How to grow strawberries indoors is a question we see often, so here is your step-by-step guide to do just that!
Strawberries are amongst the world’s most popular fruits – and some of the healthiest too! They are used in strawberry recipes like cakes, ice cream, candy, and even in salads, co*cktails, and butter. There are so many recipes you can make with strawberries. Once you learn how to grow strawberries, you can use them for more than just food. Did you know: strawberries are used as natural skin care and as a tooth whitening tool? In fact, many beauty experts swear by them.
Strawberries are also a very healthyedible plant. They’re packed with vitamin C and help boost the immune system. They are also known to maintain good vision, prevent wrinkles, and help control weight.
It’s no wonder many people are asking how to grow strawberries indoors! They are so tasty and healthy and have so many uses. And there’s also good news, plant lovers! You can grow your own strawberries indoors, and here is an easy, 9-step guide on how to do it.
Step 1: Choose the right strawberry variety to plant indoors.
(How to grow strawberries that produce fruit.)
Large-fruit strawberries are believed to originate from Europe in the 18th century. But many other countries developed their own varieties in the 19th century. This is why there are hundreds of strawberry varieties, with different sizes, sweetness levels, and even colors!
The best strawberry types to plant indoors are the day-neutral ones. These work well, because they are not sensitive to how long the sun is out. The best part about day-neutral plants is that they grow year-round. The downside about them is that they don’t bear many fruits. Therefore, it’s good to grow multiple plants so you can enjoy more harvest.
One of the most recommended day-neutral varieties for indoor planting is the alpine strawberry. Alpine strawberries are a great fit for planting indoors because they cluster together and maintain a compact shape. Also, they are strong plants that can survive on less sunlight compared to other strawberry varieties.Alpine strawberries are known for their intense aroma and flavor. They have a distinct sweet taste and are perfect for your salad and dessert recipes!
Step 2: Chose an ideal location for your strawberry plants.
(How to grow strawberries in the best indoor location.)
The ideal location for a strawberry plant is an area that’s almost always about 68-77 °F (20-25 °C). The plants should get at least 8 hours of sunlight access daily. Also, choose an area where the plant can grow up to 12 inches in height.
Step 3: Prepare the seeds.
(How to grow strawberries from seed.)
There are several ways to grow strawberries, namely growing them from a mature plant, in water, or from seeds. For now, we’ll cover how to grow strawberries indoors in the most fun way possible – growing them from picked seeds. While you can buy a strawberry plant, it’s just not as enjoyable as growing strawberries from seeds.
Follow these steps to prepare your strawberry seeds:
- Completely dry or dehydrate a strawberry fruit. One fruit will suffice; a strawberry has about 200 seeds on its skin.
- Once it’s completely dry, scrape the strawberry with a toothpick to remove the seeds.
- Wash the seeds with cool water to get rid of the juice.
- Dry them in a couple of paper towels.
- Store the seeds in a cool, dry place, and keep rotating the seeds and changing the paper towels until they are completely dry. You’ll know they’re completely dry when they’re hard to the touch and are difficult to crush.
Step 4: Prepare the soil.
(How to grow strawberries in the best soil.)
Soil preparation is an important step in any plant’s optimal growth. The goal is providing your strawberry plants with the nutritious soil they need. Also, be sure to break up compressed soil.
The best type of soil for strawberries is loam soil, which is a mixture of sand, clay, and organic components. It absorbs water and moisture well, which is ideal for strawberries.Mix compost or peat moss with your topsoil. And add in some coffee grounds and eggshells for added acidity and potassium.
Step 5: Prepare the container.
(How to grow strawberries in the best container.)
When choosing a container for strawberry plants, consider the location of the plant. If you’re placing strawberry plants on a windowsill (as recommended) choose a rectangular container to maximize the plant’s growing space.
If you have limited space in your living area, you may opt for hanging baskets.Whatever container you choose, make sure it has good drainage to protect the plant from drowning in too much water. Because strawberries have very short roots, a low container of about 5 inches in height will suffice. Fill the pot with 4 inches of soil to prepare for adding seeds.
Step 6: Plant the seeds.
Sprinkle 1-2 seeds per container, and space them at least 18 inches from each other. Don’t overcrowd the seeds, as overcrowded plants are prone to molds and other diseases.
Don’t bury the seeds. Simply place the containers in an area that has access to sunlight, like a windowsill. Strawberries thrive best in areas where they get at least 8 hours of sun exposure a day. If you do this step right, you can expect to see seedlings in 2-3 weeks!
Step 7: Water your strawberry plants properly.
Strawberries are resilient plants, but they don’t fare well with overwatering or under watering. If you’re just learning how to grow strawberries, check the soil with your hand daily. This will tell you if your strawberry plant needs watering. As a rule, you should only water them when the soil is dry up to an inch below the surface. Anything more than that can drown them, and anything less will keep them parched. Another option is to use a moisture meter in your strawberry plant’s soil.
Step 8: Fertilize!
(How to grow strawberries and keep them healthy.)
Strawberries are hungry plants and will thrive when fertilized with a quality fertilizer. For optimal results, use fertilizer once every 2 weeks when the plants start growing flowers. Choose an organic fertilizer that’s safe for fruits. You don’t want to put chemicals onto something you’re going to eat later.
Step 9: Harvest ripe fruits right away.
Expect your strawberries to be ripe a month after fertilizing. The best thing to do with ripe strawberries is harvest them and eat them right away! Keep in mind, over-ripe strawberries attract insects, and they rot easily.
How to Grow Strawberries Indoors – A Final Word
Now that you’ve learned how to grow strawberries indoors and all their benefits, the next step should be obvious. Yes, go plant your own strawberries! There are many varieties and ways to grow strawberries, so experiment to find what works for you. You’ll thank yourself when your strawberry plants grow, and you have a year-round supply of these sinfully delightful berries!
