There is something incredibly satisfying about biting into a fresh, ripe strawberry. Probably, that’s why how to grow strawberries indoors is a commonly sought tip. Plump, juicy, and sweet are the perfect snack for any time of day. But what if you could have that same delicious experience all year long?
It may sound like a dream, but it’s pretty easy to grow strawberries indoors with a little effort. All you need is a pot or container big enough to fit a few plants, some soil, and a sunny spot in your home. Then, you can either purchase young plants from your local garden center or start your own from seed. So, how do you grow strawberries indoors? Herein we will cover all you need to know, from seed to harvest.
Can Strawberries Do Well Indoors?
We all love strawberries. They’re delicious, nutritious, and versatile. And, of course, they’re lovely to look at. But can strawberries do well indoors? It turns out that the answer is a resounding yes! Like any other houseplant, these plants can do well inside the house. Strawberries are relatively easy to grow indoors, and they can even produce fruit–albeit smaller fruits than their outdoor counterparts.
The key to success is to provide the plants with plenty of light and ventilation. A south-facing window is ideal, but an east- or west-facing window will also work. The most important thing is ensuring the plants get at least six hours of direct sunlight daily.
Ventilation is also critical, as strawberries are susceptible to mold and mildew. If you can’t open a window or door, consider using a fan to circulate the air.
And since they can be grown in pots or containers, they’re perfect for tiny homes or apartments.
What Types of Containers Are Ideal for Strawberries?
When growing strawberry plants, there are a few things to consider when choosing a container. For starters, alpine strawberries need full sun to produce the most fruit, so make sure your pot is in a sunny spot. Also, strawberries are notoriously picky about drainage, so choosing a pot with drainage holes in the bottom is essential. If you would love plants that don’t need drainage holes, check out 12 house plants that don’t.
Strawberries tend to spread through runners, so you’ll want to choose a relatively large pot that will give the plants plenty of room to spread out. With these factors in mind, any jar or container can be used for all strawberry varieties, so it’s really up to your personal preferences. Just keep an eye on the plant and ensure it’s getting enough sun and drainage.
When Should I Plant My Strawberries?
The best time to plant strawberries is in early spring. If you’re starting with young plants, the best time to plant them is in early spring, after the last frost. However, if you’re starting with seeds, you can grow them indoors at any time of year.
When planting established strawberry plants, space the plants about 18 inches apart. This will give them enough room to spread out and produce fruit.
A Step-by-Step Guide To Growing Strawberries Indoors?
Now that you know more about strawberries and how to grow them, it’s time to get down to the nitty-gritty and learn how to do it yourself. So here’s a step-by-step guide on how to grow strawberries indoors.
Gather the Necessities
The good news is that you don’t require a lot of things. You’ll need some strawberry plants or seeds, a pot or container, some potting soil, and water.
If you’re starting with young plants, you can purchase them from your local garden center. If you’re beginning with strawberry seeds, you’ll need to plant them in a seed-starting mix and then transplant them into pots when they’re big enough.
Fill the Container With Soil
Once you have your pot or container, it’s time to fill it with soil. For strawberries, it’s essential to use a well-draining potting mix. You can either make your own by mixing equal parts sand, perlite, and peat moss. Or you can purchase a pre-made mix from your local garden center. Ensure everything else is okay before planting strawberries.
Plant the Strawberries
Now it’s time to plant your strawberries. If you’re using young plants, dig a hole that’s big enough to fit the root ball. With caution, remove the strawberry plant from its pot and place it in the hole. Backfill the hole with soil and water well.
If you’re starting with seeds, plant them in a seed-starting mix according to the package directions. Once they’ve germinated and are big enough to handle, transplant them into pots filled with potting mix.
Water Well
Strawberries need consistent moisture, so ensure to water them regularly–about once a week or as required to keep the soil moist but not soggy. The best way to water strawberries is to soak the soil thoroughly and let it dry before watering again.
Fertilize
Strawberry plants are heavy feeders, so they must be fertilized regularly to grow within 3 months or less. You can either use a balanced fertilizer or a fertilizer specifically for strawberries. Apply the fertilizer according to the package directions.
Enjoy Your Fresh Strawberries!
Now all you have to do is sit back and wait for your strawberries to ripen. Once they’re ripe, enjoy them fresh or use them in your favorite recipes. Just keep an eye on your plants and water them regularly–strawberries are susceptible to drought stress and will not produce fruit if they’re too dry. Enjoy! Ideally, having strawberry plants indoors is aesthetically pleasing.
How to Care for Strawberry Houseplants
Though often overlooked, strawberries can make excellent fast-growing houseplants. They are relatively easy to care for and can produce an abundance of delicious fruit. Here are a few tips for keeping your strawberry plants healthy and happy.
- First, be sure to plant your strawberries in well-drained soil. They prefer slightly acidic soil, so if you use a commercial potting mix, you may need to add some peat moss or compost. Strawberry plants also need full sun to produce the most fruit, so choose a sunny spot in your house.
- Water your strawberry plants regularly, giving them enough water to keep the soil moist but not soggy. You may need to water them daily during the blooming and fruiting period. Once the fruits have ripened, scale back on, watering every other day.
- Fertilize your strawberry plants monthly during the growing season with a high-quality fertilizer designed for fruits and vegetables. This will help them produce more fruit.
- Pruning is also essential for strawberry plants. After the plants produce fruit, cut the stems by about half. This will encourage new growth and promote better fruiting the following year. Every few years, you can also remove any old or woody stems entirely.
Conclusion
Growing strawberry plants indoors is that easy. With proper care, strawberry plants can thrive indoors and produce an abundance of delicious fruit. Be sure to plant them in well-drained soil, water them regularly, fertilize them monthly, and prune them annually to keep your plants healthy and happy. Enjoy!
