When I first stumbled upon an image of a pineberry, this was my first question. What is that thing? An albino strawberry? A photo-shopped trick image? Nope. They’re real, and totally cool.
The pineberry is native to Europe, developed by Dutch horticulturists in the early 21st century. While they remained off our general radar, they rose in popularity after Dutch breeder Hans de Jongh created a patented variety called “Natural Albino.” In the last decade, it seems EVERYONE wants a piece of these babies!
While pineberries are similar to the South American wild strawberry, the plants are not the same. Nor are they genetically-modified, but instead, the result of cross-breeding. Most compare the pineberry to a strawberry in appearance, albeit white with red seeds with a taste akin to pineapple. Some swear they are sweet and succulent while others wrinkle their nose in protest. As I’ve never actually tasted a pineberry, I cannot offer my two cents. However, I am totally enthralled with the idea of growing the little gems!
Pineberries are a bit smaller than a strawberry, ranging in size from about 1/2 – 1 inch, but can be grown in basically the same way. Berries prefer well-drained, acidic soil in warm climates, USDA hardiness zones 4-8. Use a pine straw mulch to retain moisture and plant in full sun. Their are “June bearing” varieties of pineberry that produce fruit once a year in spring, while everbearing varieties will act more like perennials and produce in spring, and then again in late summer through fall.
The pineberry is self-pollinating, but if you plant it near your traditional red strawberry plants, you will increase the yield. A good thing! This plant is a notoriously sparse producer which is why these berries do not line your market shelves the way traditional strawberries do. Commercial growers simply can’t produce enough to make the effort profitable.
Which makes it the perfect home garden variety of strawberry. You don’t mind the effort. In fact, you thrive on your time in the garden spent tending your little darlings. Personally, I find the pineberry fascinating and cannot wait to try my hand at growing them.
White Carolina Pineberry plants can be purchased from Park Seed, Walmart, Amazon and other outlets, but get your orders in soon–these plants sell out quickly! As of this writing, only Amazon still has them. No worries–keep checking back or mark them down for next year’s purchase. That’s what I’m doing!
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