Strawberry Fragaria × ananassa Just Add Cream = 'Tmstr14pnk' (PBR)
![strawberry [Just Add Cream]](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fplants-admin.emdemapps.com%2Fimages%2Fplants%2F%2Fimages%2F604b5f8e7d168.png&w=3840&q=75)
ABOUT
The Fragaria × ananassa Just Add Cream, commonly known as the strawberry plant, is a cultivar renowned for its delightful appearance. This plant produces charming flowers and luscious fruits. Its flowers are notable for their lovely pink hues, adding a splash of color to the green foliage backdrop. The leaves are deep green, with a glossy texture that complements the vibrant flowers. The flowers not only bring an ornamental quality but also herald the arrival of the plant's prized strawberries. These strawberries have a classic heart shape with a brilliant red color when ripe. Their surface is dotted with numerous tiny yellow seeds that add texture to their appearance. The combination of pink flowers, red fruit, and lush green leaves creates a picturesque display in any garden setting. The strawberries, famed for their sweetness, invite not only human admirers but also an array of pollinators that contribute to the plant's reproduction process.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae
Synonyms
Just Add Cream Strawberry, Pink Flowering Strawberry, Ornamental Strawberry, Edible Strawberry 'Just Add Cream'
Common names
Fragaria × ananassa Just Add Cream = 'Tmstr14pnk' (PBR).
ToxicityTo humans
The plant in question, commonly known as the garden strawberry, does not present any known toxicity to humans when consumed in normal food quantities. Garden strawberries, including the cultivar 'Tmstr14pnk', are widely eaten and appreciated for their sweet flavor and nutritional benefits. However, some individuals may have an allergy to strawberries, which in rare cases can lead to anaphylaxis if consumed. Those with known allergies to strawberries should avoid consuming this fruit.
To pets
Garden strawberries, like the cultivar 'Tmstr14pnk', are generally considered non-toxic to pets, including cats and dogs. Pets may consume garden strawberries in moderation as a treat. However, some pets could have an allergic reaction or a sensitive stomach that could lead to gastrointestinal upset. Owners should ensure strawberries are given in limited amounts and should monitor their pets for any signs of distress after consumption.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
Pink
Height
0.5 feet (15 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Americas
Benefits
General Benefits- Aesthetic Appeal: Fragaria × ananassa 'Just Add Cream' features beautiful pink flowers that add color and visual interest to gardens and landscapes.
- Edible Fruit: Produces strawberries that are both tasty and nutritious, providing a source of fresh fruit from one's own garden.
- Compact Growth: Suitable for smaller gardens or growing in containers due to its compact and manageable growth habit.
- Perennial Plant: As a perennial, it returns year after year, offering long-term enjoyment without the need for replanting each season.
- Attracts Pollinators: The flowers attract bees and other pollinators, supporting local biodiversity.
- Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care once established, making it suitable for novice gardeners or those with limited time.
- Adaptable: Tolerates a range of soil types and conditions, although it prefers well-drained, fertile soil.
- Seasonal Interest: Offers interest across multiple seasons, with flowers in spring and summer and foliage that persists into fall.
- Ground Cover: Can be used as ground cover to suppress weeds and protect the soil from erosion.
Medical PropertiesThis plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- In crafting, the leaves of the strawberry plant can be used to make natural dyes for fabrics, offering shades of green or yellow depending on the mordant used.
- Strawberry plants can be incorporated into educational programs, such as school gardens, where children learn about plant life cycles and sustainable agriculture.
- The flowers of the strawberry plant can be used in edible flower arrangements or as cake decorations, adding a touch of elegance and subtle flavor.
- Used in companion planting, strawberry plants can be beneficial when placed near certain vegetables to attract pollinators or deter pests.
- Strawberry leaves can be used in potpourri mixes due to their pleasant smell when dried, providing a natural fragrance to a room.
- Pressed strawberry flowers and leaves can create beautiful and natural art Herve for scrapbooking or botanical illustration purposes.
- As a natural play element in children's gardens, the low-lying strawberry plant can serve as an attractive and interactive ground cover that encourages sensory play.
- Strawberry plants can act as a natural ground cover in landscaping, reducing soil erosion while providing an aesthetically pleasing and fruitful green space.
- The runners of strawberry plants can be used in weaving small items like baskets or mats, utilizing the plant's natural flexibility.
