White strawberries offer a distinct gardening experience, setting themselves apart from red varieties with unique pale hues and surprising flavor profiles. Ranging from creamy white to pale yellow, these intriguing fruits add visual interest and a novel taste. While sharing many cultivation needs with traditional strawberries, understanding their specific characteristics is helpful for successful growth.
Understanding White Strawberries
Several types of white strawberries exist, each with particular traits. Pineberries (Fragaria x ananassa), a hybrid, are widely recognized for their white flesh, red seeds, and a flavor often described as a blend of strawberry and pineapple. Originating from a cross between a North American red and a Chilean white strawberry, Pineberries may develop a pink blush in direct sunlight. While partially self-pollinating, their fruit yield significantly increases when cross-pollinated with a red strawberry variety, ideally at a ratio of one red plant for every four pineberry plants.
Hula Berries are another hybrid, also stemming from a cross between North American and Chilean strawberries. Similar to Pineberries, Hula Berries require a nearby red strawberry plant for successful pollination and are frequently sold with a red pollinator included. White Alpine strawberries (Fragaria vesca), also known as woodland strawberries, are a true white species native to Europe. Varieties like ‘White Soul’ or ‘Pineapple Crush’ are generally smaller, do not produce runners, and are self-pollinating, though wind and insects aid fruit set.
Getting Started: Site Selection and Soil Preparation
White strawberries thrive in areas receiving full sunlight, ideally at least six to eight hours daily, which supports maximum productivity and flavor. Good air circulation around the plants is also beneficial, helping reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
Well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.8-6.5) is preferred for white strawberries. Heavy or clay soils can be amended with organic matter like compost or aged manure to improve drainage and fertility. Avoid planting in soil where potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, or peppers have recently grown, as these crops can leave behind the Verticillium fungus, which harms strawberry plants.
Planting White Strawberries
The best time to plant white strawberries generally depends on the local climate, with spring being common in many regions. For bare-root plants, ensure roots are fully covered and the crown, where the stem and roots meet, sits just above the soil line. Planting the crown too deeply can lead to rot, while planting it too shallowly can cause it to dry out.
Space individual plants 12 to 24 inches apart, with rows 36 to 48 inches apart, to allow for adequate growth and air circulation. For runner-producing varieties like Pineberries, consider their spreading habit when determining spacing. Starting with healthy transplants or carefully sown seeds provides a good foundation.
Ongoing Care
White strawberry plants require consistent watering due to their shallow root systems that dry out quickly. They generally need 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, from rainfall or irrigation. Watering deeply in the morning allows foliage to dry before evening, preventing fungal issues. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are effective, delivering water directly to roots while keeping leaves and fruit dry.
Fertilizing supports healthy growth and fruit production. Strawberries benefit from a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 NPK formulation. For day-neutral varieties, a steady nutrient supply is helpful, with applications in mid-June, mid-July, and late August if a soil test is unavailable. Fertilize June-bearing types after harvest and day-neutral strawberries in early spring.
White strawberries can encounter common pests and diseases. Aphids, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies may affect plants, causing yellowing leaves or stunted growth. Fungal diseases like gray mold (Botrytis) and Verticillium wilt can also occur. Good cultural practices, including proper spacing, adequate air circulation, and removing affected plant parts, help manage these issues.
For varieties like Pineberries and Hula Berries, successful pollination aids fruit set. While bees and other insects typically facilitate this, a nearby red strawberry pollinator plant is necessary for these types. Some gardeners even use a soft paintbrush to manually transfer pollen, especially for indoor plants or when natural pollinators are scarce.
Harvesting and Enjoying White Strawberries
Knowing when to harvest white strawberries differs from red varieties, as they do not turn red. Ripeness is indicated by their creamy white or pale yellow color, a distinct aromatic fragrance, and a slight softening of the fruit. The seeds on the berries also typically darken. Gently squeezing the berry can help determine readiness; it should be slightly springy, not mushy or overly firm.
The flavor profile of white strawberries is often a delightful surprise. Pineberries are noted for their pineapple-like notes and general sweetness. White Alpine strawberries offer a blend of strawberry and pineapple flavors when fully ripe. These unique berries can be enjoyed fresh, added to desserts, or used in preserves, offering a subtle yet distinct taste.