Which month is best to plant strawberry seedlings?

Many friends love the sweet and sour taste and juiciness of strawberries. At present, the market prospects are still quite good, and the planting method is flexible and can be adjusted according to different climatic conditions and facility conditions. So which month is the best for planting strawberry seedlings?

Which month is best to plant strawberry seedlings?

For outdoor strawberry planting, March and April in spring are an ideal choice, because the temperature gradually warms up at this time, which is conducive to the growth and development of strawberries. By planting in spring, strawberries can mature in June and July of summer, when you can enjoy fresh strawberry fruits.

When growing strawberries in greenhouses , September in autumn becomes another suitable planting time . Under the protection of the greenhouse, strawberries can safely survive the cold winter, and in the spring of the following year, starting around March, they can gradually enter the harvest period. Greenhouse cultivation can not only extend the supply period of strawberries, but also effectively avoid the impact of adverse external climatic conditions on strawberry growth, thereby improving yield and quality.

Strawberry is a highly adaptable fruit and can theoretically be grown all year round, but in winter it needs to rely on greenhouses to maintain a suitable growing environment. Taking into account farmers' planting habits, the optimal environmental conditions for strawberry growth and the key factors for achieving high quality and high yield, spring and autumn are considered the best seasons for strawberry planting , especially autumn planting is more common. During these two seasons, the temperature remains between 15-25 degrees Celsius, providing ideal conditions for the growth of strawberries. March-April in spring and August-September in autumn (in northern regions) or February-March in spring and September-October in autumn (in southern regions) are the best times for growing strawberries. As the weather warms up in spring and after the high temperature subsides in autumn, the climatic conditions in these two periods are not only suitable for the rapid germination of strawberry seeds and the healthy growth of seedlings, but also help the transplanted strawberry seedlings to quickly adapt to the new environment, improve their survival rate, and promote their good development. Under such temperature and humidity conditions, strawberries can better differentiate flower buds and expand fruits, thus producing large, brightly colored, and excellent-tasting fruits, bringing abundant yields and higher economic benefits. Therefore, choosing the right planting time and suitable growing environment is crucial to improving the success rate and yield of strawberry planting.

Strawberry sowing and seedling raising method

1. Seed pretreatment

Because strawberry seeds have a thick seed coat, direct sowing may result in uneven germination. In order to promote uniform seed germination, it is recommended to pre-treat the strawberry seeds before sowing. First, soak the seeds in room temperature water for 12-24 hours to allow them to fully absorb water and soften the seed coat. Next, place the seeds in a refrigerator at 0-3 degrees Celsius for 10-15 days of low-temperature treatment to break the seeds' dormancy. Such treatment helps to speed up seed germination and improve germination rate.

2. Sowing Method

Before sowing, make sure the soil in the planting area is moist. Sprinkle the strawberry seeds evenly on the planting bed, and then cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or wood ash. To maintain soil moisture and temperature, cover with mulch or straw. After the strawberry seedlings emerge from the soil, remove the covering in time to promote the growth of the seedlings.

3. Transplanting Timing and Conditions

Transplanting of strawberry seedlings should be carried out under suitable temperature and humidity conditions. February to April in spring and August to September in autumn are the best transplanting periods. At this time, the soil temperature is about 20 degrees Celsius and the humidity is about 70%. Transplanting too early or too late, or too high or too low temperatures, will affect the survival rate and growth of strawberry seedlings.

4. Selection of strong seedlings

Choosing high-quality and strong strawberry seedlings is the key to a good harvest. The ideal strawberry seedlings should be 50-70 days old, with evenly differentiated flower buds, 12-18 cm tall, 25-30 grams in weight, thick stems, well-developed root systems, and more than 4-5 unfolded fresh green leaves.

5. Preparation before transplanting

Before transplanting, the strawberry seedlings should be properly pruned to remove damaged roots and excessively long stems and leaves to reduce water evaporation and promote the growth of new roots. Each seedling should retain 3-4 healthy green leaves.

6. Planting Depth

The planting depth of strawberry seedlings should be moderate, avoiding being too deep or too shallow. When planting, make the top of the new stem flush with the ground and ensure that the root neck is not buried in the soil to facilitate the growth of the seedlings.

7. Transplanting techniques

The seedlings are classified according to their size and growth condition, and seedlings with different growth conditions are planted in the corresponding areas. Strong seedlings should be planted in locations with lower temperatures, while weak seedlings should be planted in locations with higher temperatures.

8. Root treatment

When planting, make sure the roots of the strawberry seedlings are spread out straight to avoid root tangles. When backfilling the soil, gently lift the base of the seedling, then compact the soil and water it thoroughly to facilitate contact between the roots and the soil.

9. Seedling Care Method

When planting strawberry seedlings, ensure that the leaves are evenly spread, the arched back is facing the ditch, and the inflorescence is facing the edge of the ditch, so as to facilitate later management and the growth of seedlings.

10. Seedling Protection Measures

After transplanting, measures should be taken immediately to protect the seedlings from high temperatures and strong light. You can use materials such as shade nets for shade protection for 5-7 days until the seedlings resume normal growth.

11. Promote root growth and improve survival rate

When transplanting, you can use microbial agents to dip or irrigate the roots to promote root growth and increase the survival rate of seedlings.

12. Reasonable density

Determine the transplanting density of strawberry seedlings reasonably based on soil conditions, seedling size and planting methods. Generally speaking, for plots with fertile soil and strong seedlings, 6,000 to 7,000 plants are planted per acre; while for plots with poor soil conditions and weak seedlings, 8,000 to 9,000 plants are planted per acre. Appropriate density helps ensure high strawberry yields.

In short, whether it is grown outdoors or in a greenhouse, the management and care of strawberries are crucial. This includes proper watering, fertilization, pest and disease control, and timely pruning. Through careful management, we can ensure the healthy growth of strawberries, improve the quality and yield of the fruit, and enable growers to obtain better economic benefits.