Planting strawberry seeds can be a rewarding process, but it requires patience and careful attention to detail, as strawberries grown from seeds take longer to mature than plants grown from bare-root crowns or seedlings. Here's a detailed guide to planting strawberry seeds.
Choosing Seeds: Start by selecting high-quality strawberry seeds from a reputable source. Day-neutral or everbearing varieties are good options for gardeners who want continuous fruiting. Keep in mind that strawberries grown from seed may take up to a year to produce their first fruit.
Seed Stratification: Strawberry seeds require a period of cold stratification to improve germination rates. To do this, place the seeds in a damp paper towel inside a plastic bag, and refrigerate them for 2-4 weeks. This process mimics the natural cold period that seeds would experience in the wild, helping them break dormancy.
Starting Seeds Indoors: Once stratification is complete, sow the seeds in small pots or seed trays filled with a fine seed-starting mix. Do not bury the seeds deeply—strawberry seeds need light to germinate, so gently press them into the surface of the soil without covering them. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged, and place the trays in a warm, sunny location or under grow lights.
Germination: Strawberry seeds can take 1-6 weeks to germinate, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Be patient during this stage, as strawberries are slow to start. Once the seedlings have developed 2-3 sets of true leaves, they can be transplanted into larger pots or directly into the garden.
Transplanting and Care: When transplanting strawberry seedlings, choose a well-drained, sunny location in your garden or use containers with good drainage. Mix BigAss Berries fertilizer into the soil before transplanting to provide the young plants with the nutrients they need to establish strong roots. Continue fertilizing every 6-8 weeks to support healthy growth and eventual fruiting.