Imagine having a bunch of sweet and juicy red strawberries from your home garden or pots-it’s like having a little piece of nature’s candy right at home! Growing or planting strawberries in pots or on the ground is not complicated; It’s like taking tiny seeds and turning them into delicious berries. We’ll show you different ways to grow strawberries, from how to grow strawberries from seed at home to planting them from runners, planting strawberries in pots, taking good care of them, and even growing more plants from the ones you already have. It’s like planting a little strawberry paradise in your home garden. So, let’s enjoy growing your strawberries – easy, exciting, and delicious!
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Grow Strawberries At Home
In this guide on how to grow strawberries at home, we’ll discuss every method of planting strawberries from seed, runners, in pots, to growing strawberries indoors. Let’s begin the journey of planting strawberries.
1) Choose the Correct Type of Strawberries
Selecting the right type of strawberries is important for a successful harvest. There are Four main types:
Alpine Strawberry: This is the most popular variety that produces small, sweet fruits and plants become very clustered. These strawberries grow primarily from seed and can tolerate partial shade.
June-fruiting: These varieties bear fruit once in late spring to early summer.
Evergreen: Whereas, evergreen varieties have two fruiting periods – one in spring and one in fall.
Day-neutral: Day-neutral strawberries produce fruit throughout the growing season.
2) Strawberry Growing Season in India
If you are planning to grow and take care of strawberry plants, it is important to know the best season for their growth. In India, it’s recommended to grow strawberries during the winter season, which starts in late September and lasts till February. This is considered the best time to plant strawberries as it helps in proper fruit development.
3) Pick Up the Right Pot or Grow Bag Size
Planting strawberries in pots or grow bags is a fantastic option. Choose containers with good drainage, and ensure they are at least 7-12 inches deep to accommodate the shallow root system of strawberries. You can choose any of these size grow bags or pots as per your planting needs.
- 7-inch pot (W*H)
- 8-inch pot (W*H)
- 9 x 9 inch (W*H)
- 9 x 12 Inch (W*H)
- 12 x 12 inch (W*H)
4) Choose the Best Soil For Planting Strawberry
Strawberries thrive in well-draining soil that is full of organic matter. Make sure the soil has a slightly acidic to neutral pH (between 5.5 and 7). You can also use ready-to-use potting soil mix for container gardening.
5) Pick a Place To Grow Strawberries At Home
Decide whether you want to grow strawberries outdoors in the garden or indoors in pots. Outdoor planting requires full sunlight, while indoor plants need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight.
6) Growing Strawberries From Seed
Starting Indoors: Start sowing strawberry seeds in seedling trays or small pots. Use seed-starting mix and sow seeds 1/8 inch deep. Or spread them over it.
Light and Temperature: Provide adequate light, either natural sunlight or artificial lights, and maintain a temperature between 18°C to 25°C for seed germination.
Germination: Strawberry seeds do not germinate quickly and can take anywhere from 14 to 40 days to germinate. It is important to note that not all seeds will germinate at the same time, so it is important to be patient.
Transplanting: After germination of strawberry seeds, when seedlings are 4-6 inches in height at that time transplant them into individual pots and plant only 1-2 saplings per pot.
7) Growing Strawberries From Runners
Identifying Runners: If you already have a mature strawberry plant, you may notice runners emerging from it. Runners are long stems that produce smaller plants at the end.
Preparation: To grow or plant new strawberries from runners, you can place a pot filled with soil next to your mature strawberry plant. Insert the end of the runner into the pot and wait for about 6 weeks. During this time, the runner will grow and develop roots.
Separation: Once the runner has developed roots, separating it from the parent plant is time. This should be done carefully to avoid damaging either the parent or the new plant.
Transplanting: Once separated, you can transplant the new plant by planting it directly into the soil or a new pot filled with well-drained soil.
Care: Newly transplanted strawberry runners need regular watering until they establish themselves in their new environment.
8) Growing Strawberries From Seedlings and Potted Plants
Purchase Healthy Seedlings: Buy healthy strawberry seedlings or young plants from a reputable nursery or garden center.
Selecting Containers: If using potted plants, choose containers or grow bags with good drainage.
Transplanting: Plant the seedlings or potted plants in the home garden, raised beds, or grow bags. Ensure the crown is above the soil surface.
9) Care For Strawberry Plants
- Light: Strawberries require full sunlight for good fruit production. Make sure the plant receives 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.
- Water: Watering is very important after planting strawberries. After that, when the 1-inch soil above the pot looks dry, then water it again. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilizer: Add top dressing compost to the strawberry plant every spring. Alternatively, you can fertilize your strawberry plants with organic compost such as cow dung manure, vermicompost, or bone meal fertilizer. It’s best to do this during the growing season or before the plant starts flowering for optimal results.
- Pests and Problems: Check your plants regularly for pests like aphids and slugs. If necessary, apply organic insecticide neem oil. Keep an eye out for symptoms of diseases like powdery mildew and detect them immediately.
- Pruning: To encourage healthy growth and better fruit production, remove runners and dead leaves regularly.
- Mulching: To avoid weeds, soil pollution, and other ill effects, mulching should be done around the strawberry plant for a good harvest. Mulching is necessary after strawberry plants have finished flowering or you can mulch your strawberry plants during winter to protect them from cold weather.
10) Strawberries Harvesting Time
Strawberries are typically start bearing fruit within 4 to 5 months after being transplanted. The flowers on most strawberry plants produce fruits three times throughout the spring, summer, and fall seasons. To ensure the best flavor, it’s recommended that you wait until the strawberries are completely red and plump. Regularly harvesting strawberries is also important if you want your plants to produce more fruit.
Hope you liked the information in which I have discussed how to grow strawberries from seeds at home, or planting from runners. We have described a complete guide to planting strawberries in pots or indoors with plant care tips. Share the post with your family and friends and share your opinion about the article.
