{"title":"Berries","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"white-soul-alpine-strawberry-fragaria-vesca-perennial","title":"White Soul Alpine Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) Perennial","description":"\u003cp\u003eIncredibly flavorful heirloom berries from Europe. Plants bear small, pastel berries summer through early fall. Alpine berries do not produce runners. Mature plants should be divided for maximum yield. Great for containers, window boxes, and borders. Delectable fresh and fabulous for jam. Everbearing variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e75 seeds minimum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGermination: 14-48 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor best germination, cold‑stratify seeds for 4 weeks. Place seeds on a damp paper towel, seal in a labeled plastic bag, and refrigerate. Keep the paper towel lightly moist but not wet. After stratification, sow as directed below.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart indoors 7-8 weeks prior to last frost. Plant 1\/8\" deep in seed starting mix. Seeds need light and moist soil to germinate. Harden off before transplanting in full sun\/partial shade. Feed with compost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace 12” apart.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Annie's Heirloom Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48491889852693,"sku":"A0955","price":3.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0811\/0984\/4245\/files\/White-Solemacher-Alpine-Strawberry__96755.1738831254.1280.1280.jpg?v=1747927409"},{"product_id":"alexandria-alpine-strawberry-fragaria-vesca-perennial","title":"Alexandria Alpine Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) Perennial","description":"\u003cp\u003eBeloved throughout Europe, Alexandria produces small, sweet-tart, red fruit with a signature wild strawberry flavor – bright and rich. Like other alpine heirlooms, this is a clumping variety that does not produce runners, making it optimal for smaller spaces and garden borders. Fragrant and loved by pollinators. Everbearing variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e75 seeds minimum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGermination: 14-48 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor best germination, cold‑stratify seeds for 4 weeks. Place seeds on a damp paper towel, seal in a labeled plastic bag, and refrigerate. Keep the paper towel lightly moist but not wet. After stratification, sow as directed below.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart indoors 7-8 weeks prior to last frost. Plant 1\/8\" deep in seed starting mix. Seeds need light and moist soil to germinate. Harden off before transplanting in full sun\/partial shade. Feed with compost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace 12” apart.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Annie's Heirloom Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48491901223189,"sku":"A1589","price":3.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0811\/0984\/4245\/files\/Reinne-des-Vallees-Alpine-Strawberry-Fragaria-vesca__56299.1736177177.1280.1280.jpg?v=1738265169"},{"product_id":"garden-huckleberry-solanum-melanocerasum","title":"Garden Huckleberry (Solanum melanocerasum)","description":"\u003cp\u003eMature huckleberries are black and soft – most often used sweetened and cooked in pastries and preserves, Huckleberries are nutrient-dense and sometimes cultivated for their medicinal properties. Sweetened and cooked huckleberries have a lucious blackberry-like flavor. Bushy plants, approximately 3’ tall. Eat fully ripe, cooked berries only; garden huckleberries may be toxic if eaten unripe and raw.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e35 seeds minimum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGermination: 7-14 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMaturity: 75-80 days from transplant\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart seeds indoors 6 weeks before last frost. Plant ¼” deep in seed-starting mix. Transplant when all danger of frost. Has passed and soil has warmed. Harden off seedlings before planting.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace plants 24” apart in rows 36” apart.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Annies Heirloom Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48491920883989,"sku":"A2481","price":3.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0811\/0984\/4245\/files\/huckleberry_-_1__71332.1737743740.1280.1280.jpg?v=1738265437"},{"product_id":"ruegen-alpine-strawberry-fragaria-vesca-perennial","title":"Ruegen Alpine Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) Perennial","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eA very old and beloved European heirloom that produces intensely flavored scarlet berries on compact, runnerless plants. Delectable, cone-shaped alpine berries are bursting with wild flavor and our favorite for jam. Everbearing variety.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003e75 seeds minimum\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eGermination: 14-48 days\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eFor best germination, cold‑stratify seeds for 4 weeks. Place seeds on a damp paper towel, seal in a labeled plastic bag, and refrigerate. Keep the paper towel lightly moist but not wet. After stratification, sow as directed below.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eStart indoors 7-8 weeks prior to last frost. Plant 1\/8\" deep in seed starting mix. Seeds need light and moist soil to germinate. Harden off before transplanting in full sun\/partial shade. Feed with compost.