries are an excellent candidate for container growing, and will thrive in almost any size container so long as it drains well. Fill the container with a good, loamy potting mix and add fertilizer as necessary. Plant the strawberries so that the root is fully covered and the crown is just above the soil line.
Attracts beneficial insects?: Yes
Maintenance: Medium
Plant Height: 6-8"
Spacing: 12-24"
Sow Depth: 1/8"
Produces: trifoliate green leaves, white 5-petaled flowers that have yellow centers, and 1/2” creamy white strawberries.
Hardiness Zone: 4-10
Soil Preference:
Soil PH: 5.5-7.0, Ideal 5.8-6.5. Strawberries prefer a slightly acidic, well-drained, sandy loam with lots of organic matter, but they can grow in most soil types.
Soil Preparation:
Standard Mix, 10 pound(s) per 100 sq. ft., 1 time: This is used to supply phosphorus (colloidal phosphate), potassium (wood ashes or greensand) and micronutrients (kelp). Incorporate it into the top 10" of soil along with the compost.
Compost (Nitrogen), 3 inches, 1 time: Strawberries are perennial plants so you have to fertilize them heavily before planting; you won’t be able to incorporate anything else into the soil for a while. Spread a 3" layer of compost or aged manure on the ground and fork it to a depth of 10” (if your soil is heavy you may want to single dig). Be careful to remove any perennial weeds you come across in the process (this is important).
Compost (Nitrogen), 3 inches, 1 time: Strawberries are perennial plants so you have to fertilize them heavily before planting; you won’t be able to incorporate anything else into the soil for a while. Spread a 3" layer of compost or aged manure on the ground and fork it to a depth of 10” (if your soil is heavy you may want to single dig). Be careful to remove any perennial weeds you come across in the process (this is important).
Start Indoors
Seed Sowing Depth: 0.125". Sow seeds about 1/8" deep.
Soil temp for germination: optimal 60°F to 70°F
Replant: When your Strawberry plants have several sets of leaves, transplant them 3" apart into a deeper container or individual pots so roots have room to develop. Be careful not to break the delicate roots of the seedlings.
Harden Off: When seedlings are 3" tall, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by placing them outdoors for longer periods of time each day for at least a week
Soil temp for germination: optimal 60°F to 70°F
Replant: When your Strawberry plants have several sets of leaves, transplant them 3" apart into a deeper container or individual pots so roots have room to develop. Be careful not to break the delicate roots of the seedlings.
Harden Off: When seedlings are 3" tall, gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions by placing them outdoors for longer periods of time each day for at least a week
Transplant Outdoors
The day neutral types produce good crops in their first year and in mild winter areas they are best planted in the Fall. This won't work in harsher climates, as hard frost can injure the young plants (a thick mulch can be used to protect the plants from milder frosts).
Each plant will go in its own individual hole, which should be just a little bigger than the spread of the roots. The roots should be separated and spread out around the hole (you can make a little cone of soil at the bottom of the hole and spread the roots over this). Never plant with the roots in one matted clump.
It is very important that the plants are planted at the same depth they were grown. This means keeping the crown of the plant level with the soil surface. If it is too deep it may rot, if too high it may dry out.
After planting you should firm the soil and give the plants a healthy watering.
Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot: Strawberries love sunshine. They will tolerate moderate shade, but they produce significantly better when they are planted in an area that receives full daytime sun. Plants will tolerate frost, but should be protected before.
When outdoor temp: 55°F to 85°F, optimal temp 65°F to 75°F
When min soil temp: 60°F
Spacing: 12"-24". 1 plants per sq ft.
Support: No
Each plant will go in its own individual hole, which should be just a little bigger than the spread of the roots. The roots should be separated and spread out around the hole (you can make a little cone of soil at the bottom of the hole and spread the roots over this). Never plant with the roots in one matted clump.
