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Growing Novel Strawberries and Herbs in Sweden: Guide and News

If you’re looking to add something new and exciting to your garden, seed-grown strawberries with pink flowers might be just the thing! Among recent introductions is the unique Fragaria x ananassa 'Florian', an F1 remontant strawberry that’s as beautiful as it is productive. 'Florian' stands out with its large pink flowers, making it a striking feature both in ornamental beds and the kitchen garden. It produces delicious fruit all summer, and if sown early, begins to flower in late summer the first year.

Fragaria x ananassa 'Florian' – How to Grow

To cultivate these strawberries from seed:

Sow indoors in seed compost in February–March, sowing seeds shallowly.
Keep the trays in darkness at about 22°C.
Germination usually takes 4–6 weeks; seedlings emerge gradually.
Transplant out to their final position in May–June.

These strawberries combine ornamental value with high yield and a long harvest. You can enjoy homegrown berries in Sweden from late spring and throughout the summer. For best results, ensure a rich, humus-filled, and sandy soil, and place plants about 30–40 cm apart with double that between rows.

New Additions Among Herbs

There are also several exciting new herbs making their debut—perfect for both culinary use and adding diversity to your planting schemes.

Bergmynta, Pycnanthemum pilosum 'Mountain Mint'

Features and Cultivation

A lesser-known relative of our classic mints, Mountain Mint offers a strong and pleasant mint aroma and is ideal for tea. Unlike traditional mint, Mountain Mint is not as invasive, forming manageable colonies. It is highly attractive to pollinators and blooms for a long period, making it both practical and beneficial for biodiversity. Mountain Mint thrives in beds or large pots, and is easy to manage due to its upright habit and silvery-white flower clusters.

Glanstagetes, Tagetes lucida 'Sweet Mace'

Culinary and Decorative Value

This annual herb stands out both as a culinary plant and an ornamental in the flower bed. The yellow-orange flowers of Sweet Mace are edible and can add a touch of flavor to salads, while the leaves serve as an excellent substitute for French tarragon. This versatility makes it a worthy addition to the herb garden or flower border.

Vaniljbasilika, Ocimum americanum x basilicum

Fragrance and Use

For those looking for something extra special, Vanilla Basil is a hybrid with a rich, spicy aroma and a distinct vanilla flavor. The lime-green leaves and pale purple flower spikes make it decorative and delicious, perfect for use in desserts, drinks or as a unique touch to salads.

Apelsintimjan, Thymus fragrantissimus

Scent and Kitchen Inspiration

Thymus fragrantissimus, or Orange Thyme, brings a sweet, citrusy fragrance to your herb patch. This plant looks much like common thyme, with similar vigor and leaf size, but with slightly red-tinted stems. Its unique citrus aroma can elevate both savory and sweet dishes and adds a new dimension to homegrown herbs.

Where to Buy

You can find seeds for these exciting varieties at several Swedish retailers:

Weibulls, Bröderna Nelsons (under the Lord Nelson brand), and Hammenhögs fröer are widely available.
Lindbloms Frö offers direct sales as well as online ordering.
Selection may include international brands like Mr Fothergill's and specialty lines such as Impecta.

Inspiration and Further Reading

For more inspiration or detailed guides on cultivation and new plant varieties, visit Swedish gardening resources or check out previous articles in the series: Föregående sida.

These new and exciting strawberries and herbs bring color, fragrance, and fresh flavors to both your kitchen and your garden. Whether you’re aiming for ornamental beauty, pollinator support, or culinary adventure, these seedlings are sure to delight!