Monthly strawberry "Improved Rügen" (Fragaria vesca var. semperflorens) - Seeds

Sowing instructions

Sowing the Fragaria vesca var. semperflorens "Improved Rügen" works best between February and April. It is best to use seed trays with loose, nutrient-rich soil. Press the seeds down lightly, but only cover them minimally with soil, as they are light germinators. Then cover the tray with a transparent cover to regulate the climate. Keep the soil constantly moist - not too wet, but not dry either. Germination takes place at temperatures of 18-22°C after about 2 to 4 weeks. As soon as the little plants are strong enough, you can prick them out and plant them outdoors or in balcony boxes from mid-May.

Harvest, use & storage

You can harvest the first sweet, aromatic strawberries as early as June. The "Improved Rügen" variety bears fruit tirelessly well into the fall, so you can enjoy fresh strawberries until the first frost. The berries are perfect for eating fresh, for desserts, jams or even for freezing. To preserve the flavor, it is best to eat or process the strawberries immediately after picking. If you do want to store them for a short time, place them unrinsed and covered in the fridge, where they will stay fresh for around 2-3 days.

Tips & Tricks

For a particularly rich harvest, it is worth choosing a sunny to semi-shady location for the plant. Make sure that the soil is well-drained and rich in humus. Avoid waterlogging by watering the plants regularly but moderately. A layer of mulch helps to retain moisture in the soil and suppress weeds at the same time. To further increase the yield, you can feed the strawberry plants with an organic fertilizer every few weeks.

Worth knowing

The "Improved Rügen" belongs to the wild strawberry group and is an everbearing variety. It is particularly robust, easy to care for and resistant to many typical plant diseases. With its intense flavor and rich flowering period, it is a popular choice for balcony and hobby gardeners. Its bright red berries and delicate white flowers also make it a real eye-catcher in any garden or on the balcony.