The sweet, juicy red garden strawberry we all know and love isn’t actually a descendant of our native wild strawberries—even though it’s a super common mistake to make! If you’ve ever wondered where these summer favorites actually come from and how they made their way into our backyards, you’re in the right place.
The Garden Strawberry: A True American Original
The story starts back in the 18th century when French settlers spotted the “Scarlet Strawberry” growing along the banks of the St. Lawrence River. At the time, people were already big fans of the tiny wild strawberries found in Europe, so this new discovery didn’t cause much of a stir at first. The real magic happened when a Dutch breeder decided to get creative and cross-pollinated that Scarlet Strawberry with a Chilean variety. The result? A total game-changer known as the “Pineapple Strawberry.”
Pretty much every modern strawberry variety you’re growing in your garden or in pots on your balcony today can trace its roots back to that overseas connection. There are so many varieties out there now that it can feel a bit overwhelming for a beginner, but only a fraction of them actually make it to the grocery store shelves. If you’re looking for a new hobby, diving into the world of growing unique and fascinating strawberry cultivars is a rabbit hole worth falling down!
Don’t Sleep on Native Wild Strawberries
While those big, flashy garden strawberries get most of the spotlight, our native wild strawberries are definitely still worth your time. Thankfully, they haven’t been forgotten! Even though the fruits are much smaller, they are a fantastic addition to any garden or balcony. They have one huge advantage: while garden strawberries are total sun-worshippers, wild strawberries are perfectly happy in partial shade or even full shade. If you don’t have a south-facing yard or a sun-drenched balcony, these “Alpine” or “Ever-bearing” strawberries are your best friends.
Plus, even in those shadier spots, these little plants are surprisingly prolific and will definitely satisfy your strawberry cravings. Because they’re native, they’re also naturally tougher than their overseas cousins. They’ve adapted to the local climate over centuries, making them way more resistant to pests and diseases. If you’re looking to add some to your patch, check out these varieties:
- ‘Weiße Solemacher’ (a cool variety with white fruit!)
- ‘Multiplex’
- ‘Golden Alexandria’
- …and so many more!