White strawberries, such as the Pineberry, offer a captivating novelty for home gardeners seeking something beyond the traditional red fruit. While these pale berries belong to the same Fragaria genus, their cultivation includes unique considerations for successful harvests. Understanding the specific needs of these white varieties, particularly regarding their pollination and ripening cues, allows a gardener to successfully grow this distinctive fruit. Achieving a flavorful crop requires attention to variety selection and specialized care that differs slightly from standard strawberry patches.
Choosing Your White Strawberry Variety
The term “white strawberry” encompasses two primary types with different growth habits and flavor profiles. The most common variety available is the Pineberry, a hybrid cultivar (Fragaria × ananassa) that produces a sweet, white fruit with red seeds and a subtle pineapple-like flavor. Pineberries are partially self-pollinating, but their fruit set and yield are significantly improved by placing a different strawberry variety nearby to act as a pollinator.
The other main type is the White Alpine Strawberry (Fragaria vesca), which is a smaller fruit that grows on a compact, runner-less plant. Alpine varieties offer a potent, concentrated flavor that is often described as intensely sweet and aromatic. Unlike the Pineberry, White Alpine Strawberries are fully self-pollinating, making them a simpler choice for small gardens or container growing. When sourcing plants, look for healthy bare-root crowns or established transplants from reputable nurseries to ensure disease-free stock.
Essential Site and Soil Preparation
Selecting the proper location is essential, as all strawberries require at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily to produce a robust harvest. While full sun is best for fruit development, in regions with intense afternoon heat, filtered shade after midday can help prevent the plants from scorching. Good air circulation is also beneficial, helping to mitigate fungal diseases that thrive in damp, stagnant conditions.
White strawberries prefer well-draining soil, a universal requirement for the Fragaria genus, as they are highly susceptible to root rot in waterlogged conditions. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic, generally falling within a range of 5.5 to 6.5. Before planting, amend the soil with aged compost or manure to improve organic matter content, which aids in both drainage and nutrient retention. A soil test can confirm the existing pH and nutrient levels, allowing for targeted amendments.
The Planting Process and Initial Establishment
Bare-root strawberry crowns should be soaked in water for an hour or two before planting to rehydrate them. When planting, setting the crown at the correct depth relative to the soil line is the most important factor. The crown is the central point from which the roots grow down and the leaves and flower stalks grow up.
The plant must be positioned so the midpoint of the crown is exactly level with the soil surface. Planting the crown too deep will cause it to rot, while planting it too shallow exposes the roots to drying out, which can quickly lead to plant death. For Pineberries, which spread by runners, space the plants about 12 to 18 inches apart if using a matted row system. After placing the plant, gently backfill the hole, firming the soil lightly around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Immediately after planting, water the area thoroughly to help the soil settle and establish root-to-soil contact.
Specialized Care for White Strawberries
The most significant distinction in caring for Pineberries, compared to red varieties, is the requirement for cross-pollination to achieve a worthwhile yield. While Pineberries are partially self-fertile, they produce significantly more and larger fruit when a standard red strawberry variety is planted nearby to supply compatible pollen. Gardeners should place at least one red variety, such as ‘Sonata’ or ‘Honeoye,’ for every four to five Pineberry plants to ensure adequate pollination.
A consistent watering schedule is necessary, especially during flowering and fruiting, as dry conditions can stress the plants and result in small, misshapen berries. White strawberries do not develop the deep red color associated with ripeness because they lack the protein that produces the red pigment. Instead of waiting for a color change, the primary indicator of ripeness is a subtle pink blush that appears on the white skin, combined with the development of a strong, distinct aroma. Pineberries will emit a noticeable pineapple fragrance when fully ready for harvest, and the tiny seeds on the surface will often darken from green to red.