Sowing alpine strawberries indoors – While summer-fruiting and perpetual strawberries are only grown from runners or young plants, alpine strawberries can also be grown from seed indoors, although germination can be slow and unreliable:
Sow either in autumn or spring, into small pots or trays filled with John Innes No.1 or fine seed compost. Firm the compost gently, then scatter the seeds thinly and evenly over the surface and lightly cover with sharp sand Place a clear plastic bag or sheet of glass over the pot or tray to maintain humidity and shade until germination. Autumn-sown seeds should be overwintered in a cold frame Germination requires 18–21°C (65–70°F) and can be slow and erratic As soon as the seedlings have two true leaves and are big enough to handle, prick them out 2.5cm (1in) apart Plant out in May, into a sunny or lightly shaded spot, in the ground or in a container
Plant strawberries in mid-spring or in late summer/early autumn – no later than the first week of September in the northern Britain and the second week of September in southern regions. Planting in August or early September gives them longer to get established before fruiting, so they should produce a better crop. Strawberries like fertile, well-drained, slightly acidic soil. In poor or heavy soil, it’s preferable to plant them in raised beds, which provide better drainage and increased rooting depth. They grow best and produce the sweetest fruits in full sun, but will tolerate some shade. Alpine strawberries thrive in light shade. Avoid planting strawberries in sites prone to late frosts, which can damage the flowers – strawberry black eye, or in exposed locations, which make it hard for pollinating insects to reach the flowers. Also, don’t plant in ground that has previously been used for potatoes, chrysanthemums or tomatoes, because they’re all prone to the disease verticillium wilt,Contents
What is the best sunlight for strawberries?
When planting strawberries, choose a spot with full sun. In warm regions, try to provide morning sun with some shade protection during the hottest part of the day. Soil should have excellent drainage.
Does the sun ripen strawberries?
Strawberries – Strawberries don’t ripen once they’re picked, so if they don’t look ripe, they never will be. How can you tell which strawberries are the freshest? Look for a bright red color, a natural shine and fresh-looking green tops. Avoid berries with white tops or tips.
What time of year are strawberries best?
When Is Strawberry Season? – For most of the country, June is prime time for strawberries. You might also see them in the fall at some farmers’ markets, thanks to ever-bearing varieties that can produce until nearly the first frost. If you do, consider yourself lucky.
- They’re so delicate.
- It’s tricky because if it gets too hot in the summer, the plants just give up,” says Peter Klein, whose Seedling Orchard in South Haven, Michigan supplies strawberries and other fruits to many Chicago chefs.
- Strawberries like warm days and cool nights, which is why they thrive in California.
There, the year-round growing cycle starts in the south, wends its way up through the Central Coast, into the Monterey Bay area and back again. But the sweet spot is between April and July. That’s when production in all the growing areas overlaps, says Carolyn O’Donnell, a commission spokeswoman.
Does the sun ripen strawberries?
Strawberries – Strawberries don’t ripen once they’re picked, so if they don’t look ripe, they never will be. How can you tell which strawberries are the freshest? Look for a bright red color, a natural shine and fresh-looking green tops. Avoid berries with white tops or tips.