Growing strawberries in a greenhouse – is a great way to get fresh, aromatic berries almost all year round. However, for successful cultivation it is important to choose the right variety, create optimal conditions and follow agricultural practices. How to choose the right variety? When to plant seedlings? What conditions will ensure the maximum harvest? Let's look at all the stages in detail.

Choosing a strawberry variety for greenhouse cultivation

The choice of variety is one of the key factors for success. Which varieties are better suitable for greenhouses?

The best varieties of strawberries for greenhouses:

• Everbearing varieties: Albion, San Andreas, Monterey – bear fruit several times per season.
• Day-neutral: "Mara de Bois", "Evi 2", "Portola" - resistant to lack of light.
• Large-fruited: "Elsanta", "Clery", "Gigantella" - produce large, sweet berries.
• Whiskerless varieties: "Moscow Delicacy", "Fresco" - do not require constant removal of whiskers.
• Ampelous varieties: “Tuscany”, “Elan” – suitable for vertical cultivation.

How to choose the right variety?

• For year-round cultivation, choose everbearing or day-neutral varieties.
• For an early harvest, early ripening large-fruited varieties are suitable.
• For compact greenhouses, it is more convenient to use varieties without runners.
• For vertical growing, choose hanging varieties.

Expert advice: The best option is to combine several varieties to obtain a stable harvest with different ripening times.

Methods of Growing Strawberries in a Greenhouse

There are several ways to place plants in a greenhouse:

• Traditional beds. Suitable for large greenhouses, require regular loosening of the soil.
• Growing in containers. Allows you to control the quality of the soil and reduces the risk of diseases.
• Vertical growing. Used in small greenhouses to save space.
• Hydroponic installations. Give high yields, but require equipment.

Expert tip: If you have limited space, try growing strawberries vertically - this will increase the number of bushes in the greenhouse.

Preparing the soil and planting strawberries in a greenhouse

Strawberries are demanding in terms of soil fertility and structure, so it is important to properly prepare the soil before planting.

Soil requirements:

• Acidity: Optimum pH 5.5-6.5. In case of increased acidity, add dolomite flour (300 g/m²).
• Structure: Light, loose, breathable. Add sand, vermiculite or coconut substrate.
• Organic fertilizers: Humus (4-5 kg/m²) or compost to improve fertility.
• Mineral fertilizers: Phosphorus-potassium fertilizers (20-30 g/m²) promote the development of the root system.

Planting scheme:

• Distance between bushes: 25-30 cm.
• Row spacing: 40-50 cm.
• Planting depth: The heart (growing point) should be at soil level.
• Mulching: Peat, straw or agrofibre will help retain moisture and prevent weed growth.

Expert advice: For accelerated rooting, soak the roots in a growth stimulator solution (Kornevin, Heteroauxin) for 3-4 hours before planting.

Optimal conditions for growing strawberries in a greenhouse

What parameters are necessary for active growth and fruiting of strawberries?

• Temperature:
  • Optimum range: +18…+24°C.
  • During flowering: +20…+22°C.
  • In winter: not below +10°C.
• Lighting:
  • Minimum 12-14 hours of light per day.
  • In winter, additional lighting is provided using phytolamps.
• Humidity:
  • Optimal level: 60-70%.
  • Excessive humidity can provoke the development of fungal diseases.
• Ventilation:
  • Daily ventilation prevents air stagnation and mold growth.
• Pollination:
  • In a closed greenhouse, artificial pollination is necessary using a brush or installing fans.

Expert tip: Install LED lights with a red-blue spectrum to improve photosynthesis and increase yields.

Watering and fertilizing strawberries in a greenhouse

Proper watering and nutrition are the basis for obtaining large and sweet berries.

Watering:

• In spring and autumn – 1-2 times a week.
• In summer – 3-4 times a week.
• The water should be warm (+18…+22°C).
• The best way is drip irrigation, so as not to wet the leaves.

Top dressing:

1. After planting – nitrogen fertilizers (urea 10-15 g/m²) to increase foliage.
2. During flowering – phosphorus-potassium fertilizers (superphosphate 20 g/m², potassium sulfate 15 g/m²).
3. During fruiting – organic fertilizers (ash infusion, humates).
4. After harvesting – complex fertilizers to prepare the bushes for the next season.

Expert advice: Do not overwater your plants – stagnant water causes root rot and the development of fungal diseases.

Growing strawberries in a greenhouse

Growing strawberries in a greenhouse is not only an effective way to get fresh berries at any time of the year, but also an opportunity to grow a crop for sale with high profitability. The main thing is to choose the right variety, create optimal conditions and follow the care technology.

Key findings:

• Strawberries require loose, fertile soil with good drainage.
• Sufficient lighting and the correct temperature conditions will ensure active flowering and fruiting.
• Regular drip irrigation prevents roots from drying out and rotting.
• Artificial pollination in a greenhouse promotes high fruit set.
• Balanced feeding and protection from diseases will allow you to obtain an abundant and high-quality harvest.

Want to create ideal conditions for growing strawberries? Choose greenhouses from NovaTeplitsa – they provide reliable plant protection and create an optimal microclimate. Check out the models on our website and start growing strawberries with maximum efficiency today!