Uniquely Colored Strawberries: 11 Varieties To Grow
Bring vibrant berry hues to your garden for a visual treat and sweet flavor.
A Guide to Uniquely Colored Strawberries: Varieties, Facts, and Growing Tips
Ask most people to describe a strawberry, and youâll likely hear âred and sweetâ in response. Yet the world of strawberries is far more diverse, offering hues that range from snowy white to golden yellow, pastel pink, and even rose and purple tones. If youâre a gardener who craves novelty or a fruit lover eager to break beyond traditional grocery store offerings, exploring different colored strawberries can be both fascinating and rewarding.
Can Strawberries Be Different Colors?
Absolutely. Nature and careful breeding have brought about a range of uniquely colored strawberriesânot just the classic red. Gardeners can now grow strawberries in shades of white, yellow, pink, rose, and a muted purple. These rare colors are usually the result of crossing wild strawberry species or selecting so-called “off-types” observed in alpine and woodland varieties, then stabilizing these traits through seed saving and breeding over multiple generations.
Colored fruits and vegetables have a long horticultural historyâthink of purple carrots and yellow tomatoes, now commonly available. Strawberries are following suit, though the most unusual colors are usually found only among homegrown, specialty cultivars rather than store-bought fruit.
Why Donât Colored Strawberries Appear in Stores?
- Commercial strawberries prioritize durability, yield, and uniformity over novelty color or flavor.
- Most colored strawberry cultivars are less firm and less transportable, thus not ideal for industrial shipping.
- Specialty types are usually available only as seeds or plant starts from niche suppliers.
Myths and Facts About Unusual Strawberry Colors
- Blue, green, or true black strawberries do NOT exist in nature or through breeding. Any claims or photos showing these are typically photoshopped or fraudulent.
- Genuine color variations include: white, yellow, golden, pink, rose, and muted purples.
In short, if you see neon blue or rainbow strawberry seeds advertised online, be wary. Legitimately colored strawberries offer beauty and taste differences, but not outlandish hues.
How Do Strawberries Get Their Color?
Strawberry color is primarily determined by genetics and the presence or absence of pigments called anthocyanins. While bright red strawberries are high in anthocyanins, uniquely colored varieties may have mutations that prevent these pigments from developing fully (especially in true “white” or “yellow” strawberries). Some wild species, including Fragaria vesca (alpine strawberries) and Fragaria chiloensis, are natural sources of non-red berries.
- White strawberries: Lack anthocyanin pigments; often have a milder or pineapple-like flavor.
- Pink and yellow strawberries: Partial pigment presence or different biochemical pathways.
- Purple strawberries: Blend red anthocyanin with other polyphenols for richer tones.
11 Unusually Colored Strawberry Varieties to Grow
Ready to bring color diversity to your garden? These standout varietiesâfrom snowy white to golden yellow to blush pinkâoffer appealing flavors and unique visual appeal.
1. White Alpine Strawberries (Fragaria vesca ‘White Soul’ or ‘White Delight’)
- Produces slender, ivory berries with a mild, aromatic flavor.
- Fruits have a delicate pineapple or floral note and are very sweet when fully ripe.
- Excellent for shade gardens and container growth.
What others are reading
2. Pineberry (Fragaria à ananassa ‘Pineberry’)
- Small, white berries with red seeds, looking like strawberries but tasting of pineapple.
- Hybridized from South American and North American wild species.
- Best results when grown near traditional red-fruited strawberries to ensure pollination.
3. Yellow Wonder Alpine Strawberry
- Charming, yellow berries with a wild strawberry flavor that is sweet and slightly herbal.
- Highly productive ground cover, bearing through summer and fall.
4. Golden Alexandria
- Delicate golden-hued fruit produces prolifically on compact plants.
- Great for borders and small-space gardens; rarely found in stores.
5. Pink Panda Strawberry
- Bred as an ornamental ground cover with striking pink flowers.
- Small, pinkish berriesâmoderately sweet and slightly tart.
- More prized for appearance and pollinator interest than fruit yield.
6. Purple Wonder Strawberry
- Deep, wine-colored fruitâalmost purple in certain light.
- Rich in antioxidants and more aromatic than standard red types.
- Excellent for eating fresh or adding dramatic color to salads and desserts.
7. White Carolina Strawberry
- Often labeled as white or pale pink with red seeds.
- Distinct pineapple-like flavor, soft, creamy flesh.
- Cultivation is similar to other hybrid strawberries.
8. Musk Strawberry (Fragaria moschata)
- Produces berries in shades ranging from white to deep blush pink.
- Luxurious musky aroma and complex, sweet flavor valued by chefs and home gardeners.
9. Scarlet Strawberry (Fragaria virginiana)
- Wild North American species, fruit ranging from classic red to soft rose and pale blushed tones.
- Highly aromatic, though fruit is smaller and softer than store types.
10. Rosy Pink Varieties (‘Rosali’, ‘Eclair’)
- Modern hybrids offering pastel pink berries and flowers.
- Some cultivars focus on ornamental value, others on fruit production.
