Joining the Pineberry Bandwagon

Shall I hop on the Pineberry bandwagon? I’m considering it. Not because they look so darn cool and… they are kind of inside out Strawberries, and… they taste of Pineapple not Strawberry. But because they’re something new to grow that I haven’t grown before. I’m a sucker for a new thing. Any new thing (horticulturally speaking) and I’m there.

To quote the press release that I got this morning, “The strawberries are a natural hybrid from the strawberry plant family, the white fruit which has a very pale pink tinge, appears early and can be ready in May.” The fact that I actually got a press release that was all about Pineberries says it all really. They are this season’s ‘it’ plant.

I like to think that I can rise above all that but the truth is I can’t. I’m already super excited about growing Pineberries and have planned exactly where I will plant them.

J Parkers sell them and so do Suttons. Wilkinsons apparently do them for £2.28 each, And probably lots of local garden centres too. If you’re in the US try Park Seed.

Category: Growing Fruit     Tagged:

15 Comments on “Joining the Pineberry Bandwagon”

  2. Oh these look wonderful! Can just imagine them mixed in with some traditional strawberry plants :-)

  3. Have you actually tasted them? I was also all set on growing and almost bought three plants at a rather extortionate price, when I read several reviews that said they didn’t find the taste terribly nice at all. I haven’t tasted them, so would really like to hear what your verdict is.

    Helle (Helen)

  4. I think it would be a bit weird biting into a strawberry and tasting pineapple but I expect the kids would love it! May have to add this to my already over-extensive list of “thing to grow this year”.

  5. Wow, they certainly look amazing, even if they don’t taste so good! Potentially worth it just for how photogenic they are (call me shallow). Looking forward to hearing your verdict!

  6. I came across a story about these and thought they looked interesting, I’m not sure if they are any different to all the existing white/yellow strawberries that have been available before or if they really are something special. Not wishing to lead you astray but Nicky’s Nursery have seeds for both yellow and white varieties so you could get quite a lot of plants for your £2.28 – and I expect they would be good currency later in the year for swapping!

    One thing I have read about the white/yellow varieties is that the taste is the same as red ones, but in theory, because they don’t redden, the birds don’t realise that they are ripe, and therefore you are more likely to be able to pick them yourself. I’m not sure if this will work on the dog though, who has enthusiastically grasped the concept of “pick your own”…

  7. Vanessa – good tips. Thanks. I would grow from seed but without a greenhouse I think it would be difficult to raise the plants properly. Good point about the birds though – what a boon if the birds leave them alone!

  9. I grew these plants last year after paying a lot for two plants and never looked back. The fruit tastes lovely, really easy to grow and a real talking point – so give it a try.

    However, be aware, the wilkos ones are white strawberries not pineberries…

  11. ack I already bought some – but maybe one of our UK readers would like to try some instead? Any tips on growing them?

  12. So here are the basics, but if anyone has a specfic question please ask away.

    How to plant
    Prepare the soil by digging over, removing any perennial weeds and adding manure.
    Place the Pineberry plants every 30cm in rows that are 30 cm apart.
    Plant with the crown at soil level and water well.
    Check the plants every other day during the ripening period.

    Regularly hoe between the rows and individual plants.
    From May place straw in the rows and under the fruit to suppress weeds and prevent the fruit lying on the ground. This also keeps snails at bay!
    If you can’t get straw use polythene sheeting.
    Well rotted horse manure applied just after winter and once more just before growing will ensure a great crop.
    Pick reguarly to encourage growth.

  15. I’m jumping on too. I’ve just paid a deposit and ordered two plants from the link above in the comments. Looking forward to giving these a whirl.