Thomas Jefferson first recorded "strawberries come to table," at Shadwell, his boyhood home, on May 28, 1767. This diary entry added: "100 fill half a pint," suggesting he was growing the Wild Strawberry, which bears small, extremely sweet fruits. During his 1791 excursion through New England with James Madison, Jefferson also observed "strawberries in abundance" in the forests and banks along Lake George.
Sow seeds indoors 12-20 weeks before last frost date at 68˚F. Fragaria virginiana seeds have naturally low germination; provide 60-85 days of cold-moist stratification before sowing to enhance germination. Transplant to 3" pots once they have several true leaves, then harden off and plant outdoors after last frost. Plants spread by runners. Approx. 50-60 seeds per packet.
Details
Genus | Fragaria |
---|---|
Species | virginiana |
USDA Zones | 3 - 9 |
Exposure | Full Sun | Planting Method | Transplant | Planting Depth | Surface Sow |
Days to Emerge | 21 - 30 |
Plant Spacing | 3 - 10" apart |
Habit | 6" H |
Jefferson documented |