Fragaria daltoniana

Family: Rosaceae

What it is like

Fragaria daltoniana is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.3 m (1ft). It is not frost tender. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from June to July. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 0.3

Where it is found

Forests, shrubberies and shady banks, 2000 - 3600 metres from Uttar Pradesh to Sikkim. Meadows on mountain tops, thickets at elevations of 3360 - 5000 metres.

E. Asia - Himalayas.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw. Virtually flavourless. The globose fruit can be up to 2.5cm x 1.5cm.

Medicine

Rating: 1

The juice of the rot is used in the treatment of fevers.

Febrifuge: Reduces fevers.

Other

Rating: 3

A good ground cover plant spreading rapidly by means of surface stolons.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

Prefers a fertile, well-drained, moisture retentive soil in a sunny position. Tolerates semi-shade though fruit production will be reduced. A very vigorous plant, spreading by means of runners. Fruits have only been produced occasionally on our trial ground in Cornwall, possibly because all the plants are the same clone.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. The seed can take 4 weeks or more to germinate. The seedlings are very small and slow-growing at first, but then grow rapidly. Prick them out into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out during the summer. Division of runners, preferably done in July/August in order to allow the plants to become established for the following years crop. They can also be moved in the following spring if required, though should not then be allowed to fruit in their first year. The runners can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.

Best place to grow: Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Ground Cover;

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness:

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: Semi-shade, no shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

F. sikkimensis.