Growing Strawberries at Home
Did you know that Florida is recognized worldwide for its major role in strawberry production? In fact, Florida is the second largest producer of strawberries in the U.S., with approximately 8,000 acres of strawberries grown in the state. Centered in the Plant City area of Hillsborough County, the industry is a major contributor to the state's economy.
Strawberries are perennials and members of the Rosaceae plant family, which also includes plums, pears and roses. Associating plants to families makes it easier to recognize plant similarities, understand their growing habits and identify their seedlings. Yet there are exceptions to plant family rules. For instance, strawberries aren’t technically berries; it is the only fruit that bears its seeds on the outside. Each seed on the outer portion of the fruit contains its own unique flavor, shape and appearance.
To get the exact same strawberries from the “mother plant” you need to allow the plant to grow out stolons or runners. A stolon is an above-ground stem that takes root in the soil and produces new “daughter” plants at a variety of distances from the mother plant. Harvesting daughter plants to add additional strawberries to your garden is a simple process. Using clean scissors, cut the daughter plant from the mother and plant in growing medium.
In terms of fruiting time, strawberries are classified into different types: short-day (also referred to as Junebearing) which initiate flower buds when the days are short, and day-neutral strawberries, which will form flower buds regardless of day length. Research has shown that short-day or June-bearing are better suited to Northeast Florida.
Here are some other tips to grow strawberries at home using Florida-Friendly Landscaping principles.
1. RIGHT PLANT
Choosing the correct cultivar can make or break a successful strawberry planting season. There are several cultivars that grow well in Northeast Florida.
Sweet Charlie – This cultivar produces highly productive fruit early and the fruit is good quality. Some think of this cultivar as the standard. However, it is susceptible to gray mold. Camarosa – In the midseason, this cultivar produces firm fruit that ripens evenly throughout several months. Keep in mind that this cultivar is susceptible to powdery mildew.
Oso Grande – Commonly used in Florida, this cultivar produces low yields earlier in the season.
Florida Brilliance, Sweet Sensation and Florida127 – These cultivars are newer releases from the University of Florida. Fruits are more abundant in the early part of the season.
2. RIGHT PLACE
Choose a suitable location. Select a sunny spot at your home with well-drained soil. Strawberries need at least eight hours of direct sunlight per day. In Northeast Florida, it is best to plant between September 15 and October 15 in rich soil or potting media.
3. DON’T OVERWATER
A weekly watering can suffice early in the season when the plants are small. It will be necessary to water the plants twice or three times per week when the plants are larger and the weather is warmer later in the season.
4. MULCH, MULCH, MULCH
Apply a layer of mulch around the base of your plant to help retain moisture in the soil and suppress weed growth.
5. DON’T OVERDO FERTILIZERS
Fertilize regularly with a balanced fertilizer. If you decide to use any pesticides or fertilizers remember to READ THE LABEL. The label is the law.
6. MONITOR
Keep an eye out for bugs that can harm your plant like aphids, crickets, beetles and weevils. As you are monitoring your plants, make sure not to harm any beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings or stink bugs, just to name a few. They can help reduce the activity of certain harmful pests. If wildlife discovers your strawberries, try netting to protect the plants.
For additional educational materials visit edis.ifas.ufl.edu.
