How To Grow Strawberries

Rising in popularity, strawberries are grown all across Australia. Warm climates can maximise the mild autumn and winter for growing while cooler areas often have them fruit during spring and summertime. Strawberries are also an exceptional fruit to grow in the home garden with an exquisite flavour when ripened to maturity and eaten fresh. In this guide, we’ll explain how to grow strawberries from seed so you can do so at home. From when to plant strawberries to how to grow strawberries in pots, you’ll be well on your way to delicious strawberries in no time.

Strawberry Classification

Family

Rosaceae (rose).

Genus

Fragaria.

Strawberry Varieties

There are more than 600 varieties of strawberries around the world that stem from five or six wild species. Whilst they usually prefer cooler climates, there are many varieties suitable for growing in warmer parts of Australia, too, such as Australian and Californian-bred varieties that thrive in subtropical climates with warm winters.

Day-neutral, low-chill, and short-day strawberry varieties are also ideal as they’ll still produce in milder climates. In addition to these, why not try Melba, Rubygem, and Redlands Joy?

When to Plant Strawberries from Seed

A popular way to start your strawberry plants is from seed and you can buy seeds throughout the year as a cost-effective way to produce many plants.

When it comes to timing, strawberry seeds can be sown almost all year round but avoid the hottest and coldest months of the year.

When to Plant Strawberries from Crowns

Growing from crowns is another popular option for starting strawberry plants and as a faster method, you’ll produce strawberries in no time. Strawberry crowns are available from June to September and should be planted soon after purchase.

Soil and Seed Preparation

Ensure seeds are sown into a tray with good quality seed-raising mix. The finer the grade of mix, the better soil contact the seed will have which prevents them from drying out.

Since strawberries originate from cooler European climates, stratifying your seed packet will enhance germination. Place it in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks before sowing to place them into a winter-like state. Once removed from the cold and sown, they’ll spring into growth.

Soil Preparation for Strawberries from Crowns

When growing strawberries from crowns, choose a sunny, sheltered garden position with partial afternoon shade in summer. Incorporate plenty of compost and aged manure and slightly mound your garden beds to improve drainage and prevent crowns from rotting.

Since the seeds are small, sow depth is very important. Seeds can either be pressed into the surface of the potting mix or very lightly covered with 1-2mm of soil or vermiculite.

To grow strawberries from crowns, soak them in a water and seaweed solution for up to two hours before planting. Then gently place them onto the prepared bed and fan out any roots. All crowns will need to be at the same level as the surrounding soil and roots can be gently buried.

Top off your beds and garden pots with sugarcane mulch to keep plants weed-free and protected.

Keep pots warm and moist throughout germination. In cooler months’ sow indoors and place some cling film over the pots to preserve moisture and warmth. Place your pots into a well-lit area to encourage germination and water with a fine mist to prevent seeds from being dislodged and buried.

You should also prune side shoots or runners to encourage stronger plants and better-tasting fruit. This directs energy back into the main plant instead of losing it. Apply balanced, slow-release fertiliser regularly, particularly in the leadup to Spring, and apply regular applications of diluted liquid fertiliser rich in potassium once your strawberries begin fruiting and flowering.

Protect your crop from slugs by sprinkling organic slug pellets when they start fruiting, too. You could also try creating a DIY ‘’Beer Trap’’.

Harvesting time depends on the variety, soil, location, temperature, and how well you control pests. Strawberries make it clear when they’re ready to be harvested as they’ll look like, well, strawberries, and they can be harvested in the same year as planting.

Replace plants after three seasons as they begin to lower in yields.