How to grow potted strawberries

The best time to buy strawberry seedlings is usually in the fall, specifically, in late September to early October. The climatic conditions during this period are more suitable, the survival rate after planting is higher, and it is also conducive to the growth and development of strawberry seedlings. If you want to grow strawberries in pots at home, you can try it. Let’s learn how to grow potted strawberries below.

1. Management of strawberry seedlings during high temperatures in summer

In summer and early autumn, when the temperature is high, strawberry seedlings need appropriate shade protection. For potted strawberries that are started to be cared for in spring, they should be avoided from being placed in places with no sunlight for a long time, and should not be exposed directly to the scorching sun. Exposure to the sun will cause the moisture in the potting soil to evaporate quickly. If the moisture is not replenished in time, the strawberry seedlings may be damaged.

Therefore, during the hot season, potted strawberries should be placed in semi-shaded areas, such as under trees, on north-facing windowsills or under eaves. Strawberries grown outdoors also need sun protection and shade, but this does not mean that strawberries do not like sunlight, it just means they should not be exposed to the sun for long periods of time. In autumn and winter, as the weather turns cooler, strawberry seedlings need more sunlight.

At the same time, during the hot season, potted strawberries should be watered in time to prevent drought. As long as they safely pass through the high temperature period, in autumn, as the weather turns cooler, the growth rate of the strawberry seedlings will accelerate.

2. The best time to plant strawberry potted plants

The climate varies from place to place, but generally speaking, when the temperature drops in the fall and feels cool, with the temperature below 30 degrees, you can start buying strawberry seedlings for planting.

If the temperature is too high, the strawberry seedlings will find it difficult to adapt to the new environment and will easily dry out due to exposure to the sun. Strawberry is a plant that prefers cool climates and is not easy to grow in high temperatures. When the temperature becomes cooler around National Day, you can start planting. It is not too late to plant before winter, because winter and spring are the peak fruit-bearing seasons for strawberries. Just plant before flowering and fruiting. But spring planting is a little late.

If the strawberry seedlings at home have difficulty surviving the summer, don't worry, you can buy new seedlings and plant them after the temperature drops in the fall. For beginners, it will be easier to succeed if you choose strawberry seedlings with soil and roots. The size of the flowerpot for planting strawberries should be moderate. Too large or too small is not conducive to the growth of strawberries. Do not apply too much organic fertilizer to the potting soil, so as not to burn the strawberry seedlings and affect the success rate of seedling acclimatization.

In the first ten days after the strawberry seedlings are planted, they should be avoided from direct sunlight and placed in a shaded and ventilated place. After the seedlings have been successfully acclimatized and the leaves no longer droop, you can gradually increase the light intensity. Watering should be determined according to the humidity of the potting soil, neither too much nor too little. As long as the strawberry seedlings are successfully grown and survive, fertilizing and watering become simple.

3. Choose the right strawberry seedlings

Choose strawberry varieties that are suited to your climate; some varieties are better suited to potted plants. Buy healthy strawberry seedlings that are free of pests and diseases, preferably with soil in them, so they can adapt to the new environment more easily.

4. Prepare the Soil

Use loose, well-drained soil, such as special potting soil or a homemade mixed soil (leaf mold, sand and garden soil mixed in a certain proportion). Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5.

5. Watering and fertilizing

Water thoroughly after planting, and then water regularly according to soil moisture, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Strawberries need to be fertilized appropriately during their growth period. Use a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 compound fertilizer , and dilute it according to the instructions on the package.

Follow these steps and you can enjoy growing and harvesting strawberries on your balcony or patio. Remember that patience and care are key, and in colder areas, you may need to move your potted strawberries indoors or protect them with mulch during the winter.