How to easily grow strawberry seedlings from seeds: tips and top varieties.

Although strawberries are traditionally propagated by runners, growing them from seeds is becoming increasingly popular among gardeners. This method allows for experimentation with various varieties and the opportunity to cultivate berries that are not available in stores. Fermerstvo explains how to properly grow strawberries from seeds at home and provide them with optimal growing conditions.

Can strawberries be grown from seeds?

Growing strawberries from seeds is not a very common method, but it has its advantages. The main challenge lies in the fact that it is a lengthy and labor-intensive process. However, it allows for the cultivation of high-quality plants. If you have purchased delicious strawberries but are unsure of their variety, you can propagate that specific variety in your garden by collecting seeds from them. Only remontant types are suitable, as hybrid varieties do not always guarantee seed similarity.

Where to obtain seeds for planting

The choice of seeds depends on the strawberry variety that is suitable for your region. Among the popular varieties that are suitable for growing from seeds are:

• “Bahot”;
• “Lakomka”;
• “Sakhalinskaya”;
• “Muscat”;
• “Fresca”;
• “Rügen”;
• “Geneva.”

If the price of seeds seems high, you can try to collect them yourself from ripe berries. Choose the largest and ripest fruits, cut off the top layer, wash the seeds, and dry them on paper. They should be stored in glass containers, where they can retain viability for 3-4 years.

Preparing seeds and soil for sowing

Before planting the seeds, it is recommended to soak them to check their quality. If the seeds do not swell, this may indicate low quality. For this, they should be placed on a damp piece of cloth to prevent them from drying out. Another preparation method is to harden the seeds in the refrigerator for 2 days. This approach will help the plants better tolerate frost.

How to plant seeds

For growing seedlings, it is important to choose the right soil. Mix two parts of soil with one part of sand and peat, adding wood ash and biohumus. The soil should be light and loose to prevent water from stagnating. In the prepared soil, sow the seeds, placing them 2 cm apart. After planting, lightly compact the soil and water generously. To retain moisture until the seeds germinate, you can cover the box with glass or plastic wrap.

Caring for seeds until sprouts appear

Until strong sprouts appear, the main care will be watering. It is best to keep the box on a sunny windowsill or under a lamp. Once the first sprouts appear, the seedlings can be pricked out into separate cups. When the strawberry seedlings grow and strengthen, they can be planted in the ground, ensuring optimal conditions.