Would you like to know how to grow strawberries? The strawberry has a short crown-like stem that grows upward with its root at the base.
Strawberries are not berries but belong to the family of Roses (Rosaceae). They contain malic acid, citric acid, and fragrant compounds.
One unique attribute of strawberries is their teeth-whitening and anti-cancer properties. They also reduce inflammation and regulate blood sugar.
Strawberries are widely consumed because they are low in calories and a good source of fibre.
There are varieties of strawberries that are common in the USA. They include the June-bearing varieties, the everbearing varieties, and the day-neutral varieties.
The June-bearing varieties produce large yields suitable for commercial purposes. The everbearing species, unlike the June-bearing varieties, produce smaller yields throughout the growing season.
The day-neutral varieties always yield without any limitation. They are suitable for greenhouse production.
Strawberries are perennials that produce fruits for years. They can be grown using both hydroponics (a nutrient-rich composition for planting) and traditional soil.
They are typically grown using the in-ground method and the raised beds method. The hydroponics method is relevant as it increases strawberry yields with a consistent supply of nutrients with less land use.
However, not all varieties of strawberries are suitable for hydroponic production. It requires a good sense of understanding to handle things well.
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Now, let’s get started.
What Are The Value-Added Products Of Strawberries?
Strawberries are fruits that have a wide range of importance and the potential to be processed and transformed into different products.
This increases their life span or shelf life and economic demand. Strawberries have more economic value, reducing wastage and creating economic opportunities for different sectors of people.
These products range from foods, beverages, cosmetics, pharmaceutical products, and lots more. Examples of value-added products from strawberries are
Strawberry ice cream.
Strawberry leather (fruit leather from pureed strawberry).
Strawberry pectin (natural gelling agent in food products).
Strawberry extracts (these can serve as natural antioxidants and anti-inflammatory agents in pharmaceuticals).
Strawberry anthocyanins (these can serve as natural food colourings and antioxidants).
Strawberry facemask
Strawberry lip balm.
Strawberry soap.
Strawberry tea.
Strawberry smoothies.
Strawberry juice.
Strawberry wine.
Jams and preserves
Freeze-dried strawberries ( these are used in cereals, yoghurt, snack)
Strawberry powder.
Strawberry syrup (toppings for ice cream, pancakes, and waffles).
Strawberry sorbet (frozen desserts from pureed strawberries)
How To Get Strawberries Seed For Good Germination?
The acquisition of strawberry seeds begins when fresh, mature strawberries free from spoilage are processed to collect their seeds.
You obtain the seeds by mashing the strawberries in a bowl to separate them from the pulp.
The seeds require mixing with water in a bowl, which enables separation from the pulp while remaining viable for up to one day until they are strained, followed by water rinsing and then manual drying with a cloth.
When using the extracting method, one can extract seeds directly from the harvested plants. Seeds that are extracted should be kept in tight containers inside a dry environment that remains cool.
Fresh seeds should be used for the best germination rate. Seeds should be handled gently to avoid damaging them.
A number of factors should be considered while choosing strawberry seeds for planting. High-quality seeds are recommended for good germination rates and good seedlings.
Seed viability should also be examined. Transplanting should be carried out with caution to avoid damage to the roots.
The soil type, climate, and desired harvest period should be considered while getting strawberry seeds. These factors determine the ease of germination.
The best soil temperature for germination is between 60-70•F (15-21•C), with a germination rate of 50-80% for 7-14 days.
This depends on the quality of the seeds and the temperature. Good seeds germinate faster, and consistent moisture levels are important for germination.
Excessive light can hinder the germination of strawberry seeds, so indirect light should be introduced.
ALSO READ – When Is Strawberry Season In California
What Are The Best Fertilizers For Strawberries In The USA?
In the USA, the harvest quantity and quality of strawberries are determined by the choice of fertilizers used while growing strawberries.
The application of the right fertilizer will go a long way in making good yields. Before a fertilizer is chosen, the soil pH and nutrient value should be tested.
Natural fertilizers are best for growing strawberries in the USA. These are compost, manure tea (animal manure), fish bone meal (ground fish bones), etc.
There are artificial fertilizers such as Scotts strawberry and fruit fertilizers (which help in healthy growth), Dyna-Gro Fruit and Flower Fertilizer, Miracle-Gro Shake n’ Feed Strawberry and citrus food, etc.
Espoma Organic Strawberry Tone Fertilizer also promotes healthy growth. E.B. Stone Organics Bloom! Strawberry and Flower Fertilizer enhances blooming and good fruiting.
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How You Can Grow Strawberries
Multiple crucial elements need to be evaluated for growing strawberries. Four key elements influence strawberry cultivation: climate, soil type, species selection, disease resistance, and harvest timing.
USA residents need to assess the ideal location for their future strawberry plantation. The primary strawberry cultivation zones in the USA encompass all four regions of California, Florida, Oregon, and Washington. California generates ninety percent of all strawberries cultivated in the United States.
The soil to be used needs to be prepared, as strawberries are suitable for rich, well-draining soil. To increase yield, the soil can also be prepared by mixing it with compost or manure.
A typical soil mix may contain loam, compost, perlite or vermiculite, and sand.
Strawberries are shallow-rooted and do not require deep soil. The best soil depth for planting strawberries is 8-12 inches.
A good strawberry plant should be purchased and planted at the right time, depending on the place.
During planting, good spacing practice should be imbibed. They should be planted 18-24 inches apart with the crown facing above the soil surface.
A space for growing strawberries cannot be a barrier, as strawberries can be grown in containers with limited space.
The vertical gardening system may be utilized, and strawberry jars are also applicable.
ALSO READ – What Are Hydroponic Strawberries
Final Thought
Sunlight makes strawberries grow better. The full sun environment provides necessary conditions for strawberry survival and growth.
Strawberries require minimum sunlight exposure of at least 6 hours to thrive, but beyond that, the amount becomes excessive.
The proper conditions allow you to establish perfect strawberry cultivation conditions.