Home grown always tastes better but home-grown strawberries take flavour to another level.

Strawberries (Fragaria x ananassa) are part of the rose family (Rosaceae). They are relatively easy to grow given the right conditions. They can be harvested from early summer through to autumn, when a few different varieties are planted. Plant in a pot, hanging basket or the soil, they are great project for the family or for a beginner gardener.

 They are sweet, delicious and fragrant when picked fresh from the garden. Enjoy strawberries in smoothies, fruit salad, on top of cereal or pancakes or simply on their own with cream or ice cream. Excess fruit can be frozen or made into strawberry jam.

Strawberries are an excellent source of vitamin C and manganese as well as providing folate and potassium. They are also low in calories and high in fibre.

When to plant

Grow from virus-free crowns or small plants in winter or from potted plants at any time of the year (although winter and spring are the best times to plant). Strawberries can also be grown from runners from existing plants especially in summer. Check out your hardware or garden centre for varieties and advice for your local area.

• In subtropical and tropical climates strawberries can be grown all year round. Plant in April to May to allow the plant to establish during the dry season.
• In warm and temperate regions strawberries can be grown all year round.
• In cool to cold regions strawberries can be grown all year round.

Location

• Strawberries grow best in full sun (or with light afternoon summer shade in hotter climates to reduce stress).
• Being shallow rooted, they need protection from early frost and hot summer winds. Strawberries also need a spot with good air circulation.
• Grow in a herb garden or in rows in a vegie bed. Strawberries also grow well in containers including hanging baskets and can be grown hydroponically.
• Strawberries can be grown as an edging along a flower bed. Pink-flowering varieties such as Pink Panda are attractive as garden plants.

Soil

Get the soil right to harvest a bumper harvest of sweet, juicy strawberries.

Follow our steps for easy soil preparation.

• Strawberry plants grow best in nutrient-rich, neutral to slightly acidic (6-7 pH) soil that hold moisture well.
• Improve the soil before planting by digging in home made compost and organic matter and/or Seasol Super Compost. For a no-dig option consider Seasol Liquid Compost.
• Soils that are highly acidic benefit from the addition of some lime.
• Strawberries grow well in raised beds or raised rows, hanging baskets and containers. When growing in containers or hanging baskets use a premium potting mix such as Seasol Advanced Potting Mix.
• A soil rich in nutrients helps build strong plants so add Seasol Plant + Soil Booster (100g per square metre) and a fertiliser such as PowerFeed Controlled Release Tomatoes & Vegetables.
• Water in well and let the soil rest for a week or two.
• Place organic mulch under and around plants to keep the soil cool, moist and free of weeds. Mulch also protects fruit by preventing it from contacting soil, which reduces the chance of fungal disease.

Step 1 – Planting from crowns or seeds

• Strawberries can be grown from seeds, follow the directions on the back of the seed packet. Seeds, however, take a long time to produce fruit, so consider planting crowns, runners (step 2) or plants (step3).
• Crowns are planted in winter. Buy virus-free crowns to reduce viral disease problems.
• Position in prepared soil so the crown – the top of the roots – is at soil level. Space crowns around 30cm apart in rows. Water in well with Seasol GOLD or Seasol to reduce transplant shock and promote strong root development.
• Keep well-watered until roots establish and leaves appear. Regularly apply Seasol GOLD or Seasol weekly to promote healthy growth.

Step 2 – Planting from runners

• To grow from existing plants, select a runner from a healthy plant.
• Allow the plantlet (small plant) at the end of the runner to be in contact with soil or place it in a small pot filled with good quality potting mix such as Seasol Advanced Potting Mix.
• Water the plantlet with Seasol GOLD or Seasol to reduce transplant shock and promote strong root development.
• Keep the runner in place with a bent wire. Once a root system forms, detach (cut) the plantlet from the mother plant and grow on until it is ready to plant into the garden or a larger container. Keep the plant well watered and apply Seasol GOLD or Seasol weekly to promote healthy growth.

Step 3 – Planting from a purchased plant

• Small virus-free strawberry plants are readily available from hardware and garden centres.
• Plant into moist, well-prepared soil, spacing plants around 30cm apart in rows. Firm into soil.
• Strawberries grow well in a variety of containers including pots, hanging baskets and strawberry pots. Use a good quality potting mix such as Seasol Advanced Potting Mix. Select a deep container at least 20cm-diameter.
• Water in well with Seasol GOLD or Seasol to reduce transplant shock and aid plant establishment.

Step 4 – Young strawberry plant care

• Remove weeds that compete for space, nutrients and moisture.
• Place mulch around strawberries using an organic mulch such as sugar cane, pea straw, or chopped lucerne.
• Strawberries like water to their roots (soil) not foliage or fruit, so water the soil early in the morning. This gives plants time to dry if water splashes on the foliage to prevent fungal diseases.
• Apply a liquid plant food such as PowerFeed PRO SERIES for Fruit & Citrus regularly every fortnight for strong growth, flowering and fruiting.
• Regular applications of Seasol to produce sweet fruit and vigorous plants.

Step 5 – Ongoing strawberry plant growth

• Remove weeds and check mulch. Reapply mulch to keep plant root’s cool and to keep fruit healthy.
• Strawberries have a shallow root system so check soil moisture daily and water where needed. On days with high heat, check soil moisture morning and night. Water when necessary. Take care not to overdose with water as fruit starts to form as this will help to improve favour.
• Apply PowerFeed Controlled Release for Flowers, Fruit and Citrus every 6 to 8 weeks to improve soil health and fruit production.
• Regularly remove unwanted runners and dead leaves to keep clumps clean and tidy.
• Replace strawberry plants every two to three years to keep plants vigorous and productive. Practice crop rotation (that is plant in different areas) to avoid disease.
• Avoid planting strawberries where tomatoes or other solanaceous plants have grown.