Strawberries: The Fast-Growing Fruit That's Irresistible to Enjoy
There is no doubt that strawberries are one of the most delicious summer fruits. Their sweet and refreshing taste makes them a favorite of everyone, young and old. Fortunately, strawberries are delicious and fast-growing, making them an ideal choice for home gardeners who cannot wait a long time before harvesting their fruits.
Fast strawberry ripening period
Strawberries are fast-growing fruit plants that can produce fruit within just three months of planting. Their maturity period varies from 60 to 90 days depending on the type, whether they are bare-root seedlings or seedlings in small soil bags.
However, it is worth noting that strawberry varieties that bloom in June and those that bear fruit intermittently do not produce a bountiful crop until the year following their planting. Therefore, day-neutral varieties are the best choice for obtaining strawberry fruits in the first season itself.
Strawberry growth stages
Strawberries go through six main stages of growth, and understanding these stages will help you assess the health of your plants and solve any problems you may encounter, such as not producing flowers or fruit. Here is an explanation of these stages:
1- Seedling or bare crown stage: Strawberries start as seeds, bare root seedlings, or small soil bags. Seedlings can be planted a few weeks before the last spring frost.
2- Root formation stage: At this stage, the seedling focuses on establishing its roots in the soil. Removing any early flower buds is recommended to focus the plant's energy on root growth.
3—Vegetative growth: Leaves and stems grow densely in this stage, which lasts about two months. Side branches (runners) must be removed to prevent draining the mother plant's energy.
4- Flowering stage: The delicate white flowers appear at the beginning of summer when temperatures reach 7-30 degrees Celsius.
5—Fruiting stage: The flowers turn into ripe red fruits within 4-6 weeks. Continuous harvesting is recommended to encourage more flowering and fruiting.
6—Dormancy stage: With the onset of cold weather, plants enter a period of rest and lose their leaves and stems above the soil surface. However, the roots and crowns remain alive underground.
Accelerate strawberry growth
Although strawberries are naturally fast-growing, there are some steps you can take to speed up their growth and ensure a better harvest:
- Minimize transplant shock: Handle seedlings carefully and plant them in moist, well-drained soil. Stripped seedlings can be soaked in a diluted seaweed solution before planting to help them acclimate.
- Removing early flower buds: to focus the plant's energy on vegetative growth rather than reproduction too early.
- Provide adequate moisture: Strawberries need constantly moist soil, but avoid over-watering to prevent fungal diseases.
- Adding organic fertilizers and compost: to maintain soil fertility and provide plants with the necessary nutrients.
- Pruning Runners: Side branches that grow from the mother plant and draw energy from it. Remove them regularly to focus growth on the main plant.
- Use protective covers: Protective covers or shade help maintain ideal temperatures for strawberries in cold or hot weather.
With proper care and attention, you will have delicious and tasty strawberries in your home garden the first time you grow them. Just imagine the joy of eating these fresh fruits straight from the garden all summer long!
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