Contents
- 1 How to grow strawberry tree
- 1.1 Strawberry tree care
- 1.2 Uses of the strawberry tree
- 1.3 Botanical description of the strawberry tree
- 1.4 Why do they have flowers and fruits at the same time?
- 1.5 Optimal climate for growing strawberry trees
- 1.6 Soil for the cultivation of strawberry trees
- 1.7 Strawberry tree irrigation
- 1.8 Propagation – Reproduction of the strawberry tree
- 1.9 Diseases and pests of the strawberry tree
- 1.10 Flowering and harvesting of the strawberry tree
How to grow strawberry tree
Strawberry tree care
The strawberry tree or madrone is a shrub 2-3 m high from the Ericaceae family, related to blueberries, blackcurrants, heather and rhododendron.
Uses of the strawberry tree
- Decorative evergreen tree with abundant hanging fruits, attractive and red when ripe. It grows slowly but requires little care.
- Fruits: They are edible and can be used in food. They have antioxidant, diuretic, antidiarrheal and astringent properties. Due to their high fermentation capacity and sugar content, it is possible to make liqueurs and vinegars with them. They are rich in tannins, which can make them indigestible for the stomach. During the ripening of the fruit, natural fermentation of the sugars can occur and it may contain alcohol.
- Leaves: They are diuretic, antibiotic, astringent, antioxidant and hepatotonic. They can be used as a remedy for urinary tract infections.
Botanical description of the strawberry tree
Evergreen leaves, 5 – 10 cm long, elliptic, lanceolate and with toothed margins. Green on the upper surface and pale on the underside.
Its flowers grow in pale clusters, with a corolla formed by 4-5 petals joined in a tube shape. It flowers in late summer. Fruits are in the form of round berries 1.5 to 3 cm in diameter. They are covered by a skin with pointed warts. Inside, the fruits contain numerous seeds, which are edible.
Why do they have flowers and fruits at the same time?
The fruits mature on the plant for one year, so that they coexist with the flowers of the following year. For this reason, it is possible to find specimens of this plant that are in flower and with fruits at the same time.
Optimal climate for growing strawberry trees
Photo of unripe strawberry tree fruits. Until the fruits are red, they are not edible Plant native to southern Europe and the Mediterranean region.
- Temperate climate, located in full sun or semi-shade.
- Drought resistant.
- It is preferable to place it in a place protected from the wind.
- This plant is possibly not suitable for tropical climates.
Soil for the cultivation of strawberry trees
- Type of soil: Moist but well-drained, clayey-sandy soil.
- Soil reaction: slightly alkaline soil pH.
- Fertile soils rich in organic matter.
Strawberry tree irrigation
This little tree requires little care, as it usually thrives easily if the climate is suitable. A little humidity favors it, but the soil should not be flooded with water.
Propagation – Reproduction of the strawberry tree
Sexual reproduction by seeds:
- Sow the fresh seeds in seedbeds, previously soaked in warm water for 5 days.
- Germination occurs 4-8 weeks later. (The seedbed must be kept moist and at an average temperature of 20ºC)
- Transplant into pots when the first true leaves appear.
- Transplant into permanent soil after the second winter and once the spring frosts have passed.
- Protect from cold and wind in the first few years, for example, by using mulch. (More information)
Diseases and pests of the strawberry tree
It does not usually cause too many pest problems. It can be affected by aphids and mold. The fruits can be attacked by birds.
Flowering and harvesting of the strawberry tree
The fruits are harvested the following year, as they take about 12 months to ripen. This means that the fruits and flowers are found at the same time. They are pale green when unripe, and turn yellow and finally bright red when ripe. Birds love this… What can we do with these delicious fruits? …
More information on strawberry tree
