Hey, how’s it going, fellow STRAWBERRY FANATIC? Craving those JUICY, bright RED berries but don’t have space?
No worries, we’ve got you covered! Growing strawberries indoors is easy. You can enjoy them ALL YEAR ROUND with the RIGHT knowledge and tools.
At AsterGardening, we’re the berries EXPERTS and here to help. We’ve got the INFO you need, whether you’re a PRO or just starting.
This article will cover from the best-growing conditions to step-by-step INSTRUCTIONS.
You’ll be a strawberry-growing pro by the time you FINISH reading this! So, let’s get started and grow some DELICIOUS strawberries together!
Ideal Growing Conditions for Strawberries
Growing strawberry plants indoors is a piece of CAKE (well, not literally). You can grow these LITTLE BERRY treasures in no time with the right conditions.
1. Temperature
Strawberry plants like it cozy and comfortable, just like us. Keep your growing area within the RANGE of 60-80°F (15-27°C).
Don’t expose them to SUDDEN temperature changes. Nobody likes a COLD surprise.
2. Sunlight
These little guys LOVE the full sun! They need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight every day. So, if you live in a DARK and GLOOMY place, don’t panic.
You can use grow light or fancy ARTIFICIAL light for the BRIGHTNESS they crave.
3. Water
Strawberry plants need to stay HYDRATED, just like us. Don’t drown them! They like CONSISTENT moisture without being WATERLOGGED.
Ensure the soil stays EVENLY moist, not saturated. Otherwise, you’ll risk ROOT ROT and other fungal diseases. No one wants that, RIGHT?
4. Soil
Strawberry plants grow well in FERTILE and WELL-DRAINED soil. Use a potting mix rich in organic matter like COMPOST or aged MANURE.
Keep the soil pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Don’t worry; it’s not ROCKET SCIENCE. You got this!
Suggested reading: Top 14 Strawberry Variety: Explore All The Juice
Requirements and Supplies for Growing Strawberries Indoors
Gathering supplies for growing strawberry plants, huh? GREAT idea! Let me give you the LOWDOWN on what you’ll need.
1. Containers
You have to get ones that are BIG enough to fit 3-4 plants and are at least 8-10 inches DEEP.
Make sure they have HOLES, or else your plants will swim in the water like a pool party.
2. Soil
DON’T go for any ol’ dirt. Add high-quality potting soil that drains well, keeps moisture, and has organic matter.
You can also ADD perlite, vermiculite, or sand to improve the drainage – but that’s up to you.
3. Strawberry Plants
Make sure to buy HEALTHY plants from a TRUSTWORTHY source that are free from disease.
I suggest getting ever-bearing strawberries or day-neutral varieties. They produce fruit all year long – that’s right, ALL YEAR!
4. Fertilizer
Use a BALANCED one with EQUAL nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
You can FERTILIZE every 2-3 weeks or use a SLOW-RELEASE one – whatever floats your boat.
When to Plant Strawberries?
I bet you’re WONDERING when the BEST time is to plant strawberry seeds, huh? Well, it’s NOT a one-size-fits-all answer! It all DEPENDS on a few things.
You can plant everbearing or day-neutral strawberries any time of the year! SCORE!
It’s better to wait until spring or fall if you’re planting JUNE-BEARING strawberries. Gotta love those SEASONAL strawberries!
If you’re planting strawberries INDOORS, you can start WHENEVER you want! Ensure that you can control the growing conditions; you rebel!
Oh, and here’s a TIP: try to PLANT when the soil is moist but not soaked. You don’t want to DROWN those LITTLE GUYS!
And LASTLY, AVOID planting strawberry seeds when it’s crazy hot or freezing cold outside. That can cause some MAJOR “transplant shock,” which is no fun for anyone.
Suggested reading: Is A Strawberry A Fruit Or Vegetable?
Growing Steps for Strawberries Indoors
Want a step by step instructions to grow strawberries? AWESOME! Here are the steps to grow strawberries indoors:
1. Find the Suitable Growing Container
It would be best if you got some appropriate CONTAINERS or hanging baskets. Look for DEEP enough ones (at least 8-10 inches).
Find the one with drainage holes so your strawberry seedlings don’t TURN into a soggy mess.
2. Add Nutrient Medium
Fill CONTAINERS up with some FANCY potting mix. Leave some space at the top for watering the strawberry seeds.
3. Plant Starter Plants
Ready to plant those BABIES? Give them room to grow by SPACING them 6-12 inches apart.
Dig a hole DEEP enough for the shallow roots and place the plant in the soil. Cover it up with some MORE soil and give it a good WATERING.
4. Proper Placement
Now, let’s get those indoor strawberries some SUN! Find a SUNNY spot where they can soak up at least 6 hours of sunlight daily.
Don’t have a LIGHT-like outdoor garden? No worries! You can always use FANCY grow lights to give them a BOOST.