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: medium;\"\u003eSpace 12” apart.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Annies Heirloom Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48491940970773,"sku":"A2787","price":3.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0811\/0984\/4245\/files\/Ruegen-Strawberry__81064.1736177177.1280.1280.jpg?v=1738265629"},{"product_id":"yellow-wonder-alpine-strawberry-fragaria-vesca-perennial","title":"Yellow Wonder Alpine Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) Perennial","description":"\u003cp\u003eThis European Alpine variety is celebrated for its oblong, yellow berries with a luscious pineapple-vanilla flavor and rosy-floral aromatics. Yellow Wonder is easy to grow in garden beds and containers. A clumping, everbearing variety.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e75 seeds minimum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGermination: 14-48 day.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor best germination, cold‑stratify seeds for 4 weeks. Place seeds on a damp paper towel, seal in a labeled plastic bag, and refrigerate. Keep the paper towel lightly moist but not wet. After stratification, sow as directed below.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart indoors 7-8 weeks prior to last frost. Plant 1\/8\" deep in seed starting mix. Seeds need light and moisture soil to germinate. Harden off before transplanting in full sun\/partial shade. Feed with compost\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace 12” apart.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Annies Heirloom Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48491942773013,"sku":"A2813","price":3.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0811\/0984\/4245\/files\/thumbnail_Yellow-Strawberry__78427.1736177177.1280.1280.jpg?v=1738265644"},{"product_id":"wild-strawberry-fragaria-vesca-perennial","title":"Wild Strawberry (Fragaria vesca) Perennial","description":"\u003cp\u003eLoved for incredible berry flavor and highly valued for its medicinal properties, this woodland native thrives in moist, shady conditions. Bright red berries ripen April-June. A terrific choice for containers and hanging baskets. Creeping growth habit. Be patient; germination is slow.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e75 seeds minimum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGermination: 14-48 days\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFor best germination, cold‑stratify seeds for 4 weeks. Place seeds on a damp paper towel, seal in a labeled plastic bag, and refrigerate. Keep the paper towel lightly moist but not wet. After stratification, sow as directed below.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart indoors 7-8 weeks prior to last frost. Plant 1\/8\" deep in seed starting mix. Seeds need light and moisture soil to germinate. Harden off before transplanting in full sun\/partial shade. Feed with compost.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSpace 12” apart.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Annies Heirloom Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":48491970855189,"sku":"A3081","price":3.75,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0811\/0984\/4245\/files\/Wild-Strawberry__49261.1736177177.1280.1280.jpg?v=1738265817"},{"product_id":"caper-bush","title":"Caper Bush Seeds (Capparis spinosa) Perennial","description":"\u003cp\u003eGrow the Mediterranean's most sought-after delicacy! This hardy, sun-loving perennial yields prized savory buds for gourmet curing. Once established, these drought-tolerant bushes provide decades of elegant blooms and flavorful harvests. \u003cstrong\u003eHardiness zones 9-11.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e40 seeds minimum\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart indoors for best results. Seeds require cold stratification for successful germination. Sow stratified seeds 1\/4\" deep in a mix of 50% potting soil, 25% perlite, and 25% sand. Store in warm spot (70–85°F) with moist soil. Germination may take 3 weeks to 3 months. \u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSee Annie’s Caper Bush Growing Guide for detailed instructions.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMature plants reach 2 to 3 feet in high, spreading 3 to 10 feet wide.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCaper Bush Growing Guide\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e1. Germination: Overcoming the Challenge\u003cbr\u003eCaper seeds are tough to germinate due to their hard, dormant coats.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInitial Soak: Submerge seeds in warm water (110–115°F) for 12–24 hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCold Stratification: Wrap soaked seeds in a damp paper towel, seal in a bag, and refrigerate (40°F) for 65–70 days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSecond Soak: After refrigeration, soak seeds again in warm water for 24 hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eScarification (Optional): Lightly sand the seed coat to aid water absorption.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSowing: Plant seeds 1\/4–1\/2 inch deep in a mix of 50% potting soil, 25% perlite, and 25% sand.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCare: Keep soil moist and warm (70–85°F). Germination may take 3 weeks to 3 months.