- During thematic events or festivals (like a strawberry festival), the entire plant can be used for decoration purposes, from using the leaves and blooms in arrangements to having the fruit on display.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe Strawberry plant is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Strawberry plant is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Affection: As a strawberry plant, Fragaria × ananassa 'Just Add Cream' often symbolizes love and affection due to the heart-shaped berries it produces.
- Fertility and Abundance: The strawberry's lush growth and plentiful fruit production have historically represented fertility and abundance.
- Perfection and Goodness: The strawberry's sweet flavor and vibrant color can symbolize perfection and the inherent goodness within small packages.
- Purity: White flowers of the plant may connote purity and innocence.
- Healing: Since strawberries have been used for medicinal purposes, they can also symbolize healing and good health.
WaterStrawberry plants, including the Just Add Cream variety, prefer consistently moist soil, so watering should be done regularly, rooting depth considered. In general, provide about one inch (equivalent to about 0.623 gallons per square foot) of water per week, increasing frequency during dry spells or in hotter climates. A deep watering is preferable to shallow sprinkles to encourage deeper root growth and to reduce the chances of diseases associated with excessive moisture on leaves. Avoid overhead watering to minimize the risk of leaf diseases and fruit rot. During the growing season, especially when the plants are fruiting, ensure the watering is consistent to prevent the fruit from becoming dry.
LightStrawberry plants like Just Add Cream require full sun to produce the best fruit, meaning they should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight per day. Choose a spot in the garden that is exposed to ample sunlight and free from shadows cast by trees or buildings. Avoiding locations that receive too much shade is vital, as insufficient light can lead to poor fruit development and increased susceptibility to diseases.
TemperatureStrawberry plants, such as the Just Add Cream, thrive in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F. They can survive temperature dips down to 20°F but are at risk of damage when temperatures fall below this point. Conversely, consistently high temperatures above 85°F can affect fruit production and plant health. Protecting the plants with mulch or row covers might be necessary if there are unexpected temperature drops.
PruningPruning Strawberry Just Add Cream plants involves removing dead leaves, damaged fruit, and runners to encourage productive plant growth. The best time to prune is after harvesting, in the late summer or early fall, when the plants have finished fruiting. During the growing season, snip off excess runners to direct more energy to fruit production. Prune annually to stimulate new, healthy growth and maintain plant vigor.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the Strawberry 'Just Add Cream' should be well-draining and rich in organic matter, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. A blend of loamy garden soil, peat, compost, and a bit of sand works well to provide the necessary nutrient balance and drainage.
RepottingStrawberry 'Just Add Cream' plants generally do not require frequent repotting and can be repotted every 2-3 years. Ensure that the container size is appropriate to the plant's size and allows room for growth.
Humidity & MistingThe ideal humidity level for Strawberries 'Just Add Cream' is moderate, ranging from 40% to 60%. They can adapt to lower humidity levels but prefer a consistently moist environment without being waterlogged.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Provide bright light, well-draining soil, and regular watering for indoor Strawberries 'Just Add Cream'.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, rich soil, and water regularly for healthy outdoor Strawberry 'Just Add Cream'.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe life of the Strawberry 'Just Add Cream' (Fragaria × ananassa 'Tmstr14pnk') begins with seed germination, where the seeds require exposure to light and a period of cold stratification to break dormancy. Upon sprouting, the seedlings slowly develop into mature strawberry plants, forming a rosette of leaves at the ground level. As the plant matures, it develops a robust root system and starts producing runners (stolons) that spread out, rooting at intervals to form new plantlets. These plants will eventually bear flowers, typically white with a pink blush, which after pollination transform into the characteristic red, conical strawberries. The fruiting stage is critical, as it decides the plant's contribution to the next generation either through seed dispersion or vegetative reproduction via runners. At the end of the growing season, the plant enters a period of dormancy, particularly in temperate climates, conserving energy to survive the winter and restart the cycle with the warmth of spring.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The most popular method of propagating Fragaria × ananassa Just Add Cream, commonly known as the Strawberry 'Just Add Cream', is through runner plants, which are horizontal stems that grow outwards from the main plant. During the late summer or early fall, when the plant is actively growing, these runners develop small plantlets at their tips. Gardeners will usually pin these runners down to the soil, either in the same spot or where new plants are desired, using a U-shaped wire or a small stone to maintain contact with the dirt. The runner should be cut from the mother plant once the plantlets have rooted firmly into the soil, which typically takes a few weeks. This method efficiently produces identical clones of the mother plant, ensures a quicker fruit production than seeding, and maintains the desirable traits of the 'Just Add Cream' variety.
