With a flavour reminiscent of blueberries and Concord grapes, Garden Huckleberry is a unique addition to pies and preserves, with the addition of sugar. The compact annual bushes grow to a height and spread of 60cm (24), loaded with 1.25cm (1/2) black berries. Not for eating fresh. growing strawberry Timing: Strawberry seeds benefit from vernalization, which is the simulation of winter in order to break dormancy. Start any time in early to late winter. After that time, they will still work, but they may not produce berries during the first season. Starting: Seal strawberry seed packets in a plastic bag or airtight container and place in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks. Remove the bag or container from the refrigerator and allow the seeds to reach room temperature over a day or two before breaking the seal. Opening the package too quickly may result in water condensing on the cold seeds, and this will reduce your chances of success. Then, sow the seeds on the surface of pre-moistened, seed starting mix in trays or small containers. Keep the seeded trays under bright fluorescent lights at a constant temperature of 18-24°C (65-75°F). Ensure the seed starting mix stays moist. Germination may take anywhere from 7 to 42 days. Once seeds germinate, increase ventilation to prevent damping off. Growing: When seedlings have their third true leaf, they can be transplanted into their own pots. Be sure to harden the seedlings off gradually before transplanting outside. Space transplants 60cm (24) apart in rows 90-120cm (36-48) apart. Grow strawberries in a well-drained, sandy loam that has been generously dug with organic matter such as finished compost or well- rotted manure. Dig 60mL (1/4 cup) complete organic fertilizer into the soil beneath each transplant. Keep soil moist, but not soggy. A mulch of straw around plants may help prevent the soil from drying out. Seed Specs: Usual Seed Life: 3 years. Fragaria sp. Strawberries may seem like an impossible dream to grow from seed, but theyre actually pretty easy. Although they require a little extra care and need to be started indoors very early, once the seeds germinate, the seedlings and plants are easy to care for. The fruit of the strawberry is not a berry, botanically speaking, but rather an aggregate accessory. Better just to call them strawberries. All strawberry plants grow well in containers. They are relatives of roses in the family Rosaceae. Fragaria vesca.