Strawberry seed

Buy strawberry seeds: start your summer with a seed

Few things taste as summery as a freshly picked strawberry. The strawberry's Latin name is Fragaria, which is helpful if you want to learn more about the different varieties and their botanical characteristics. And if you've sown and cared for it yourself, it tastes twice as good. With strawberry seeds from Plukkers, you can bring that summer feeling into your home even before the sun really starts to shine. Perfect for beginners and gardeners who enjoy watching something grow from tiny seed to juicy fruit. Some varieties also yield large strawberries, ideal for desserts or jam.

Why grow strawberries from seeds

Growing strawberries from seed requires some patience, but it's surprisingly easy and, above all, enjoyable. You follow the entire growth process closely, from germinating seedling to flowering plant laden with fruit. That's satisfying and insightful. Moreover:

• Seeds are inexpensive . You grow exactly as many plants as you want.
• Ideal for experimenting . Try different varieties and flavors.
• Easy to start indoors . No garden needed, a windowsill will do.
• Bioavailable . You start with pure and healthy material.
• Rich in vitamins . Homegrown strawberries contain many vitamins such as vitamin C, B1, B2, B6, K and folic acid.

Many strawberry varieties have been selected and bred by growers for their taste, yield and use, for example for jam.

There's nothing more delicious than eating your own freshly grown strawberries.

The right place for your strawberries

Strawberries love sun and grow best in full sun, where they get at least six hours of light per day. Some varieties can also thrive in partial shade, but for a high yield, a sunny location is recommended. Whether you have a garden, a balcony, or a greenhouse, as long as the plants are warm, have airy soil, and have plenty of room for their roots, you'll be fine.

Planting in pots? Use large pots so you can fit several plants per pot. A nutrient-rich potting soil mixed with some compost is ideal. Ensure good drainage to prevent wet feet and rot. Give each plant about 25 to 30 centimeters of space, and consider the number of plants per pot or per square meter for a large yield. This way, they'll grow into robust fruit-bearing plants.

When do you sow strawberries?

Sow your strawberry seeds indoors in spring, for example, in February or March. Place them in a seed tray in a warm and bright spot; the seeds germinate best at a constant room temperature. Germination takes an average of two to four weeks, so keep the soil slightly moist and be patient.

Once the seedlings emerge and are large enough, you can prick them out into individual pots. Pricking them out is important for good root development and strong growth; it gives the young seedlings room to develop further before they go outside. After mid-May, when no more frost is forecast, the seedlings can be planted outside in a sunny spot. This is an important step in strawberry cultivation. With a bit of luck, you can harvest them as early as summer, depending on the variety.

Our favorite strawberry varieties

Whether you're looking for a classic single-bearing variety, one of the best everbearing varieties that continue to produce throughout the season, or a surprising wild strawberry, at Plukkers you'll find seeds that will add color, fragrance, and flavor to your garden or balcony. A selection from our range:

• Grandian F1 . A highly productive variety with large, sweet strawberries and one of the best choices for high yields.
• Baron Van Solemacher . A perennial wild strawberry with small, elongated fruits and a distinct aroma, ideal for a long harvest.
• Treasure F1 . Prolific and ideal for pots. Compact but full of flavor, it's one of the best varieties for small spaces.

When growing young plants, pay attention to the number of healthy leaves; once the plants have at least five green leaves, they can be repotted. Also, remove old leaves to promote growth and keep the plants healthy.

Tips for a rich harvest

• Remove suckers so that the plant puts all its energy into the fruit
• Water regularly, especially during flowering and fruiting
• Mulch the soil with straw or wood chips to retain moisture and prevent the strawberries from rotting in the wet soil. Straw also helps prevent rot from dampness.
• Protect the strawberries from birds and snails by placing netting over the plants and spreading straw around the fruit. This prevents birds from eating the ripe strawberries and snails from causing damage.
• Preferably choose winter-hardy varieties and ensure your plants are well-protected over the winter, for example, by providing extra protection from frost in the fall. This will help them withstand the cold better and help them thrive in the spring.
• Pick ripe strawberries on time. This encourages new blooms.

Sow today, reap this summer

Whether you have a sunny garden or a few pots on your balcony, our strawberry seeds make it easy to start your own strawberry garden. With some varieties, you can even harvest and enjoy fresh strawberries all summer long. Experience the joy of sowing, watching them grow, and then picking them. Start small, taste big. Order your favorite variety today and soon you'll be enjoying true summer flavors, fresh from your own garden.