Growing strawberries from seeds can be a bit more challenging compared to starting them from bareroot plants, but it is definitely possible with the right approach and a little patience. While it may take longer to see fruits from plants grown from seeds, it can be a rewarding experience to witness the entire growth process from seed to fruit-bearing plant.
To get started, it’s important to select high-quality strawberry seeds. You can purchase them from reputable seed suppliers or save seeds from a ripe and healthy strawberry fruit. It’s worth mentioning that strawberries are not true from seed, meaning that the plants grown from seeds may not produce fruits that are identical to the parent plant. However, they can still yield delicious strawberries.
Here are the steps to grow strawberries from seeds:
1. Stratification: Strawberry seeds require a process called stratification to break their dormancy and promote germination. This process imitates the natural conditions that the seeds would experience in their native environment. To stratify the seeds, place them in a damp paper towel or a moistened seed-starting mix, seal them in a plastic bag, and refrigerate them for about 4-6 weeks. This mimics the cold winter period, which triggers the seeds to germinate when they are planted.
2. Seed Starting Mix: Prepare a well-draining seed starting mix by combining equal parts of peat moss, vermiculite, and perlite. Fill seed trays or pots with this mixture, leaving a little space at the top for watering.
3. Sowing Seeds: Gently press the stratified seeds into the seed starting mix, ensuring they are evenly spaced. Cover them lightly with a thin layer of the seed starting mix, and mist the surface with water to moisten it without causing the seeds to dislodge.
4. Germination: Place the seed trays or pots in a warm location with indirect sunlight. The ideal temperature for germination is around 70°F (21°C). Covering the trays with a plastic dome or plastic wrap can help retain moisture. It usually takes around 2-3 weeks for the seeds to germinate, but some may sprout earlier or later, so be patient.
5. Light and Water: Once the seedlings emerge, remove the plastic cover and provide them with bright, indirect sunlight. Insufficient light can lead to leggy and weak plants. Water the seedlings regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Avoid overwatering, as it can cause root rot.
6. Transplanting: When the seedlings have developed their first true leaves and are large enough to handle, usually after 4-6 weeks, they can be transplanted into individual pots or a larger container. Use a well-draining potting mix and ensure the crown of the plant is level with the soil surface.
7. Hardening Off: Before planting the seedlings outdoors, they need to be hardened off to acclimate them to the outdoor conditions gradually. Start by placing them in a sheltered location outdoors for a few hours each day, gradually increasing the time and exposure to direct sunlight over a week or two.
8. Planting Outdoors: Choose a sunny location in your garden with fertile, well-draining soil. Prepare the planting area by removing weeds and loosening the soil. Dig holes that are large enough to accommodate the root system of the seedlings, and space them about 12-18 inches apart. Plant the seedlings at the same depth as they were growing in their pots.
9. Care and Maintenance: Once the seedlings are planted, provide them with regular watering, especially during dry periods. Mulching around the plants can help conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize the plants every 4-6 weeks with a balanced organic fertilizer. Remove any runners or suckers that appear to redirect the plant’s energy into fruit production.
10. Harvesting: Depending on the variety and growing conditions, you can typically expect to harvest strawberries from plants grown from seeds in their second year. However, it’s important to note that some varieties may produce fruits in the first year itself. Harvest the strawberries when they are fully ripe, as they don’t continue to ripen after picking.
Remember that growing strawberries from seeds requires patience and attention to detail. It may take a couple of years to see significant fruit production, but the joy of cultivating and harvesting your homegrown strawberries can be incredibly satisfying.