11. Novelty Hybrids & Experimental Colors
- Plant breeders continue to develop micro-selected lines with hints of apricot, lavender, or even pale blue (only as a mild undertone, not true blue).
- These are rarely available to the public and often found only in collector seed catalogs.
Comparing Strawberry Types by Color and Traits
| Color | Popular Variety | Flavor Profile | Unique Traits |
|---|---|---|---|
| White | Pineberry, White Soul | Pineapple, creamy, mild | Red seeds, ornamental appeal |
| Yellow | Yellow Wonder | Wild strawberry, sweet | Productive alpine variety |
| Pink | Pink Panda | Slightly tart, light sweet | Pink flowers, decorative |
| Red | Albion, June-bearing | Classic sweet-tart | Firm, high-yield, store-bought type |
| Purple | Purple Wonder | Rich, aromatic | High in antioxidants |
Where Do Colored Strawberries Come From?
Most uniquely colored strawberry cultivars are developed from wild species or through careful garden selection:
- Wild strawberries (Fragaria vesca, F. chiloensis, F. virginiana) offer genetic diversity foundational for modern color breeding.
- Selective hybridization combines traitsâsuch as color, flavor, and plant vigor.
- Small-scale breeders and hobbyists often drive the discovery and stabilization of rare colors.
These are not genetically modified organisms (GMOs). The colors arise from classic breeding techniques and the natural gene pool.
How to Grow and Care for Unusually Colored Strawberries
Growing colorful strawberries is much like growing standard varieties, but there are a few special considerations to ensure the best flavor and color development.
General Guidelines
- Sunlight: Most varieties thrive in full sun, but some alpine types (especially white and yellow) can tolerate partial shade.
- Soil: Use rich, well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH (6.0â6.5).
- Spacing: Allow at least 15 inches between plants for air flow and healthy root development.
- Watering: Keep soil moist but not soggy; water 2â3 times weekly, more often in containers or hot conditions.
- Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer in early summer. Donât overfertilize, as this can reduce flowering and fruit set.
- Pollination: While strawberries are self-pollinating, planting near bee-friendly flowers or other strawberry varieties can boost yields, especially in novelty types like pineberries.
Growing by Type
- Alpine and wild types (White Soul, Yellow Wonder): Excellent for containers, borders, and edible landscaping. Frequent but gentle harvesting is best to avoid damaging delicate fruit.
- Day-neutral hybrids: Produce fruit all summer long; ideal for continuous harvesting.
- Pink/ornamental types: Often grown for their flowers. Only moderate yields, so combine with productive types if maximum harvest is desired.
For all strawberries, remove brown leaves and old runners, manage weeds, and watch for slugs or birds attracted to fruit. Mulching helps keep fruit clean and conserves soil moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions About Colored Strawberries
Q: Do blue, green, or rainbow strawberries really exist?
A: No. Colored strawberry cultivars are genuine, but only within the spectrum of white, yellow, pink, rose, pale purple, and traditional red. True blue, green, or rainbow berries are not naturally occurring or bred forms.
Q: Are colored strawberries GMOs?
A: No. The unusual colors found in specialty strawberries are a result of traditional breeding and natural genetic variationânot genetic modification.
Q: Do colored strawberries taste different than red strawberries?
A: Yes, in most cases. White strawberries often have a pineapple or mild floral flavor, while yellow varieties can taste sweeter or more herbal. Some pink and purple varieties are valued for their unique aromas, though texture may be softer than store-bought reds.
Q: Can colored strawberries cross-pollinate with red strawberries?
A: Yes. Cross-pollination can enhance fruiting in many novelty cultivars, especially pineberries and pink types, though this will only affect the next generation’s seeds and not the current season’s fruit color.
Q: Where can I buy colored strawberry seeds or plants?
A: Specialty colored strawberry seeds and plant starts can be sourced from reputable rare seed retailers and select garden centers. Be cautious with online vendors advertising impossible fruit colors.
Q: Are colored strawberries as healthy as red strawberries?
A: Yes. Many specialty types are rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, and beneficial micronutrients. Purple- and red-toned berries may have slightly higher polyphenols, but all colored strawberries can be part of a nutritious diet.
Final Thoughts on Growing Colored Strawberries
If youâre looking to broaden your gardenâs fruit palette, growing different colored strawberries is a fun and rewarding venture. From pineapple-flavored pineberries to golden alpine types and dramatic purple hybrids, thereâs a hue and flavor for every grower. Remember to seek out genuine cultivars from reliable sources, and delight in the seasonal discovery of these rare garden treasures.
- Experiment with different varieties to find those that thrive in your climate and bed conditions.
- Include several strawberry types for cross-pollination and extended harvests.
- Share surplus fruit with friends or familyâthese unusual berries are sure to be a conversation starter.
References
- https://www.epicgardening.com/different-colored-strawberries/
- https://shop.epicgardening.com/products/everbearing-strawberry
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ig3WaZxwpMQ
- https://www.epicgardening.com/strawberries/
- https://www.espoma.com/fruits-vegetables/video-how-to-grow-strawberries-part-1-with-epic-gardening/
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