It is very important that the plants are planted at the same depth they were grown. This means keeping the crown of the plant level with the soil surface. If it is too deep it may rot, if too high it may dry out.
After planting you should firm the soil and give the plants a healthy watering.
Cold, Cool, Warm, Hot: Strawberries love sunshine. They will tolerate moderate shade, but they produce significantly better when they are planted in an area that receives full daytime sun. Plants will tolerate frost, but should be protected before.
When outdoor temp: 55°F to 85°F, optimal temp 65°F to 75°F
When min soil temp: 60°F
Spacing: 12"-24". 1 plants per sq ft.
Support: No
Most berries will be produced on plants that grew the previous year, so you want to keep them multiplying and growing vigorously. Once the bed is established they can be fairly low maintenance with the main tasks being thinning out excess plants and harvesting.
Water Needs: Moderate. Strawberries must have a steady supply of water at all times, but especially during flowering and fruiting. Water is also very important in fall when next year's flower buds are developing. If they are dry at this time it can affect the following year's crop. The plants should receive at least 1" of water per week, though of course the exact quantity needed will depend upon the growing conditions. Drip irrigation works best as it keeps leaves and fruit dry, which reduces the potential for serious fungus and disease problems.
Fertilizer Needs: Heavy. Strawberries are fairly hungry plants and should be given plenty of nutrients (especially phosphorus and potassium) for maximum fruit production.
Protecting: Mulch, 4 inches, 1 time. In areas with severe winters you may want to protect your dormant plants (and their precious flower buds) by covering with a thick covering (4" minimum) of loose (straw, hay or pine needle) mulch. Wait until it gets really cold (below 20˚ F) before applying and remove in early spring so the soil can warm up. When applying mulch, make sure to leave 1' of space around the strawberry crowns to prevent damping.
Side Dressing: Mulch, 3 inches, 1 time. Mulch is very helpful when growing strawberries since it suppresses weeds, conserves moisture, keeps the soil cool and supplies nutrients, but also keeps the fruit from contacting with the soil (which can increase the chances of it rotting). A 3" layer of straw is the most common mulch (not hay which is full of weed seeds), but Pine needles also work well (and help to keep the soil acidic). When applying mulch, make sure to leave 1" of space around the strawberry crowns to prevent damping. Mulch can sometimes be detrimental to growing strawberries in areas with lots of slugs and snails since it provides a perfect habitat for them.
Thinning: 1 time a month. Once the plants have established themselves they will start to produce runners. This is good because they will increase the number of fruiting plants and will fill in the bed completely. The first runners of the year will grow into good sized plants by the end of the summer and produce fruit the following spring. You can direct the runners to any suitable vacant spot and let them root (there is no need to detach them from the mother plant). Don’t let any more than 5 plants per sq ft get established though as they will get too crowded and start to compete with each other. Start pinching out excess runners ruthlessly (or allow them to root themselves and then remove them). Don’t worry about overdoing it as they tend to produce runners whenever conditions suit them (they can always produce more).
Watering: Water, 0.5 inches, 2 times a week. Strawberries must have a steady supply of water at all times, but especially during flowering and fruit production. Water is also very important in fall when next years flower buds are developing (if they are dry at this time it can affect the following years crop). The plants should receive at least I” of water per week, though of course the exact quantity needed will depend upon the growing conditions. It is especially important to provide adequate water during the fruit-forming stage. Drip irrigation works best as it keeps leaves and fruit dry, which reduces the potential for serious fungus diseases problems. If this isn't possible you should water your plants in the morning, allowing the leaves plenty of time to dry before nightfall.
Weeding: every 4 weeks. Keeping weeds from competing with your strawberry plants is very important since weeds can reduce fruit production in future years. The newly planted bed will be quite sparse initially and all that bare soil will be an invitation to weeds. It is very important that you weed regularly at this time. Once the plants get going they will cover the soil pretty thoroughly and weeds become less of a problem (though you should still weed occasionally). The best way to minimize weed problems is to use mulch.
