Contains a selection of unusual fruits!
Includes:
- Alpine strawberry
- Goldenberry cape gooseberry
- Melon
Alpine Strawberry Baron von Solemacher
Sowing: indoors Feb-March, outdoors Apr-June
Timing: germination 15-30 days, harvesting 90-120 days
Spacing: when sowing 1-3cm, when transplanting 10-15cm
Growing: partial shade, regular heavy watering, well drained moist and fertile soil, light feeder
Caring: sow seeds on the surface and don't cover them. Be sure not to let the soil dry out. For best results, keep the soil temperature at around 20°
Supporting: thyme is the best mate for strawberries, ladybirds will prevent aphid attacks
Harvesting: there's nothing easier than picking alpine strawberry. Grasp the tiny fruit between your thumb and your forefinger, pull gently, eat and repeat!
Medicinal: the juice of alpine strawberries can be applied to the skint o eliminate wrinkles!
Eating: alpine strawberries can be cooked and used in jams, tarts and other sweet treats. But, in our opinion, the best way is to eat them fresh straight from the plant to mouth
Petit Gris de Rennes Cantaloupe Melon
Sowing: indoors March-Apr, outdoors Apr-June
Timing: germination 5-10 days, harvesting 60-80 days
Spacing: when sowing 10-15cm, when thinning 10-15cm
Growing: full sun, regular heavy watering, well drained light and moist soil, heavy feeder
Caring: grow the melons off the ground in an espalier fashion to prevent the fruits from developing bruises and cracks. Stop from developing bruises one week before harvesting
Supporting: pollinators increase the fruit set, resistant to fusarium wilt
Harvesting: harvest when the fruits colour is pale orange and it has a pleasant, fruity aroma. The fruit should slip away from the vine when twisted gently
Medicinal: melon, which is 90% water, contributes to the body's overall hydration
Eating: for a simple yet sophisticated taste, try the familiar Italian antipasto prosciutto e melone: flavourful dry sliced prosciuttos the perfect wrap for the melon's sweet juiciness
Cape Gooseberry Golden Berry
Sowing: indoors Feb-March, outdoors Apr-May
Timing: germination 7-15 days, harvesting 90-120 days
Spacing: when sowing 3-5cm, when transplanting 30-40cm
Growing: full sun, regular heavy watering, well drained light and poor soil, addition of fertilizer is not necessary
Caring: the cape gooseberry seems to thrive on neglect; even light fertilizer will depress flowering. Decrease watering when the fruits are ripening
Supporting: pollinators will increase fruits set, distracts caterpillars from other cultivation
Harvesting: pick the fruits when they fall to the ground or when their little covers turn papery, enabling you to see the yellow-orange fruits inside
Medicinal: golden berries are considered the latest trend on the 'super food' list
Eating: the ripe fruits can be eaten raw on their own or in salads. They also add a sweet-sour note to cooked dishes and they really sing in pies, desserts and jams
