Strawberry 'Mignonette'

Sow alpine strawberry seeds from late winter to early spring at 21C (68F) on the surface of a good quality seed compost. Keep the soil damp but not wet and do not exclude light as this helps germination. Place in a propagator or seal the seed tray inside a polythene bag until after germination, which usually takes 14-30 days. When seedlings are large enough to handle, transplant and grow them on in cooler conditions until large enough to plant outdoors.

When strawberry plants are well grown and all risk of frost has passed, acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting outdoors in their final positions. Grow strawberries in sun or semi shade in fertile, moist, well drained soil at a distance of 15cm (6") apart.

Alternatively direct sow outdoors in mid spring into a well drained soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Thin the seedlings to a distance of 15cm (6in) apart.

Water strawberries frequently throughout the growing season and weed regularly between rows. When growing strawberry plants in baskets and containers, they will also need feeding every two weeks.

From early summer, remove any runners that are produced as these will weaken the plants vigour. Protect the developing fruit from slugs and snails by spreading straw around each plant. Positioning a net over the plants will also prevent crop damage by birds. The netting and straw can be removed after cropping to allow better air flow around the crown of the plant. Mulch strawberry plants with well rotted manure in spring.

Although strawberry plants will continue to fruit in successive years, the crop will become considerably reduced and it is advisable to completely replace strawberry plants every 3 years.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.

Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.