Strawberry Fragaria × ananassa 'Honeoye' (F)
ABOUT
The Fragaria × ananassa 'Honeoye' is a variety of the common strawberry plant, specifically bred for its fruit production. It typically bears deep green leaves that are slightly wrinkled with a textured appearance on the surface and have toothed edges. The leaves fan out from the central crown of the plant, creating a lush, leafy base. Amongst the leaves, one can find delicate white flowers, each with a yellow center, signaling where the strawberries will develop. The strawberries themselves are the focal point of the 'Honeoye.' They exhibit a bright red color when fully ripe, and the surface of the fruit is dotted with numerous tiny seeds, which are yellow to golden in color. The berries are plump and firm, with a conical shape that sometimes appears heart-like. These juicy fruits have a smooth and glossy surface, and when sliced open, they reveal a vibrant red interior that holds the promise of a sweet and tangy flavor.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Garden Strawberry, Pineberry, Honeoye Strawberry
Common names
Fragaria × ananassa 'Honeoye'
ToxicityTo humans
The plant commonly known as the strawberry, specifically the Fragaria × ananassa 'Honeoye', is not considered toxic to humans. Strawberries are widely consumed as food, and there are no reports of toxicity from eating strawberries for the general population. However, some individuals may have allergies to strawberries, which can cause reactions ranging from mild oral allergies to more severe symptoms like hives, swelling, or anaphylactic shock.
To pets
The strawberry, including the Fragaria × ananassa 'Honeoye' cultivar, is not toxic to most pets. This fruit is often used as a healthy treat for animals like dogs; however, moderation is key as large amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset due to the natural sugars and fiber in the fruit. Pets with known food sensitivities should only be given strawberries with caution and under the guidance of a veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
6-12 inches (15-30 cm)
Spread
1-2 feet (30-61 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
4-8
Native area
Americas
Benefits
General Benefits- Edible Fruit: The Honeoye strawberry produces large, sweet berries that are suitable for fresh eating, jams, and desserts.
- Attractive Plant: The lush green foliage and white flowers can enhance the visual appeal of gardens and landscapes.
- Pollinator Friendly: Its flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting biodiversity.
- Adaptable: It can grow in a variety of soil types as long as they are well-drained and fertile.
- Early Harvest: Typically one of the earlier varieties to ripen, allowing for an extended harvesting season when planted with later varieties.
- Economic Value: Strawberries are a popular and commercially valuable fruit, with potential for income if grown on a larger scale.
- Easy Propagation: Runners can be easily rooted to produce new plants, enabling gardeners to expand their patch or share with others.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers seasonal interest from spring flowers to early summer fruit and can be used in seasonal garden designs.
Medical Properties- Rich in Vitamins: Strawberries contain high levels of vitamin C, which supports the immune system.
- Antioxidant Properties: They have antioxidant compounds such as flavonoids and phenolic acids which may help reduce oxidative stress.
- Anti-inflammatory: Some studies suggest strawberries have anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit certain inflammatory conditions.
- Heart Health: The polyphenols in strawberries may contribute to heart health by improving cholesterol levels and lowering blood pressure.
- Regulation of Blood Sugar: Components in strawberries might help regulate blood sugar and lower the risk of type 2 diabetes.
- Dental Health: Strawberries contain malic acid which can naturally whiten teeth, although this is not a substitute for dental treatment.
- Gastrointestinal Aid: They contain fiber which is beneficial for digestion and maintaining a healthy gut.
- Skin Health: Vitamin C in strawberries is vital for the production of collagen and can support skin health.
- Weight Management: Being low in calories and fat, strawberries can be a nutritious part of a weight management diet.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- The leaves of the strawberry plant can be used to create natural dyes for fabric, providing a range of pink and green hues depending on the mordant used.
- Strawberry plants can be used as a living mulch to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture in garden beds when planted between rows of vegetables or fruit-bearing bushes.
- Crushed strawberry leaves can be added to compost piles as a green material to speed up the composting process and add essential nutrients.
- Strawberry seed oil, which is extracted from the tiny seeds, can be used in cosmetics for its skin-softening properties.
- Fresh strawberries can be pureed and applied to the face as a natural facial mask to help exfoliate and brighten the skin.
