Strawberry cultivation is becoming increasingly popular due to the fruit’s sweet taste, refreshing aroma, and rich nutritional value. Strawberries can be successfully grown both outdoors and in greenhouses, offering flexibility in year-round production. The plant matures quickly and allows for multiple harvests within a single growing season, making it an ideal choice for home gardens, greenhouses, and commercial farming.
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The growth rate of strawberries depends on several factors, with planting conditions, climate, soil quality, and adequate care being key. Under favorable conditions, plants can start producing fruit as early as eight to ten weeks after transplanting. Autumn planting allows for earlier fruit development in spring, while spring planting leads to a later harvest, though growth remains fast if conditions are optimal. Strawberries are perennial plants that yield best in the first two years of cultivation. After that period, yields gradually decline, so regular renewal of the planting area is recommended to maintain fruit quality and quantity.
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Temperature
Strawberries grow best at temperatures between 18°C and 25°C (64°F to 77°F). Lower temperatures slow growth, while excessively high temperatures can damage plants and reduce fruit quality. Spring frosts may harm blossoms, so frost protection is essential in the early growth phase.
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Sunlight
Strawberries require at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. A lack of light can result in fewer fruits and weaker plant development. The ideal location is a sunny plot with good air circulation.
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Soil
The soil should be fertile, loose, and well-drained, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Before planting, it is advisable to enrich the soil with manure or compost. Heavy, compacted soils slow plant growth and may cause root rot.
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Watering
Strawberries need regular watering, especially during flowering and fruit development. The soil should remain consistently moist but not overly wet. Overwatering can lead to root diseases, while water deficiency affects fruit size and quality.
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Strawberry maintenance includes regularly removing runners that deplete the plant and reduce yield. Pruning old and damaged leaves encourages new growth and supports plant health. For everbearing varieties, removing the first flowers after planting is recommended to allow the plant to develop fully before fruiting begins.
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Maintaining cleanliness in strawberry beds is crucial for plant health and disease prevention. Regular removal of weeds and plant debris prevents the loss of vital nutrients and moisture. Weeds not only deplete the soil but also create conditions conducive to disease development. Strawberries are particularly sensitive to diseases such as gray mold (Botrytis cinerea), powdery mildew, and various fungal infections, which can easily spread in unmaintained, dense plantings. Mulching, regular hoeing, good ventilation between plants, and preventive fungicide treatments greatly reduce disease risk and promote healthy, uninterrupted growth.
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Strawberries follow a seasonal growth and harvest cycle, with most varieties ripening from late May to early July. Everbearing varieties can produce multiple harvests throughout the season, extending into autumn. As temperatures drop and daylight shortens, growth and fruiting gradually slow down. Harvesting begins when the fruit reaches full red color and a characteristic aroma. The first fruits can be picked when the plant reaches a height of 20–30 cm (8–12 inches). During harvesting, it is important to handle the plants carefully to avoid damage and to preserve healthy leaves for uninterrupted photosynthesis.
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Strawberry growth depends on optimal conditions, including appropriate temperatures, sunlight, soil quality, and regular watering. Careful plant maintenance, removal of runners, and proper pruning are essential for achieving high yields. With adequate care, strawberries grow quickly and produce abundant fruit, making them suitable for various types of production—whether in home gardens, greenhouses, or commercial fields.