Support: No
Water Needs: Moderate. Strawberries must have a steady supply of water at all times, but especially during flowering and fruiting. Water is also very important in fall when next year's flower buds are developing. If they are dry at this time it can affect the following year's crop. The plants should receive at least 1" of water per week, though of course the exact quantity needed will depend upon the growing conditions. Drip irrigation works best as it keeps leaves and fruit dry, which reduces the potential for serious fungus and disease problems.
Fertilizer Needs: Heavy. Strawberries are fairly hungry plants and should be given plenty of nutrients (especially phosphorus and potassium) for maximum fruit production.
Protecting: Mulch, 4 inches, 1 time. In areas with severe winters you may want to protect your dormant plants (and their precious flower buds) by covering with a thick covering (4" minimum) of loose (straw, hay or pine needle) mulch. Wait until it gets really cold (below 20˚ F) before applying and remove in early spring so the soil can warm up. When applying mulch, make sure to leave 1' of space around the strawberry crowns to prevent damping.
Side Dressing: Mulch, 3 inches, 1 time. Mulch is very helpful when growing strawberries since it suppresses weeds, conserves moisture, keeps the soil cool and supplies nutrients, but also keeps the fruit from contacting with the soil (which can increase the chances of it rotting). A 3" layer of straw is the most common mulch (not hay which is full of weed seeds), but Pine needles also work well (and help to keep the soil acidic). When applying mulch, make sure to leave 1" of space around the strawberry crowns to prevent damping. Mulch can sometimes be detrimental to growing strawberries in areas with lots of slugs and snails since it provides a perfect habitat for them.
Thinning: 1 time a month. Once the plants have established themselves they will start to produce runners. This is good because they will increase the number of fruiting plants and will fill in the bed completely. The first runners of the year will grow into good sized plants by the end of the summer and produce fruit the following spring. You can direct the runners to any suitable vacant spot and let them root (there is no need to detach them from the mother plant). Don’t let any more than 5 plants per sq ft get established though as they will get too crowded and start to compete with each other. Start pinching out excess runners ruthlessly (or allow them to root themselves and then remove them). Don’t worry about overdoing it as they tend to produce runners whenever conditions suit them (they can always produce more).
Watering: Water, 0.5 inches, 2 times a week. Strawberries must have a steady supply of water at all times, but especially during flowering and fruit production. Water is also very important in fall when next years flower buds are developing (if they are dry at this time it can affect the following years crop). The plants should receive at least I” of water per week, though of course the exact quantity needed will depend upon the growing conditions. It is especially important to provide adequate water during the fruit-forming stage. Drip irrigation works best as it keeps leaves and fruit dry, which reduces the potential for serious fungus diseases problems. If this isn't possible you should water your plants in the morning, allowing the leaves plenty of time to dry before nightfall.
Weeding: every 4 weeks. Keeping weeds from competing with your strawberry plants is very important since weeds can reduce fruit production in future years. The newly planted bed will be quite sparse initially and all that bare soil will be an invitation to weeds. It is very important that you weed regularly at this time. Once the plants get going they will cover the soil pretty thoroughly and weeds become less of a problem (though you should still weed occasionally). The best way to minimize weed problems is to use mulch.
Support: No
Harvesting
Pick and enjoy these delightful petite perfumed berries when they are about the size of your thumb nail and give slightly to the touch.
Storage
Refrigerator: Strawberries can last up to 4 days if properly stored in the refrigerator. The ideal storage temperature for strawberries is colder than for most crops, only 36 degrees. (with 95% humidity.
The beneficial antioxidants in the berries start to break down after a couple of days. Ideally they should be eaten immediately.
It is best not to wash organically grown strawberries before storing. If you do choose to wash your berries, make sure they are completely dry before storing in the refrigerator.
