7 Best Strawberry varieties for Containers (& Where to get them?)

A shoutout to all the strawberry lovers and those who want to cultivate strawberries at home, as this article will be discussing some of the best Strawberry varieties for Containers. Strawberries are perhaps one of the easiest fruits to cultivate in containers because of their compact growth habits and relatively quick maturation.

Key takeaways:

• The majority of strawberry cultivars will grow well in pots, but some are more appropriate for container gardening.
• Some Best Strawberry varieties for Containers are Alexandria, Yellow Wonder, Fresca, Tristar, etc.

One thing you’ll notice about this list of strawberries is that they primarily consist of wild strawberries (also called alpine or woodland strawberries). This is because wild strawberries usually form a mound or small bush and rarely or never generate runners, making them ideal for containers.

However, if you wish to propagate mature plants, you can also divide them. They also germinate easily from seed, which reduces the cost of starting a crop.

The following varieties are all everbearing, day-neutral cultivars that continuously produce blooms and fruit from summer into late fall (often lasting up to the first frost).

Best Strawberry Varieties for Containers

1. Albion

Albion is a tried-and-true variety that grows huge, consistent, tasty strawberries and is known for its high-yielding plants. Albion berries are firmer than other sweeter types, such as Seascape strawberries, Tillamook Strawberry, etc. 

This cultivar is an everbearing, day-neutral plant that will blossom and produce fruit up until the first frost. Albion plants have excellent disease resistance, especially against verticillium wilt and various crown rots, and are extremely hardy down to Zone 8. Highly advised for all gardeners, whether they are growing in hydroponic systems, garden beds, baskets, or pots.

2. Alexandria

Alexandria is no exception to the tough, extremely sweet fruits of alpine or wild strawberries. Despite being smaller than conventional strawberries, wild strawberries make up for it in flavor and perfume. Strawberries from Alexandria are flavorful and deep red. 

Additionally, they are everbearing, so they will continue producing flowers and fruits from summer until the first frost. Although plants are typically designated for Hardiness Zones 6 to 8 (down to -10°F/-23°C), Alexandria is renowned for its extraordinary hardiness. Some gardeners have successfully grown plants in temperatures as low as -40°F (-40°C).

3. Mignonette

Mignonette, one of the most well-liked alpine strawberry kinds, is appreciated for its abundant yields and mouthwatering, distinctively tasting red berries. 

The flavor is described as having fruity undertones with a hint of nuttiness. Although mignonette typically produces berries that are about 3/4 inch in diameter larger than those of other alpine/wild kinds, they still fall short of the size of standard strawberries. 

For more such plant related-articles, you may also read, 9 Best Tasting Winter Squash to Grow

One plant per hanging basket or container is optimal because mignonette has a bushier growth habit than Alexandria, generating a bushy mound with a 12-inch spread. To provide enough room for growth, containers should ideally be at least 10 inches in diameter and 6 to 8 inches deep.

4. Yellow Wonder

In addition to red strawberries, there are also white, yellow, and occasionally even purple kinds. The alpine/wild strawberry known as Yellow Wonder ripens to a light-yellow hue. Yellow Wonder is grown for its distinctive hue, however, red strawberries are more likely to be devoured by birds than yellow fruit. 

Try cultivating a yellow variety of strawberries if you detest birds eating your produce. Like other alpine strawberries, Yellow Wonder grows as a tiny, runner-less bush at least 12 inches in diameter.

5. Fresca

According to our knowledge, Fresca is the only common garden strawberry variety (as opposed to wild, alpine, or forest types) that can be grown effectively from seed. Similar to those in the grocery store, these medium-sized strawberries measure about 1 inch in diameter, have wide shoulders, a tapered end, and are fairly firm. 

Since this type is day-neutral and everbearing, you can anticipate blossoms and fruit from the summer until the first frost. To get fruit in your first year, start inside early, in January or February, if you’re growing from seed. 

Fresca also has the advantage of having a bushy, compact growth habit similar to that of wild strawberries. However, it also produces runners, which makes it simpler for you to propagate older plants and increase the size of your strawberry garden.

6. Alpine Strawberry

Although the Alpine Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) plants resemble conventional strawberries, they have significantly smaller blooms and fruits and a neater, bushier growth pattern. 

Although the berries have a strong flavor, they are delicate and difficult to ship, so grocery stores rarely carry them. Fortunately, growing these lovely plants in pots is easy same as a dolphin succulent plant, so you may take advantage of these delectable delicacies for several months right outside your door.

7. Tristar

The ideal varieties for containers are often ever-bearing and day-neutral types because they produce fruit in their first year and have a longer harvest season. 

When the temperature is not too hot, varieties marketed as “ever-bearing” or “day-neutral” typically yield a moderate number of berries in late spring and early fall. Although usually not as frequently as June-bearing varieties, they do generate runners.

Where can one find these? 

1. Albion

Albion seeds can be found on Amazon while the plants can be bought from Burpee, Amazon, Etsy, Johnny’s Seeds, and Gurneys.

2. Alexandria

Alexandria plants can be bought from Burpee, Etsy, and The Grower Exchange while their seeds can be bought from Etsy, Johnny’s Seeds, and Rare Seeds.

3. Mignonette

Mignonette plants can be bought from Raintree Nursery and seeds from Burpee, Etsy, and Renee’s Garden.

4. Yellow Wonder

Yellow Wonder plants can be bought from Burpee, Etsy, Backyard Berry Plants, and Raintree Nursery while their seeds can be purchased from Etsy, Amazon, and Select Seeds.

5. Fresca

These can be bought from D.T. Brown Seed Merchants, Kitchen Garden Seeds, Moles Seeds, Stokes Seeds, Inc., and Swallowtail Garden Seeds.

6. Alpine Strawberry

These can be found in Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds, Cherry Gal, Renee’s Garden, and Local Harvest.

7. Tristar

The plants of Tristar can be bought from Burpee, Walters Gardens, Great Garden Plants, and the seeds from Amazon and Etsy.

Conclusion

Strawberries in pots are not only an excellent option for areas with limited or no garden space, but they also make it simpler to guard the fruits from slugs and other animal pests, and the good air circulation around their leaves can assist to prevent disease issues.

You can easily monitor the berries’ development and harvest them when they are at their ripest by growing potted strawberries on your deck, patio, or balcony. Strawberry plants are also quite beautiful, with their lush leaves, lovely white or pink blossoms, and colorful fruits.

Thanks for reading! Happy gardening!