Peruvian Strawberries 30 seeds Kiepenkerl

Introduction to the Peruvian strawberry:

The Peruvian strawberry or poha is a plant of the potato family, native to South America but cultivated in many regions. It is also called pineapple cherry.

The Peruvian strawberry has a habitus:

The Peruvian strawberry is an annual plant up to 2 m tall, with wide branches, often shaded with purple, and ribbed stems. The leaves, stems and calyxes are covered with protruding, partly tangled, white, soft, dense hairs.

Leaves:

Scattered. Leaf blade heart-shaped, green, 10-17 cm long and wide, with slightly lacy margins and wavy, with brown ribs on the main vein. The upper side of the petiole is slightly ribbed and up to 10 cm long.

Flowers:

Complimentary flowers develop singly on 2-4 cm stalks in branching and leaf hips. Their rounded, bell-shaped calyxes are split into five pointed, triangular, slightly diverging cymes up to the middle, green in colour; the base and veins are blackish-brown. Cushion-flanges split into five broad, spreading cymes, about 1.5 cm long, 2 cm wide, yellow; throats with five large brown spots. In the throat of the pads are a ring of woolly yellow hairs. The outside is short and compact, the dark patches on the throat are covered with longer, soft hairs. After flowering, the cup enlarges into a closed sheath and encloses the growing berry.

Fruit:

Yellow or light brown, globose berry 1-2 cm long, surrounded by the remaining, maturing straw yellow, inflated cup. Under a smooth, thin, firm, translucent skin, the orange-yellow flesh of the fruit is rich in juice and contains numerous very small, flat, yellow seeds. The ripe fruit is sweet to sweet-sour and juicy, with a mixture of pineapple and strawberry flavours.

Growing Peruvian strawberries:

Sowing time:

Month III.

Harvest:

Month VIII

Planting and harvesting tips:

Planting in larger pots every 2-3 years is recommended, never shake the soil off the roots when transplanting. Keep the plant in a sunny, warm place. Frequent replenishment of nutrients is not recommended as it increases growth vigour and reduces yield. It can be kept outdoors from mid-spring to early autumn, but wintering at 10-15°C is recommended.

Use of Peruvian strawberries:

The aromatic fruits, rich in minerals, are suitable for snacking, making jams and jellies, and for decorating dishes. The plants require a sunny, shady spot and a soil rich in nutrients and humus. The side shoots must be broken off.