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Spontaneous woodland strawberry species with small, intensely fragrant fruits. Perennial, adapts well to pots and shaded spots.
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Wild Strawberries are the spontaneous species native to Italian woodlands, distinct from the common garden strawberry: they produce small, red, juicy fruits with an intense, unmistakable aroma, far more fragrant than cultivated hybrid varieties.
Its botanical name is Fragaria vesca, belonging to the Rosaceae family, native to Europe, Asia and North America. The name "vesca" comes from Latin meaning "soft", reflecting the tender texture of the fruit.
It is a perennial herbaceous plant, 15-20 cm tall, with clumps of bright green trifoliate basal leaves, paler and slightly hairy on the underside. White five-petaled flowers bloom from April to July, with possible reblooming in autumn.
Sowing is done from January to February in a protected seedbed, or from March to May directly in open ground. The seeds need light to germinate, so they should only be lightly pressed onto the soil, not buried deep, keeping a temperature of about 20°C.
It prefers soft soil rich in organic matter, with an ideal pH between 5.5 and 6.5, in a cool, shaded or partly shaded spot typical of woodland undergrowth. It has a shallow, fibrous root system, so it also adapts very well to pot or window-box cultivation, as long as there is good horizontal volume.
The recommended spacing between rows is about 125 cm, with seedlings spaced 35 cm apart in double rows or 15-20 cm in single rows.
It requires regular, consistent watering, avoiding wetting the foliage and fruit to prevent mold development. In case of excessive heat, mulching the base with dried cut grass or straw helps keep the root system cool.
A hardy, resistant plant, it can still be subject to aphid and slug attacks, as well as grey mold (Botrytis) in conditions of excessive leaf moisture. Good air circulation between plants and watering aimed at the base help prevent fungal infections.
Rich in vitamin C, calcium and phosphorus, as well as fiber, wild strawberries contain about 90% water, making them very refreshing and healthy, also ideal as a base for jams, desserts and tarts.