Wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana). Small white flowers with yellow centers brighten the spring landscape and attract pollinating insects.

Wild strawberry (Fragaria virginiana) Seeds

$ 4.75


Small, white flowers with yellow centers brighten the spring landscape and attract pollinating insects. Low, evergreen tripled-leaved rosettes carpet the ground. In July, lots of juicy red berries cover the plants. Edible to wildlife and people. Makes a great ground cover or meadow plant.

Native to Maine: Yes

Growing conditions: Sun to shade in dry to moist soil

Grows up to: 4"

Blooms: In mid-summer

Natural habitat: Meadows, woodland edges, and roadsides with moist to dry, sandy, or gravelly soils

Seeds per packet: 50-100

Germination code: B
The easiest method for sowing these seeds is to plant them outdoors in pots from November through mid-March. Please note: wild strawberry seeds must have two weeks below 40 degrees F to germinate. If you are sowing the seeds after mid-March (when daytime temperatures may be above 40*), sow seeds in a pot, wrap in a plastic bag, and place in a refrigerator for two weeks before placing outside. A great species for beginner seed-sowers.


Each seed package carries a specific germination code along with the plant description. These codes indicate specific sowing instructions.

  • A Seeds can be sown outdoors in fall or early spring.
  • B Seeds need a winter or cold period to germinate. Sow outdoors in fall or winter.
  • C Seeds need light to germinate; sow on soil surface and leave uncovered.
  • D Seeds need alternating cycles of warm-to-cold-to-warm to germinate. They can be sown either outdoors in spring or summer and will germinate the following year or in a flat in a warm place for 3 months, then moved to a refrigerator for 2 months, then moved outside in the early summer warmth.
  • E Seeds can not be allowed to dry out. Sow immediately.
  • F Seeds take two years to germinate. Sow outside in the fall or winter and look for germination in the second spring. A shady location prevents the flats from rapid drying and reduces weeding
  • G Large seeds should be soaked overnight in water.
  • FERN: Sow spores in a warm bright location in a sealed container and keep moist. Directions enclosed with package. Challenging.

If you have specific questions about seeds and germination guidelines please contact us at info@wildseedproject.net.

All seeds can be sown and placed outdoors in fall or winter bypassing the need for an artificial indoor cold stratification (refrigerator) required for some species when planted in spring. This is the simplest method. See How to Grow Natives From Seed for detailed instructions.