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e2. Early Care \u0026amp; Transplanting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThinning: Snip weaker seedlings with scissors to avoid disturbing sensitive roots.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHardening Off: When seedlings reach 3–5 inches, move them to 1-gallon pots. Gradually acclimate them to outdoor conditions over 2–3 weeks using the plastic bag method.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinal Site: Choose a sunny location (6–8+ hours of sunlight) with excellent drainage, such as rocky walls or raised beds.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e3. Soil, Fertilizer \u0026amp; Maintenance\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSoil Chemistry: Use alkaline soil (pH 7.5–8.5). Amend acidic soil with garden lime or crushed oyster shells.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFertilization: Apply a low-nitrogen, high-potassium\/phosphorus fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 16-16-16) 2–3 times during spring and summer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePruning: Flowers grow on one-year-old wood. After the plant is 3 years old, prune heavily in late winter to encourage new growth.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e4. Companion Plants\u003cbr\u003eCapers thrive with other Mediterranean plants that love heat and dry, rocky soil:\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHerbs: Rosemary, thyme, sage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFlowers: Lavender, rock rose (Cistus), California poppy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSucculents: Aloe vera, sedum (stonecrop).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e5. Troubleshooting\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRoot Rot: Caused by overwatering or clay soil. Let the top 2 inches of soil dry completely before watering.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePests: Cabbage White Butterfly caterpillars may attack leaves; use organic Bt spray or hand-pick them.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eChlorosis (Yellow Leaves): Indicates acidic soil or iron deficiency. Use chelated iron and check soil pH.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e6. Harvesting \u0026amp; Curing\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCapers: Harvest unopened flower buds early in the morning when they’re tight and dark green. Smaller buds are more flavorful.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCaperberries: Allow flowers to bloom and die to produce caperberries, which can also be pickled.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCuring: Capers must be cured before eating. Soak rinsed buds in coarse sea salt for 1–2 weeks or brine them in equal parts water and white wine vinegar for at least 3 days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlastic Bag Hardening-Off Technique\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe plastic bag method is a hardening-off technique that eases seedlings from indoor conditions to outdoor environments. Acting as a temporary greenhouse, it stabilizes humidity and protects plants from wind and temperature changes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSummary of the Method\u003cbr\u003eThis method focuses on managing transpiration, as indoor plants develop a thin waxy cuticle and lack the ability to quickly close their stomata.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003col type=\"1\" start=\"1\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003ePreparation: Place the seedling in a clear plastic bag, ensuring it doesn’t touch the foliage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSupport: Use stakes to prevent condensation from causing rot.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eVentilation: Loosely tie the bag or add air holes for gas exchange.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExposure: Start with shaded outdoor placement for a few hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eGradual Removal: Over 5–7 days, increase exposure and open the bag until it’s fully removed.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCaution: Avoid direct sunlight, as the greenhouse effect can overheat and damage plants. Always start in full shade or on cloudy days.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBest That Benefit from This Method\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul type=\"disc\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNightshades: Tomatoes, peppers, eggplants (sensitive to humidity drops).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCucurbits: Cucumbers, melons, squash (large leaves lose moisture quickly).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTender Herbs: Basil, cilantro, parsley (prone to wind burn).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eTropicals: Monsteras, hibiscus, calatheas (mimics jungle humidity).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eLegumes: Runner and pole beans (need structural protection).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Annies Heirloom Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":49771957092629,"sku":"A3596","price":6.5,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0811\/0984\/4245\/files\/AdobeStock_514529969.jpg?v=1770776273"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0811\/0984\/4245\/collections\/berries__03844_91f1ef41-bcda-437c-a4c4-0b109a9af1e4.jpg?v=1747928909","url":"https:\/\/anniesheirloomseeds.sbs\/collections\/berry-seeds.oembed","provider":"Annies Heirloom Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}