The plants are low yielding and do not runner heavily but produce small soft fruit that has a unique flavor. Alpine strawberries are most frequently used as an ornamental or novelty item, often grown in hanging baskets or gardens since they tolerate light shade. Variety Selection New varieties are introduced every year, however, not all are suited to this region. Always plant new varieties on a small scale to test their performance before establishing a large planting. Table 1 lists characteristics of some commonly grown strawberries for this region.
Strawberries require a site that is fully exposed to the sun.
They can be grown on a variety of soil types, provided the soil is well drained and properly prepared. If soil pH is too high, it may be lowered by incorporating elemental sulfur into the bed to a depth of 6 to 8 inches prior to planting. An application of 5-10 lbs elemental sulfur per 100 square feet will lower the pH from 7.5 to 6.5. Plant strawberries near a source of good quality water for irrigation. Do not be use water with a high sodium or salt content.