The Alexandria Strawberry is a delicious and hardy everbearing variety of Alpine strawberry (Fragaria vesca), known for its vibrant red berries and delicate white flowers. This cultivar is prized for its sweet flavor and ability to produce fruit throughout the growing season, making it a favorite for home gardeners and strawberry enthusiasts. Unlike traditional June-bearing strawberries, Alexandria strawberries continuously yield small, flavorful berries from spring through fall. These strawberries are perfect for small garden spaces, hanging baskets, or containers and are ideal for enjoying fresh or using in preserves, jams, or desserts.

Key Features:

• Everbearing Variety: Alexandria strawberries produce fruit continuously from early summer until the first frost, offering a long harvest period.
• Small, Sweet Berries: The fruit is small yet packed with intense strawberry flavor, perfect for snacking or adding to recipes.
• White Flowers: The plants produce charming white flowers in the spring, making them a lovely addition to your garden even before the berries appear.
• Compact Growth: These strawberries grow as a compact ground cover, making them great for small garden spaces, containers, or hanging baskets.
• Cold Hardy: Alexandria strawberries are more resilient to cooler temperatures than many other strawberry varieties, making them suitable for a wide range of growing zones.

Growing Information:

• Light:
  Alexandria strawberries thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day to produce the best fruit yield. They will tolerate partial shade, but fruit production may be reduced.
• Soil:
  These strawberries prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5-6.5). They benefit from organic matter added to the soil, which helps retain moisture and improve soil structure.
• Planting Tips:
  Sow seeds in a shallow container or directly in your garden. If planting outdoors, space the seeds or seedlings about 12 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and healthy growth. When starting from seed indoors, sow in early spring and transplant seedlings outdoors after the danger of frost has passed.
• Watering:
  Alexandria strawberries prefer consistently moist soil, but be careful not to overwater, as they do not like soggy conditions. Water deeply but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. During dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary to keep the plants hydrated.
• Temperature:
  These strawberries are cold-hardy and can tolerate a range of temperatures. They grow best in USDA zones 4-8 and can handle light frost. They thrive in cool to moderate temperatures but can still produce fruit during warm summer months if properly cared for.
• Fertilizing:
  Fertilize the plants with a balanced, organic fertilizer in the spring as they begin to grow. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can promote leaf growth over fruiting.

Benefits:

• Everbearing Fruit: Enjoy strawberries all season long, from early summer through fall, with minimal care required.
• Sweet Flavor: Alexandria strawberries have an exceptional flavor, making them ideal for fresh eating, baking, or making jams and jellies.
• Compact Growth: These plants are perfect for small spaces, containers, or hanging baskets. They also work well as ground cover in garden beds.
• Easy to Grow: Alexandria strawberries are low-maintenance and adaptable, making them a great choice for beginner gardeners or those with limited space.
• Attractive Flowers: The white flowers that appear before the fruit add ornamental value to your garden.

Growing Zones:
Alexandria strawberries are suitable for USDA hardiness zones 4-8. They are cold-hardy, making them ideal for areas that experience cooler temperatures, and can be grown successfully in a variety of climates.

How to Use in the Garden:

• Edible Ground Cover: Use Alexandria strawberries as a ground cover in garden beds. Their spreading nature makes them perfect for filling in spaces between other plants.
• Container Gardening: These strawberries are perfect for growing in containers, window boxes, or hanging baskets. Place them in a sunny spot and enjoy fresh strawberries throughout the season.
• Berry Harvesting: Harvest berries as soon as they are fully red and ripe. You can enjoy them fresh, use them in desserts, or make homemade strawberry jams. The everbearing nature of this variety means you’ll have a steady supply of fruit throughout the growing season.
• Attractive Borders or Edging: Plant them along the edges of garden beds or walkways to create a colorful, edible border that is both functional and beautiful.

Conclusion:
The Alexandria Strawberry is a perfect choice for gardeners who want a compact, everbearing variety of strawberry that produces sweet, flavorful berries throughout the growing season. Whether you're growing them in containers, hanging baskets, or as ground cover in your garden, these plants will bring joy with their white flowers and delicious fruit. With minimal care and a long harvest period, Alexandria strawberries are an excellent addition to any garden, offering both beauty and bounty. Enjoy the satisfaction of growing your own strawberries and adding fresh, sweet flavor to your culinary creations!