Fragaria nilgerrensis
| Fragaria nilgerrensis | |
| Light: |   |
| Moisture: |  |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 1' |
| Blooms: | Mid Spring-Mid Summer |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Fragaria nilgerrensis
Propagation: Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. The seed can take 4 weeks or more to germinate. The seedlings are very small and slow-growing at first, but then grow rapidly. Prick them out into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and plant them out during the summer.
Division of runners, preferably done in July/August in order to allow the plants to become established for the following years crop[1]. They can also be moved in the following spring if required, though should not then be allowed to fruit in their first year. The runners can be planted out direct into their permanent positions.
Cultivation: We have very little information on this species and do not know if it will be hardy in Britain, though based on the natural range of the plant it is unlikely to succeed in any but the mildest parts of the country. It is a vigorous, spreading plant. The following notes are based on the general needs of the genus.
Prefers a fertile, well-drained, moisture retentive soil in a sunny position[1]. Tolerates semi-shade though fruit production will be reduced[2].
Likes a mulch of pine or spruce leaves[3][4].
Range: E. Asia - Himalayas frm India to Nepal, Sikkim and western China.
Habitat: Found at elevations up to 1,500 metres in the Himalayas. Meadows on mountain slopes, forests in valleys at elevations of 700 - 3000 metres in south and western China[5].
Edibility: Fruit - raw or cooked. The fruit is white with a pale pink tint, it is of inferior quality[6].
Pollinators: Insects
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Seed Ripens: Early Summer-Late Summer
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
Links
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.
- ↑ Simmons, Alan. Simmons' Manual of Fruit. David & Charles, 1978.
- ↑ Philbrick, Helen and Richard Gregg. Companion Plants. Watkins, 1979.
- ↑ Baines, Chris. Making a Wildlife Garden.
- ↑ Flora of China. 1994.
- ↑ Kunkel, Günther. Plants for Human Consumption. Koeltz Scientific Books, 1984.