Usually, gardeners use the method of growing seedlings or rooting tendrils to obtain strawberry bushes. But the result does not always meet the expectations of summer residents, because often instead of one variety bought in the store, a completely different one grows. This can be avoided by purchasing planting material from reputable manufacturers. Then you will have the confidence that exactly what you want will grow from the purchased seeds. It only remains to find out how to grow strawberries from seeds.
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The complexity and advantages of seed reproduction
If the gardener is to grow strawberries from seeds for the first time at home, then he may face certain difficulties. To get strong healthy plants from seeds, you will have to make a lot of effort. However, if you know how to do it correctly, then you can cope with this task.
Method of growing strawberries from seeds has its advantages:
- The used planting material is resistant to many diseases and pests, does not lose germination for many years;
- Seeds can be purchased at any gardening store, as well as prepared by yourself;
- Almost any variety of strawberries can be grown from seeds, the only exceptions are hybrid forms;
- A good solution is to sow seeds of strawberry varieties that have different ripening times. This way you can provide yourself with tasty and juicy berries throughout the season.
Growing strawberries from seeds at home
The process begins with the preparation of seeds. When choosing seeds for planting, many summer residents often have a desire to use elite varieties. With the search for such planting material, problems usually arise, given that it is presented in large quantities today. There are many online stores that offer a wide variety of seeds... However, you still need to be very careful here. It is best to use seeds of proven varieties for planting, which can be found in any store.
It is recommended to pick well-ripened berries on healthy bushes for collecting seeds. The largest seeds are found near the base and in the middle of the berry. Such planting material not only has a very high percentage of germination, but also a developed embryo is present. As a result, when using these seeds, you can grow delicious and beautiful berries. After picking berries that will be used as planting material, you need to remove the top layer of pulp from them and put it on paper. When the mass dries up, rub it with your palms. It is recommended to use glass containers to store the selected seeds.
Stratification
Stratification is a lengthy process that requires during three months before the planting date. In this way, you can accelerate their germination.
Refrigerated Stratification
To do this, you need a cotton pad, which must be moistened in water, after which the seeds are placed on it. Then on top of it is placed a second, same wet disc. Strawberry seed discs should be placed in a plastic container with an airtight lid. The seeds need access to air. To do this, holes are made in the lid using a needle or other improvised items.
Next, the container with strawberry seeds must be kept for two days in a warm place. After that, the stratification procedure begins directly. The container is removed to the refrigerator and kept in it for 14 days. At this stage, care must be taken to keep the cotton pads moist. To do this, they are constantly moistened and ventilated. When sowing day comes, the discs should be slightly dried.
After the first sprouts appear, which usually takes two weeks, the seeds are planted in peat pots or containers.
Stratification in soil
Often, strawberry seeds are hardened at home before sowing in a container. by stratificationwhich is carried out directly in the soil.
first you need to prepare the containers and pour wet soil mixture into them so that it does not reach the top by 3 cm;- this part is filled with a layer of snow, lightly tamping the soil;
- pre-soaked seeds are placed directly on the snow;
- after sowing, the containers must be covered with a transparent lid and put into the refrigerator, where they are kept for 14 days. After some time, the snow will turn into water, as a result, the seeds will fall into the soil. Thanks to the snow, the seedlings will be provided with moisture for two weeks. However, in this case, the gardener is required to constantly monitor the plantings: it is necessary not only to maintain optimal humidity, but also to conduct ventilation.
Soil preparation and sowing
Further are engaged in soil preparation for sowing seeds at home.
- you can get strong seedlings from seeds only if strawberry seedlings grow in loose, light, not oversaturated with nutrients soil. It is prepared from garden soil with the addition of forest and sand;
- the planting soil must be disinfected, for which it is placed in the oven for 20 minutes. This is done due to the fact that young strawberry seedlings strongly attract various midges and insects, whose larvae are in the soil;
- after completing the procedure for calcining the soil mixture, it is removed away, where it must wait for the moment of planting for two to three weeks. This time will be enough for the appearance of beneficial bacteria in it. At this point, the seed stratification procedure will be completed;
- when using containers for sowing strawberries, it is recommended to plant as early as 2 weeks after completion of certification. Usually in winter this moment falls on January or February;
- the prepared containers are filled with soil mixture, tamped slightly and watered with a spray bottle. Then the seeds are placed on the surface of the soil. The easiest way to do this is with tweezers, a toothpick or a match;
- the seeds must be lightly pressed to the ground. They will be on the surface, you will not need to cover them with soil. Constant daylight will speed up the germination of the seedlings.
