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With such a summer sowing, the seeds germinate very amicably. This method can also be used for the reproduction of large-fruited varieties, but their offspring lose a number of qualities (1). But for small-fruited and remontant, this method is ideal.
Sowing seeds of garden strawberries
The essence is simple: the most ripe, and even better overripe berries are collected from the mother bushes, put them in a small bowl, add water and knead well with a fork. The result should be a homogeneous liquid slurry.
Earth is poured into a tall plastic container with a lid, it is lightly tamped down and strawberry gruel is poured directly on top, in which dark grains-seeds will surely float. Then the container is closed and placed in a warm, bright place.
Garden strawberry seedling care
Disinfect soil and containers. Strawberry sprouts are very thin, tender, and at the beginning of growth they are easily affected by diseases. Therefore, before sowing, the soil must be calcined in the oven or microwave.
The soil is also better to prepare yourself. The ideal option is a mixture of sand, garden soil and humus (3: 1: 1).
Plastic containers are good because mold takes root worse on them. However, before sowing seeds, they should be thoroughly washed and disinfected – wiped with a strong solution of potassium permanganate.
Cover containers with lids. Strawberry seeds germinate for a long time – up to 30 days. And all this time the soil should be constantly wet. Therefore, containers must be covered with a transparent lid. Or film. Once a day, it must be removed and wiped from the walls of the container with droplets of moisture.
The film is finally removed when the seedlings have 2-3 pairs of true leaves.
Water from a spoon. Shoots of strawberries are very tender. If not to say frail. Therefore, it must be watered carefully. The best way to do this is with a teaspoon. In this case, it is important not to pour the earth, otherwise the seedlings may get sick with a black leg.
Keep seedlings in a bright place. Strawberry seeds germinate in the light. Therefore, put them in a bright place, but not in the scorching sun. And seedlings should be on a sunny window – strawberries are a light-loving culture (2).
Sprinkle the earth. In adult strawberries, the stem is shortened and the leaves grow, as it were, from the ground itself. But the young strawberry has a stalk. But when the leaves begin to gain weight, it falls to the ground and sprouts additional roots.
It is better not to wait for this moment – it is necessary to add soil to the very cotyledons. Then the strawberries will quickly take on new roots and develop better.
Pick up the plants in time. When 3-4 pairs of true leaves appear on young seedlings, they must be picked into separate cups.
It is better to take transparent cups – it is easier to track soil moisture in them, not only on the surface, but also in depth.
When picking seedlings, try not to fill up the growing point.
In August, seedlings are planted in the garden in a permanent place. And next year it will be possible to feast on berries from healthy bushes.
Popular questions and answers
We talked about growing strawberries from seeds with agronomist-breeder Svetlana Mikhailova.
How long does the germination of garden strawberry seeds last?
Do strawberry seeds need stratification?
Is it possible to grow garden strawberries at home on the windowsill?
Sources of
- Under the reaction of Tarasenko M.T. Strawberries (translated from English) // M .: Publishing house of foreign literature, 1957 – 84 p.
- Romanov V.V., Ganichkina O.A., Akimov A.A., Uvarov E.V. In the garden and in the garden // Yaroslavl, Upper Volga book publishing house, 1989 – 288 p.