Description
Vitis ‘Strawberry’ is known for its small, sweet berries that are said to have a strawberry-like flavor and aroma, hence the name “Fragola” which means strawberry in Italian. This grapevine is not grown for wine making, but rather for its fruit, which is typically eaten fresh, preserves or jelly. It is self-fertile, meaning it can pollinate itself and produce fruit without another grapevine nearby.
Key Facts
- Common Name(s):Strawberry Grape Vine
- Hardiness:Fully hardy through most of the UK
- How big will I get? Vitis ‘Strawberry’ can grow to a height of 8m and a spread of 4m.
- Did You Know That:The fruit is not only delicious but also rich in Vitamin C, antioxidants, and other beneficial compounds.
Plant Calendar
A rough guide to how this plant will change through the year.
Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | June | July | Aug | Sept | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
Flowering Time | ||||||||||||
Foliage Colour |
J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D |
Care Guide
Soil Requirements
Vitis ‘Strawberry’ prefers soil with good drainage and does not tolerate standing water. This plant is not tolerant of acidic soil, it requires either a neutral or alkaline soil to grow.
Best Position
Vitis ‘Strawberry’ prefers a sheltered position and requires full sun to thrive, this consists of more than six hours of direct sunshine per day.
Maintenance
Vitis ‘Strawberry’ should be pruned annually to maintain the health and productivity of the bush. Proper pruning can encourage bush to produce more fruit, and also help to control disease and pests. The best time to prune gooseberries is during their dormant season, typically late winter or early spring, before new growth begins. When you start pruning, the first step is to remove any dead, diseased, or damaged wood. Cut these branches back to healthy wood. Next, remove any shoots that have grown from the base of the bush, as well as any old or unproductive canes. Gooseberries typically produce fruit on the 2-year-old wood, and it is important to maintain a balance between the old wood and the new wood. You should also remove any shoots that are growing in the center of the bush, which can prevent good air circulation and lead to disease problems. Then you should thin out the remaining canes, leaving 4-6 strong canes per bush, and prune them back to about 4-6 inches from the ground.
Pest, Diseases and Wildlife
Vitis ‘Strawberry’ can have problems with wasps and vine weevils, it can be vulnerable to certain diseases such as powdery mildews and grey moulds. It is not considered to be toxic.