Strawberries in my area take pride of place. I try to grow different varieties, so I mastered the seed technique. I like it because I can select interesting varieties and, when growing, independently evaluate their advantages. Of course, it is necessary to mention a rather painstaking activity, since it begins with sowing, followed by care for tender seedlings.
I try to select high-yielding varieties, among which I can note the large-fruited "Moscow Delicatessen F1", the cold-resistant "Sarian F1". And I also like unpretentious varieties: "Queen Elizabeth" and "Geneva". I successfully grow the powerful Gigantella variety with a record yield. Frost-resistant types of strawberries grow well: "Tristar" and "Diamond".
Preparatory stage
To get high-quality seedlings, I first sort out the seeds. I leave the grains without traces of rot and damage. For disinfection, I fill them for 8-10 minutes with a pink solution of potassium permanganate, after which I rinse.
For the purpose of hardening, I provide stratification, for which I place the grains wrapped in a damp cloth for a month in the refrigerator. Then I put it for a day between cotton pads moistened with warm water.
I prepare the substrate, which should be loose. Suitable light loam or sandy loam. If possible, I combine chernozem in equal proportions with river fine-grained sifted sand, adding rotted compost and ash. Often I purchase a suitable soil mixture ready-made.
If there are a lot of seeds, then I use common seedling containers about 10 cm high, which I spray with an antiseptic solution. With a small amount of seed, I prefer to immediately sow in individual pre-disinfected cups, which makes it possible to do without picking.
Sowing activities
I start sowing large-fruited varieties in February, if I predict to collect the first berries in the current season. If the goal is to get strong seedlings, then I postpone the event to April. I install fitolamps right away, given that seedlings will need 12-hour lighting.
I fill the containers with the prepared substrate. Small grains are evenly distributed over a leveled surface. I do not sprinkle them, but gently spray them with moistened water. I cover the containers with foil.
I keep in a room at a temperature of at least +25 ° C. Every day I air a miniature greenhouse. If necessary, I moisten the soil. I remove the film after the appearance of sprouts. I provide temperature +22 °C and above.
Features of care
I water strawberry seedlings when I notice that the substrate is drying out. While the sprouts are small, I practice the spraying method. After the plants get stronger, pour settled water under the root.
I feed the seedlings after the formation of a pair of leaves, adding chicken manure concentrate to the water in accordance with the instructions.
I spend a pick when 3-4 leaves develop. I preliminarily spill the soil in a seedling container. I remove the seedlings, trying not to damage the roots. I immediately distribute it into separate cups filled with the prepared substrate.
14-15 days before the predicted transplantation, I take the seedlings out on the balcony during the day, gradually increasing the time period of stay. Hardened plants adapt more quickly after being relocated to open soil.
Transplant to the ground
2 months after the formation of the first leaf plates, the seedlings will form a viable root system and will be ready to move to the place prepared in the garden.
The day before this procedure, I water the seedlings. The next day I prepare holes in which I place young bushes. Gently sprinkle with soil, moisten.
Growing strawberries from seeds is a painstaking but interesting task. If all the rules are followed, then it is possible to obtain viable seedlings, which will delight with fragrant berries already this season. Your experience in the cultivation of strawberries using seed technology is interesting. What advice can you give to beginner gardeners?
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