Strawberry Arbutus Seeds - Arbutus Unedo - Delicious, Abundant, and Ornamental
Quantity: 10 Seeds
Strawberry Arbutus, aka Arbutus Unedo, is a relatively unknown fruit tree in the Heather family, Ericaceae, but is starting to gain popularity due to its amazing flavour and ornamental value. It's native to Southern Europe and Ireland, and is perennial to zone 7. The trees reliably produce an abundance of fruits that taste sweet and tropical. Although the fruits are completely edible, the skin can feel a bit grainy, but this can be remedied by just eating the insides, or cooking. This said, their flavour is exquisite, and is well worth figuring out the best ways to consume it. Strawberry Arbutus fruits taste great when baked, made into sauce, Jam, wine, pies, and more. These trees are naturally resistant to insects and disease, so they don't require very much attention other than regular watering, mulch, and a yearly light pruning.
Strawberry Arbutus is self fertile, so doesn't require another for pollination; however, they'll produce heavier yields if another tree is nearby. The trees will eventually grow quite tall (some as high as 29 feet), but they respond very well to pruning, so can (and should) be cut to the desired shape and size. This variety typically starts to produce in its 3rd or 4th year.
All seeds are organic and open pollinated.
Follow me on Instagram @smallislandseedco
Subscribe to my YouTube channel: Small Island Gardener
Growing Instructions
For best results, It’s best to start Strawberry Arbutus seeds outdoors either directly in the ground or in pots about 1-2 weeks before the last frost. The soil should be made moist, but not damp. Sow the seeds 1/8 inch below the soil surface. Seeds should emerge in 2-4 weeks. Once germinated, and the first true leaf has formed, it's time to pot up to a larger container that contains a good quality potting soil. Transplant to their final location when the nighttime temperatures are consistently 10°C or higher.