Strawberry Fragaria × ananassa 'Malling Centenary' (PBR) (F)
ABOUT
The Fragaria × ananassa 'Malling Centenary', commonly known as the strawberry plant, is celebrated for its generous yields of fruit and attractive appearance. The plant is characterized by its lush, green foliage that provides a vivid backdrop for the stunning blossoms and fruits it produces. The leaves are typically broad with a slightly serrated edge, providing a dense coverage that aids in the health of the plant. During the flowering season, the strawberry plant puts forth delicate white flowers that have a golden center, an inviting sight for pollinators. Following the flowering stage, the plant rewards growers with bright red, juicy strawberries that are known for their exceptional flavor and firm texture. These strawberries are typically plump and glossy, with a conical shape that tapers towards the tip. The vibrant red color of the strawberries contrasts beautifully with the verdant leaves, making the 'Malling Centenary' not only a productive fruit plant but also a visually appealing addition to any garden setting. Its pleasing aesthetic and bountiful fruit production make it a highly desirable variety for both amateur and professional growers.
About this plant
NamesFamily
Rosaceae.
Synonyms
Garden Strawberry, Pineberry.
Common names
Fragaria × ananassa 'Malling Centenary' (PBR) (F).
ToxicityTo humans
The Fragaria × ananassa, commonly known as the strawberry, including the 'Malling Centenary' cultivar, is not toxic to humans. As one of the most popular fruits, strawberries are widely consumed with no adverse effects. Ingesting strawberries poses no risk of poisoning for humans when consumed in normal food quantities. However, some individuals may have allergies to strawberries and could experience reactions ranging from mild to severe, including hives, itching, swelling, and in rare severe cases, anaphylaxis.
To pets
The Fragaria × ananassa, known as the strawberry, is not considered toxic to pets. The 'Malling Centenary' cultivar, like other strawberries, can be safely given to pets such as dogs and cats in moderate amounts. Feeding pets strawberries does not typically lead to poisoning. However, as with any treat, it should be offered in moderation and not replace a balanced diet. Some pets can have allergies or sensitivities to new foods, so if you notice any abnormal signs after ingestion, such as gastrointestinal upset, it would be prudent to consult your veterinarian.
CharacteristicsLife cycle
Perennials
Foliage type
Deciduous
Color of leaves
Green
Flower color
White
Height
0.8 feet (25 cm)
Spread
1 feet (30 cm)
Plant type
Herb
Hardiness zones
5
Native area
Cultivated
Benefits
General Benefits- High Fruit Yield: Produces a large number of strawberries, making it ideal for gardeners looking for a fruitful harvest.
- Large Fruit Size: The strawberries from this plant are larger than average, providing a more substantial and satisfying fruit.
- Sweet Flavor: Known for its deliciously sweet berries, enhancing the taste experience for consumers and home gardeners alike.
- Extended Harvest: Capable of producing fruit from early to mid-summer, allowing for a longer picking season.
- Resistance to Diseases: Displays good resistance to common strawberry diseases, reducing the need for chemical treatments.
- Attractive Flowers: The plant produces lovely white flowers that can add aesthetic value to a garden space.
- Adaptability: Performs well in a range of soil types and conditions, offering flexibility for planting in different garden scenarios.
- Easy to Propagate: Can be easily propagated through runners, allowing gardeners to expand their strawberry patches without additional cost.
Medical Properties- This plant is not used for medical purposes.
Air-purifying QualitiesThis plant is not specifically known for air purifying qualities.
Other Uses- Strawberry extracts are often used in natural cosmetic formulations for their fragrance and skin-soothing properties.
- Dried strawberries can be incorporated into homemade potpourri to add a sweet, fruity scent to a room.
- Crushed strawberry leaves can be used as a natural abrasive in homemade cleaners.
- Strawberry plants can be used as a natural dye, yielding a light pink or greenish-yellow color depending on the part of the plant used.
- The fruit can be pureed and used as a natural coloring agent for homemade playdough or other craft projects.
- Unripe strawberries can be used as a natural pH indicator, changing colors in response to different pH levels.
- Strawberry juice can be mixed with vinegar to create a homemade glass cleaner that leaves a pleasant scent.
- Pressed strawberry leaves can be used for botanical prints or as decorative inclusions in handmade paper.
- The fibrous nature of strawberry roots makes them suitable for inclusion in small scale basket weaving or as part of mixed-media art pieces.
