Strawberry, 'Mignonette'

Germination

Sow indoors. Surface sow onto well-drained compost, just cover with a fine layer of compost. Ideal temp. 21°C. Later sowings can be made in a cold frame. Germination takes 14-30 days. Temp. must be kept constant for successful germination. Once seedlings are large enough to handle transplant to 8cm pots and harden off. As soon as possible move into the final growing location with 15cm spacing.

Growing

Prefers fertile, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Plant in single or double rows, spacing 15cm. Plant through polythene or apply straw to keep strawberries clean. Can be container grown or use a growbag, also suitable for growing in a hanging basket. Feed and water regularly throughout spring and summer, do not allow water to wet the fruit. Cover with a net to prevent bird attack.

Cultivation

White flowers form which will turn into fruit. When flowering begins use a high potash liquid fertiliser to encourage good fruiting. Harvest fruit when red and ripe. Runners should be removed and transplanted from early summer. After cropping remove straw or polythene. Cut back dead foliage to 10cm above the crown. Mulch in winter with well rotted organic matter.