When to sow strawberries and wild strawberries for seedlings
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What do the deadlines depend on?
It's common knowledge that strawberries are often sown for seedlings in January. However, this is more of a conventional wisdom, as the sowing time can vary. It could be January, February, or even December. In principle, any month is fine. However, to determine when to sow seeds, consider the following factors:
- The type of seed to be used. This determines when the first sprouts emerge;
- How often do you visit your dacha?
- When you plan to plant the seedlings in the ground (fall or spring). The harvest will depend on the chosen season.
You can also use the lunar calendar to determine the optimal time for planting.
Regardless of the primary selection method, it's still important to consider the varietal characteristics of the species, as well as the climatic conditions of the region where the cultivation will take place. This is the only way to determine the right time for cultivation and ensure a good harvest of berries at the end of the season.
When to sow strawberries for seedlings
It's important for beginning gardeners to know when to plant strawberry seeds for seedlings. We've already established that seedlings of any strawberry variety can be obtained at different times.
Purchased or prepared seedlings can be sown either in late February or early March. Since the seeds must be planted indoors, the snow melting time is irrelevant when determining the timing.
It's best to sow seeds in winter, as this allows for more time to care for the plants, ensuring a bountiful harvest in the future. This ensures the seedlings are planted before the onset of drought. This is especially important in regions with hot summers.
Planting during the winter months is also necessary if you'll only be visiting your dacha on weekends. This will help keep the plants healthy until your arrival. Otherwise, planting seedlings will have little effect, and the plants may simply wither and die before you arrive.
If you live in a country house throughout the summer months and will pay due attention to your plantings, then you can perform this procedure in March or even June.
If the region experiences mild summers year after year, sowing can be done much later. However, the plants will not have time to grow sufficiently (form true leaves) to be transplanted to their permanent location. Therefore, the young bush will overwinter indoors in a box or pot.
Therefore, to plant young plants in summer, sow the seeds in February or March. If you need to grow seedlings for the following year, sow the seeds in the fall.
If you perform the necessary manipulations correctly (for example, the distance between seeds must be maintained), you can grow a strong bush that will quickly take root in a new location.
It is worth noting that when the plants form several true leaves, they should be planted in separate pots.
When to sow strawberries for seedlings
It's also important to know when to sow strawberry seeds for seedlings. The principle for choosing the right time to sow seeds is almost the same as for strawberries.
Strawberries can be sown in winter or early spring, or in autumn. If sown in January or February, a harvest can be obtained later that year. The harvest will consist of a small number of berries. Only everbearing varieties will produce good fruit.
If planted in the fall, you won't be able to enjoy the delicious berries until the following year. Here, seeds are sown in April and May. Young bushes can be planted in the soil as early as early August.
Thus, each gardener determines for himself when to sow strawberries for seedlings.
Gardener's Tips
To ensure your apartment or house becomes the optimal place for these berry seedlings to grow and thrive, experienced gardeners recommend following certain rules and tips. Only proper sowing will ensure healthy and vigorous seedlings. Otherwise, there's no other option but to throw out the weak plants, as they won't thrive in their new location.
Among all the recommendations, the following should be highlighted:
- A special soil composition optimal for these plants should be selected. The soil's acidity should match the crop's needs. Strawberries and wild strawberries have similar soil requirements. A peat pellet can be used;
- The seeds need to be prepared in advance. This should include germination, disinfection, and stratification. The soil (especially if it was taken from the garden) also needs to be specially prepared. It could contain anything from harmless snails to harmful parasites. The soil can be sprayed with a weak solution of potassium permanganate or calcined.
- The seeds need to be sown at a distance of 2–5 cm. They do not need to be embedded deep;
- To speed up germination, place a sheet or glass over the container in which the seeds were placed. When the first sprouts begin to appear, remove the glass and sheet.
- when the first shoots appear, they should be watered regularly;
- When growing seedlings in winter, plants need supplemental lighting to recreate natural light conditions. Any lamp can be used to provide supplemental lighting. However, in this case, it's best to consult with an expert and purchase a grow light lamp that provides the optimal light for these berry crops.
- Planting in the ground occurs before the runners form. Bushes are usually ready for transplanting when several true leaves have formed.
Knowing when to sow strawberry and wild strawberry seeds for seedlings can help ensure an excellent harvest, whether grown outdoors or in a greenhouse.
Video: Growing Strawberries and Wild Strawberries from Seeds
This video will show you how to grow strawberries and wild strawberries from seeds at home.