Growing Information:
PLANT CULTURE:CULTURE: Strawberries prefer a sunny to partially shaded location and moist, well-drained soil, richly fertilized with compost or aged manure and a pH between 6.0-6.8. Prepare beds the previous fall or in early spring to get good control over perennial weeds. PLANTING: Space plants 12-18" apart in rows 3-4' apart. Set plants with the roots straight down into the soil, ensuring the middle of the crown is level with the top of the soil. Irrigate and keep free of weeds. Pinch flowers the first year to establish vigorous plants. Mulch with straw in late fall when plants have started to go dormant to moderate freeze/thaw cycles and heaving. Pull mulch aside in spring when plants start to grow. Leave the mulch in the aisles to keep the fruit clean and help suppress weeds. HARVEST: Beginning the second spring and for 3-5 years thereafter. SPECS: 25 plants per bunch. 100 plants/100' row, or 14,520 plants/acre at 12" spacing, rows 3' apart. SHIPPING: We record orders and ship plants from March through May. Full planting instructions will be sent with each order. FROM SEED CULTURE: CULTURE: Sow seeds thinly in March or April in a fine soilless mix. Press seeds into moist mix. Cover to exclude light and keep moist until plants emerge in 2-3 weeks. Keep soil temperature between 60°F (16°C) and 75°F (24°C), if possible. Transplant to plug trays or 1-1 1/2" apart in flats, then to larger pots or planters for retailing full-size plants: 1 plant/3-4" pot; 3-5 plants/8" pot. Transplant outdoors anytime, 1' apart. Tolerant to partial shade, and they prefer moist soil. SEED SPECS: About 70,000/oz. Average germination is 75%. PACKET: Avg. 100 seeds unless stated otherwise. |