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 0-4 days
Strawberries can be turned into jam or canned whole, although the latter is not the preferred method.
Storage Req: Canning
Storage Temp: °F
Storage Length: days
Strawberries will last anywhere from 8 -12 months when frozen. Wash and dry your strawberries before freezing and place in a freezer bag. They turn to mush when defrosted, but are still good for smoothies, etc.
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 0-32°F
Storage Length: 180-360 days
The beneficial antioxidants in the berries start to break down after a couple of days. Ideally they should be eaten immediately.
It is best not to wash organically grown strawberries before storing. If you do choose to wash your berries, make sure they are completely dry before storing in the refrigerator.
Storage Req: Refrigerator
Storage Temp: 35-40°F
Storage Length: 0-4 days
Strawberries can be turned into jam or canned whole, although the latter is not the preferred method.
Storage Req: Canning
Storage Temp: °F
Storage Length: days
Strawberries will last anywhere from 8 -12 months when frozen. Wash and dry your strawberries before freezing and place in a freezer bag. They turn to mush when defrosted, but are still good for smoothies, etc.
Storage Req: Freezer
Storage Temp: 0-32°F
Storage Length: 180-360 days
Seed saving from modern Strawberry hybrids is not generally recommended, as they are unreliable due to crossbreeding, and likely will not produce a true plant.
Instead, most gardeners propagate plants by either plant division or starting daughter plants from the runners off the mother plant.
Instead, most gardeners propagate plants by either plant division or starting daughter plants from the runners off the mother plant.
Taste:
Sweet berries with a hint of pineapple.
Culinary Use:
Fruit: raw, cooked or made into preserves. Sweet and succulent. An exquisite flavor but the fruits are usually very small and fiddly, though they can be up to 10mm in diameter. Rich in iron and potassium, the fruit is an excellent addition to the diet of people suffering from anemia.
Young leaves: raw or cooked. Added to salads or used as a potherb. The fresh or dried leaves are used as a tea substitute. A delicious drink, it is ideal for children.
Root: The root has been used as a coffee substitute in India.
Sweet berries with a hint of pineapple.
Culinary Use:
Fruit: raw, cooked or made into preserves. Sweet and succulent. An exquisite flavor but the fruits are usually very small and fiddly, though they can be up to 10mm in diameter. Rich in iron and potassium, the fruit is an excellent addition to the diet of people suffering from anemia.
Young leaves: raw or cooked. Added to salads or used as a potherb. The fresh or dried leaves are used as a tea substitute. A delicious drink, it is ideal for children.
Root: The root has been used as a coffee substitute in India.
The leaves and the fruit are mildly astringent, diuretic, laxative and tonic. The leaves are mainly used, though the fruits are an excellent food to take when feverish and are also effective in treating rheumatic gout. A slice of strawberry is also excellent when applied externally to sunburnt skin. A tea made from the leaves is a blood tonic and has been used as a treatment for diarrhoea in adults and children. It is used in the treatment of chilblains and also as an external wash on sunburn. A poultice can be made from the powdered leaves mixed in oil, it is used to treat open sores. The leaves are harvested in the summer and dried for later use. The fruits contain salicylic acid and are beneficial in the treatment of liver and kidney complaints, as well as in the treatment of rheumatism and gout. The roots are astringent and diuretic. A decoction is used internally in the treatment of diarrhea and chronic dysentery. Externally it is used to treat chilblains and as a throat gargle. The roots are harvested in the autumn and dried for later use.
Known Hazards: None known
Known Hazards: None known
Project Purity Seeds can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
As a ground cover, F. vesca is good companion to periwinkle and starry blue forget-me-nots.
The fruit is used as a tooth cleaner. The fresh fruit removes stains from teeth if it is allowed to remain for about 5 minutes. The fruit is also used cosmetically in skin-care creams. It tones and whitens the skin, combats wrinkles, lightens freckles, soothes sunburn and whitens the teeth.