5. Watering
Keep those plants HYDRATED by watering them. Don’t let the soil dry; it should be EVENLY moist but not soggy.
Otherwise, your indoor strawberries will TURN out super soggy.
6. Fertilizer
Time to feed those HUNGRY plants! Use organic fertilizer or balanced FERTILIZER with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
You can give it to them every 2-3 weeks or use some slow-release fertilizer. Just make sure to READ the package instructions.
7. Pollination
Let’s get up close and personal with those strawberries now. They can POLLINATE themselves.
However, you can give them a HAND by gently BRUSHING. Use a small makeup brush or cotton swab over the strawberry flowers to TRANSFER the pollen.
8. Pest Control Problems
Keep an eye on your plants and make sure they’re doing well. Look out for PESTS, DISEASES, or any signs of STRESS.
Trim any DEAD or YELLOWING leaves to keep them healthy. Pinch off any runners growing from the plant to encourage MORE fruit production.
9. Harvesting
Finally, it’s time for the BEST part – HARVEST time! When your strawberries are RIPE, pick them off with the stem attached.
Be GENTLE harvesting strawberries, so you don’t squash them. Now, enjoy the SWEET, JUICY fruit of your labor!
How Long Does It Take To Grow Strawberries Indoors?
Now you might be wondering how long it takes for those SWEET babies to start producing fruit.
Well, the answer is… it depends!
FACTORS like the strawberry varieties, growing conditions, and plant size can all play a role.
But, as a general rule of thumb, you can EXPECT to see those little red fruits in about 4-6 weeks after planting.
And the BEST PART? You can HARVEST strawberries every few days once those plants start producing fruit.
Of course, the AMOUNT and SIZE of the fruit will depend on how well you take care of your plants.
Oh, and here’s a FUN FACT – strawberries are perennials. They can keep producing fruit for SEVERAL years with proper LOVE and CARE.
You can have a never-ending supply of strawberries at home with little effort. Pretty SWEET, right?
Top Tips for Growing Strawberries Indoors
I have some AWESOME tips for helping to grow strawberries like a BOSS! Check it out:
1. Choose the Right Variety
Pick the correct type of strawberry plant that works WELL indoors. Alpine strawberries, Mara des Bois, and Seascape are GOOD options for a GREAT harvest.
2. Adequate Sun Exposure
Your strawberry plant needs at least 6 HOURS of sunlight daily to flourish. Don’t worry! If you need that MUCH natural light.
You can use ARTIFICIAL LIGHT to help them out.
3. Soil Quality
Growing fresh strawberries needs some GOOD, well-draining soil.
Mix HIGH-QUALITY potting soil with perlite, peat moss, or vermiculite for optimum drainage.
4. Watering Intensity
Strawberries like consistent MOISTURE. However, too much water can be harmful and cause root rot.
Water them when the TOP INCH of soil feels dry to the touch.
5. Watch for Pesky Pests
Keep an EYE OUT for aphids, spider mites, and powdery mildew. Use ORGANIC pest control methods to prevent and treat any issues.
6. Harvest Timing
Pick ripe strawberries ASAP to avoid overripening and spoilage.
Remember to GRAB them with the STEM attached. AVOID touching the berries to prevent bruising.
FAQs about Growing Strawberries Indoors
1. Do strawberries grow well indoors?
Strawberries can grow well indoors if provided with the right conditions. Indoor-growing strawberries are an excellent alternative for gardeners with limited garden space. They are best for people who live in areas with a short growing season.
2. Can you grow strawberries indoors all year round?
Growing strawberries indoors all year round is possible. You must provide them with the right growing conditions. Indoor-grown strawberries are not affected by the weather or seasonal changes. They can let you enjoy fresh, delicious strawberry fruit throughout the year.
3. Can you leave strawberry plants in pots over winter?
Yes, you can leave strawberry plants in pots over winter. However, taking precautions to protect the plants from the cold would be best. Move the pots to a sheltered location, cover them with mulch, and reduce watering.
4. How do I winterize strawberry plants?
Cut back the foliage to about 1 inch above the crown to winterize strawberry plants. Remove any diseased or damaged leaves. Cover the plants with a layer of mulch and reduce watering. Move the plants to a sheltered location if possible.
What’s Next
If you want to get your hands on JUICY strawberries but don’t have outdoor space, don’t SWEAT it!
Growing strawberries INDOORS is a super FUN project that’s EASY to take on. Ensure your plants get enough light, water, and soil to thrive.
Plus, if you’re a BEGINNER, don’t WORRY!
You can still have many yummy strawberries to snack on by following the PROPER steps.
So why not give these indoor plants a TRY and ENJOY the SWEET rewards?
GOT any burning questions about growing PLANTS or PESTS? Look no further than AsterGardening!
We have got all the INFO you need to create a GARDEN that’s the ENVY of the neighborhood.
So why wait? Check out our site today and get ready to grow like a PRO!