- When used in potpourri, dried strawberry leaves add a mild, fruity fragrance to the mix while also serving as a decorative element.
- The fruit and leaves of the strawberry plant can be infused in water to create a light and refreshing flavored water or herbal tea.
- Dried and crushed strawberry leaves can serve as a natural filler for pet bedding, providing a pleasant scent.
- Strawberry plants, with their attractive foliage and fruit, are often used in edible landscaping, providing both aesthetic appeal and a tasty harvest.
- Leftover strawberry stems and unusable parts can be used to feed livestock such as pigs and goats as part of a varied diet.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Strawberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Strawberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Affection: As a variety of strawberries, the Honeoye is often associated with Venus, the goddess of love, which makes them a symbol of romance.
- Fertility: Strawberries are traditionally connected to fertility due to their abundant seeds and heart shape, implying growth and nurturing.
- Perfection and Goodness: Their red color and sweet taste have led strawberries to be seen as a symbol of perfection and the goodness of nature.
- Innocence: Strawberries, including Honeoye strawberries, are sometimes linked to purity and innocence, possibly due to their natural and unspoiled appearance.
WaterHoneoye strawberries should be watered regularly to maintain moist but not water-logged soil, especially during the growing season. It's best to water them early in the morning using a drip irrigation system or soaker hose to avoid wetting the foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Aim to provide about 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. In hot or windy weather, they may require more frequent watering. Always check the soil before watering; if the top inch is dry, it's time to water.
LightHoneoye strawberries prefer full sun conditions, which means they need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for planting them is in a location that receives uninterrupted sunlight throughout the day, as this will ensure the best fruit production and quality.
TemperatureHoneoye strawberries thrive in a temperature range between 35°F and 85°F. They can survive a light frost, but temperatures below 20°F can damage or kill the plants. The ideal growing temperature for optimal fruit production is between 65°F and 75°F.
PruningHoneoye strawberries should be pruned to remove any dead or diseased leaves and to thin out the plants if they become too crowded. Prune runners to maintain plant vigor and productivity. The best time for pruning is after harvesting is complete, which is typically in late summer for this variety.
CleaningAs needed
SoilHoneoye strawberries prefer well-draining soil rich in organic matter with a pH of 5.5 to 6.8. A mix of one-third peat, one-third sand, and one-third garden loam with some compost is ideal for healthy growth.
RepottingHoneoye strawberries are typically not repotted as they are perennial; instead, they are renovated every year after fruiting by thinning old plants and allowing runners to establish.
Humidity & MistingHoneoye strawberries thrive best in outdoor conditions where the natural humidity is present; they do not have specific humidity requirements but benefit from mulching to retain soil moisture.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, cool temps, and moist soil.
Outdoor
Plant in sunny spot, amend soil, mulch, water well.
Hardiness zone
4-8 USDA
Life cycle'Honeoye' strawberry plants start their life cycle when seeds germinate or runners take root in early spring. Young seedlings or rooted runners establish themselves, develop leaves and form a rosette. As temperatures rise, the plants enter a vegetative growth phase, producing more leaves and, in the case of strawberries, stolons or runners that extend outward and can root to form new plants. With the onset of longer days and warmer weather, the flowering stage begins, usually in late spring, with the plant producing white flowers that are pollinated by insects. Following pollination, the flowers develop into strawberries, which ripen to a red color in early to mid-summer, depending on the local climate. After fruiting, the plants will either remain in a vegetative state or prepare for dormancy if exposed to shorter daylight periods and cooler temperatures, ultimately restarting the cycle in the following spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring-summer
The strawberry plant, specifically the Fragaria × ananassa 'Honeoye', is commonly propagated through the use of runners, which is the most popular method. This involves allowing the natural runners, which are long, horizontal stems that grow outward from the main plant, to take root in the soil. This typically takes place during the late summer months. Gardeners often encourage runner development by placing soil or a small pot filled with potting mix under each runner node, which is where new roots and a daughter plant will form. After rooting, which usually takes a few weeks, the new plantlet can be severed from the mother plant and transplanted to a new location. This method utilizes the plant's natural tendencies for reproduction, making it straightforward and effective for producing new strawberry plants that are genetically identical to the parent.
