Sowing and planting strawberries: when and how to do it

Fragarias, also commonly called strawberries, morangos or strawberries, are herbaceous plants of the Rosaceae family that are very popular in much of the world for their sweet fruits. There are a large number of cultivated varieties, most of them being hybrids. The most used of them all is, by far, the Fragaria x ananassa .

If you like these fruits and want to learn everything you need to have them in your home garden, garden or pots, join us in this article in which we offer you a practical guide to know when and how to sow and plant strawberries .

When and how to plant strawberries

Growing morangos or strawberries from their seeds can be a more complicated task than it seems, since it is a plant that takes time to germinate and does not always succeed. For this reason, when strawberries are grown, it is usually done from previously purchased seedlings, or by reproducing the plants by stolons. 

However, sowing strawberry seeds is possible and, if you want to risk trying it, here we explain how to do it. However, it must be borne in mind that most strawberry varieties sold in the markets are hybrids and these seeds tend not to germinate properly. Therefore, it is advisable to buy the seeds of a suitable variety for growing from seed, that is, a non-hybrid.

The best time to do this sowing is between late summer and early autumn . At this time, get the necessary material and follow these simple steps to sow strawberry seeds :

  1. Some people recommend putting the seeds in the refrigerator a few days before planting them, so that the body feels that the cold has passed and reacts more easily.
  2. You can prepare the seedbed yourself with half a tetrabrick or with any similar container. Remember to drill several holes in the bottom to act as drainage.
  3. For the substrate, it is good that it has a significant contribution of worm castings , of almost half.
  4. Moisten the substrate once placed in the seedbed, and spread the seeds by gently dropping them on the substrate.
  5. Since these are complicated germination seeds, it is advisable to sow much more seeds than plants you hope to get.
  6. Add about a centimeter of substrate again and water the seedbed every 3-5 days.
  7. The seeds need a humid environment and kept at a temperature between 18 and 25 ºC, so the use of a greenhouse can be very useful.
  8. Once the seedlings are 4 to 5 cm tall, you can transplant the strawberries into small individual containers.
Sowing and planting strawberries: when and how to do it - When and how to plant strawberries

When and how to plant strawberries

If you’ve followed the previous method of planting, by the time spring arrives your strawberry or morango seedlings should be ready to be transplanted to their final location outdoors or in a pot. If you have chosen to buy the seedlings to plant them directly, you can go directly to this point.

The best time to transplant or plant the strawberry seedling is the same as for sowing, that is, when there are no extreme temperatures, especially when it is not very cold. Follow these guidelines and tips for planting strawberries :

  • One of the good things about strawberries or morangos is that, being creeping plants , they do not require a great depth of soil, so with small pots, about 10 cm deep, it is enough.
  • When you make the holes in the substrate or prepare the arrangement, respect about 20 cm of separation between plants.
  • It is very important to pay special attention to the soil or substrate: strawberries need a substrate with great drainage to avoid problems of excess moisture.
  • Equally important is that the earth is rich in organic matter, so it is advisable that the earth be composed of one third of worm humus.
  • Before planting strawberries or strawberries, it is advisable to condition their roots. If they are longer than the shoot itself, trim them without fear, and open or separate them when burying them.
  • Choose a semi-shaded location, ideally without direct light at peak times.

Growing strawberries – care and advice

Although strawberry trees need little maintenance, these are the basic indications for growing strawberries successfully :

Irrigation

Strawberries or strawberries need a lot of humidity , so it is important to keep the substrate always moist for them, although never waterlogged. This is precisely why the drainage of the earth is so important, since puddling or accumulation of water, probably, would make your plants sick. In hot season, you may have to water the strawberries twice a day, or even more, whenever you notice the surface of the dry soil.

Pass

These plants need a soil rich in nutrients, so it is advisable to use organic or natural fertilizer in the preparation of the soil, as well as to add it to it periodically.

Light

We have already said that, both in pot and outdoors, strawberries do not require too much light. Keep them in a semi-shady area of your garden or orchard or, in a bright room without direct sunlight.

Wind

In addition, if you live in an area with strong winds, then it is advisable to locate the plants at a point where the wind does not punish them too much, if possible under cover and protected from it.

Apart from this, among the most important points to take into account for the correct care of strawberry or strawberry plants, remember to collect large or heavy fruits, put natural padding or mulching or special plastic fabrics and avoid excessive watering and bad drainage, that is to say waterlogging.

Sowing and planting strawberries: when and how to do it - Growing strawberries - care and advice

When to harvest strawberries

Depending on how your strawberries have grown, they will be ready from late spring to autumn , although usually the most abundant productions occur at the end of summer.

More specifically, when the strawberry or strawberry turns completely red, it is already at its optimum ripeness. So, when you see them completely red, cut the stem and the fruit is ready to be washed and consumed.

Sowing and planting strawberries: when and how to do it

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