- Used strawberry plants can be composted to create nutrient-rich soil additives for gardening.
Interesting Facts
Feng ShuiThe plant Strawberry is not used in Feng Shui practice.
Zodiac Sign CompitabilityThe Strawberry is not used in astrology practice.
Plant Symbolism- Love and Romance: The strawberry, being a heart-shaped fruit, has long been associated with love and Venus, the Roman goddess of love. Its red color and sweetness reinforce this symbolic meaning.
- Purity and Innocence: The white flowers of the strawberry plant suggest purity and innocence, qualities often celebrated in various cultures and contexts.
- Fertility and Abundance: Strawberries are known for their ability to multiply quickly, being prolific fruit bearers. This characteristic lends to their symbolism of fertility and abundance.
- Good Fortune: In some parts of the world, strawberries are seen as symbols of good luck and prosperity, possibly due to their pleasing appearance and taste.
WaterStrawberry plants, including the 'Malling Centenary' variety, typically need to be watered with about 1 inch of water per week, especially during their growing season. The watering frequency may need to increase to twice per week during particularly hot or dry spells. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to water the plants at the base, as overhead watering can promote disease. Ensure the water penetrates the soil to a depth of about 6 inches to reach the plant's roots. Over-watering can be as harmful as under-watering, so always check the soil moisture before watering.
LightStrawberries, including the 'Malling Centenary' variety, thrive best in full sun, which means they need at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day. The ideal spot for these plants is in an area that receives unobstructed sunlight throughout the day. Avoid locations where buildings, trees, or other structures cast shadows on the plants for extended periods.
TemperatureStrawberries, including the 'Malling Centenary' variety, grow best in mild to warm temperatures, with the ideal range being between 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive a light frost, but temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit can damage the plants. Strawberry plants will go dormant in the winter, but they need protection from extreme cold.
PruningStrawberries, including the 'Malling Centenary' variety, should be pruned to remove any dead or diseased leaves and to thin out crowded beds. Pruning is best done after harvesting, usually in late summer or early fall, to prepare the plants for the next growing season. Removing runners throughout the season can also help to redirect energy into fruit production.
CleaningAs needed
SoilThe best soil mix for the common Strawberry 'Malling Centenary' should be well-draining with a mix of peat, loam, and sand, ensuring good aeration for the roots. The ideal soil pH should be slightly acidic, between 5.5 and 6.5, to ensure optimal growth and berry production.
RepottingStrawberries, including the 'Malling Centenary' variety, typically do not need frequent repotting and thrive when planted directly outdoors. However, if grown in containers, they may benefit from being repotted every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and accommodate root growth.
Humidity & MistingStrawberry 'Malling Centenary' prefers moderate humidity levels. Aim for a humidity range of 40-60% for optimal growth and fruit production. Avoid overly dry or overly humid conditions to prevent stress and disease.
Suitable locationsIndoor
Use rich, well-draining soil; ensure full light & consistent moisture.
Outdoor
Plant in full sun, well-draining soil, and space 18 inches apart.
Hardiness zone
4-9 USDA
Life cycleThe Fragaria × ananassa 'Malling Centenary', also known as the Strawberry 'Malling Centenary', begins its life cycle with seed germination, although commercial cultivation often starts with planting runner plants. After planting, the plants enter a vegetative growth stage, developing leaves and roots. As the weather warms, flowering occurs, typically in spring or early summer, depending on the climate. Following pollination, usually by insects, the flowers develop into fruit, with the characteristic red strawberries maturing for harvest in early to mid-summer. After fruiting, the plant produces runners (stolon) that touch the ground and can root to form new plants, thus propagating asexually. The plant enters a period of dormancy during cold winter months, conserving energy for the next growing season.
PropogationPropogation time
Spring to Summer
The garden strawberry, specifically the Fragaria × ananassa 'Malling Centenary', is conventionally propagated through runners, which are horizontal stems that grow at the soil surface or just below it and produce new clone plants at their tips. Best done in the late summer, this method involves pinning down the runners to the soil, allowing them to root in contact with the earth. Once the runners have established a strong root system, usually in a few weeks, they can be severed from the mother plant and transplanted to a new location. This approach is favored for its simplicity and effectiveness in maintaining the specific qualities of the cultivar since the new plants are genetically identical to the parent.
