PlantFun
Plant Needs
Sunlight
Full sun to partial shade; 6+ hours of direct sunlight weekly for optimal fruit production
Watering
Water deeply when the top 2 cm of soil dries out; avoid wetting foliage to prevent fungal diseases
Temperature
Hardy to -10°C with winter mulch protection; avoid prolonged temperatures above 30°C during fruiting
Characteristics
- Leaf: Trifoliate with serrated edges, glossy green, slightly hairy undersides
- Flower: Small white five-petaled blooms with bright yellow stamens
- Fruit: Red fleshy accessory fruits with tiny achenes embedded on the surface
Care Guide
Watering
Keep soil consistently moist during fruiting season; avoid waterlogging
Fertilization
Apply balanced slow-release fertilizer when new growth emerges. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers to prevent excessive foliage growth over fruit production
Banana peel compost tea：Compost banana peels for 2–3 weeks, steep in water for 24 hours, dilute 1:20 for root drench; discard solid peels to avoid pest attractionPruning
- Remove yellowing or damaged leaves to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
- Trim excess runners in early summer to direct energy toward fruiting plants
- Cut back spent flower stems after harvest to encourage late-season bloom cycles
Toxicity
Warning: this plant may be toxic.
Pets & Humans
Pets: ASPCA confirmed non-toxic; no adverse effects from ingestion of fruits or foliage
Humans: Non-toxic; edible fruits and foliage pose no health risk to humans
Garden Uses & Culture
Culture: Symbolizes purity and romantic temptation in Western folklore
Usage: Edible fruits for fresh consumption, jams, and baked goods; low-growing ornamental ground cover