After finishing sowing, containers need cover with a transparent lid and put away in a well-lit area that should be protected from direct sunlight. Otherwise, the seeds will dry out and die. To ensure ventilation, holes must be made in the lid. You can keep the containers on the windowsill, but at midday you need to protect the plantings from direct sunlight. Containers should remain closed until seedlings have germinated. Otherwise, the favorable atmosphere for seed germination will be disrupted.
Care of strawberry seedlings
Two weeks after the start of stratification, the strawberry seeds are taken out of the refrigerator and placed in a warm, well-lit place. This could be an east-facing window. When the seedlings grow up a little and the first leaves are formed, they are picking into separate 5 x 5 cm cups.
Suitable containers are also peat or plastic pots... Favorable for the procedure is the moment when strawberry seedlings are formed at least 3 leaves.
Before planting seedlings, holes are made in each pot to ensure the timely removal of excess moisture. Further, drainage is created in the tank, using small stones, nutshells or coarse river sand as a material. Soil is poured directly onto the drainage. Then in the center you need to create a small hole, slightly moisten and plant the seedlings using a match or a toothpick. You should not bury the plants too much. It is optimal when the leaves are at surface level. But you have to be patient, because the process of germinating strawberry seeds takes a very long time. However, if you did everything right, you will not be disappointed with the germination of alexandrine strawberries.
Growing strawberries in peat tablets
Often, gardeners use peat tablets for growing strawberry seedlings. Here, as in previous cases, stratification is mandatory. Then there is sowing seeds in peat tablets... This is done immediately after germination. After completing the stratification procedure, the seeds are placed in a warm place, where the temperature is maintained no higher than 20 degrees. Until the moment of germination, the planting must be ventilated, and also ensured that they are well moisturized.
Next, prepared peat tablets need to be poured with water and allowed to stand until they completely absorb moisture. You can determine this moment by increasing their size. They are then placed on a pallet or in a plastic box at hand. One seed should be placed in one depression of the tablet, slightly pressing it. Next, a transparent polyethylene is pulled over a pallet or other container used and removed to a bright place, for example, on a windowsill. Care should be taken to protect the plantings from direct sunlight.
At this stage, the moisture content of the seedlings is maintained. Therefore, spraying should be carried out from time to time. At the same time, the rate of water consumption must be small, otherwise it will stagnate.
Seedling growing scheme
After waiting for the moment the sprouts appear, they begin to ventilate, creating conditions as close as possible to natural. In addition, it is useful every day. put them out in the sun for a while... Each time the duration of stay on the windowsill can be increased.
Do not worry too much about the appearance of mold on the surface of the soil. It can be easily removed with a regular match. After that, it is advisable to air the seedlings and dry them. To avoid additional complications, it is useful to treat the soil with an antifungal agent.
Excellent conditions for the growth of strawberry seeds can be provided with a drip irrigation system. However, it must be borne in mind that this will have a completely opposite effect on the leaves. It is advisable to periodically remove condensate from the surface of the shelter; it is recommended to water it from a small container, for example, a regular spoon. Moisture must fall strictly to the root.
With the onset of April you can start the hardening procedure strawberry seedlings. Containers with seedlings are taken out to a greenhouse or a glazed balcony and left there for 2-3 hours. When the seedlings get used to it, you can even leave it overnight.
Transplant to a permanent place
A favorable moment for planting strawberries in a permanent place occurs in May-June.You can stimulate the active growth of strawberry bushes by removing the first flowers. As a result, the seedlings will begin to actively gain green mass, which will have a positive effect on the yield. In addition, the bushes acquire increased resistance to negative temperatures. During the first year after planting the bushes you need to watch for the appearance of a mustache and delete them.
Strawberry bushes grown from seedlings can be planted in balcony boxes or flowerpots. You can also arrange a vertical bed on the balcony or terrace, or organize a mini-vegetable garden on the windowsill.
Conclusion
Strawberries are one of the most common garden crops that can be found in every summer cottage. Any gardener can grow it on their own. To do this, you can use seeds that you can purchase at the store or prepare yourself. Before growing strawberries, be sure to carry out stratification that increases seed germination and makes the seedlings more resistant to adverse environmental conditions. Usually, strong plants grow from them, which, when favorable conditions are created for them, before transplanting to a permanent place, subsequently turn into productive strawberry bushes.
