Planting and Growing Guide for Strawberries from seeds (Fragaria)
Description
Some strawberries such as alpine varieties are are easy to grow from seed. They are worth the extra effort as they produce small, triangular shaped fruit with an intense flavour. Other strawberry varieties can also be grown from seed. Chill the alpine strawberry seeds, in a refrigerator for at least 2-4 weeks. Follow the directions for other seed types. Sow seeds thinly on seed raising mixture in seed trays or directly in your garden bed. Lightly cover the seeds with a thin layer of compost and sand and water in. Keep under cover and moist for about 2 to 4 weeks until the seeds germinate. Plant out the small seedlings into small pots or seed trays to grow on for transplanting. Then, transplant to garden after the last frosts.
Strawberry seedlings are very easy to grow. Plant with crown of the plant and the roots just covered. Grows best in mild to warm temperatures with soil temperatures between 10-20 degrees C (50-70 degrees F). There are many wonderful varieties - season variants and with different fruits. Choose a variety that is know to do well in your area and climate. Strawberries like well-drained and rich soil with plenty of aged compost or well-rotted manure dug your the bed before planting the seedlings. Feed regularly during the growing season. Adding mulch around the plants helps to prevent the fruit from spoiling when in touch with the ground.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Sow seed just under the surface of the soil in seed trays kept under cover. Transplant into seed trays and grow on to produce seedlings ready to be transplanted into the garden. Seed can also be grown in warm garden beds, thinning appropriately.
Space between plants: Space plants about 30-60 cm (12-24 inches) apart. Space rows 60 cm (24 inches) apart.
Harvest Time: Harvest in about 12-17 weeks.
Hints:
- Grows well in full sun, or in partial shade in hot areas. But needs a minimum of 6 hours a day of direct sunlight.
- Does best in rich, well-drained soils with a covering of mulch to stop weeds and to retain soil moisture. Though can be grown in most soil types.
- Frost tender and needs extra watering at the base of the plants in hot dry weather
- Plant in batches on mounds, every 3-4 weeks for a continuous supply.
- Feed regularly and keep the plants growing strongly to produce a good harvest of fruit.
- They prefer neutral to slightly acid soils (pH 6 to 7)
- Good drainage is important and Strawberries do well in raised beds
- Provide adequate space for the Strawberry plants to sprawl and spread. Best grown in a patch rather than a long row.
- Adequate watering is critical as the plants have very shallow roots. Water regularly and thoroughly.
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!