How to Grow Strawberries from Seeds at Home Using Fruit Purchased from the Supermarket

Is it possible to successfully grow strawberries from seeds extracted from store-bought fruit? According to My Garden's research, the answer is yes, it's quite feasible. Readers can follow these simple steps to try this at home.

Why Should You Grow Strawberries from Seeds of Store-Bought Fruit?

These strawberry seeds can be planted.

Among fruit-bearing plants, strawberries are relatively challenging to cultivate. They typically require greenhouse conditions or a cool climate. However, you can still grow them at home by extracting seeds from store-bought strawberries. Here’s why:

• Cost Savings: Although strawberry seeds are inexpensive on e-commerce sites, they are often difficult to germinate. Additionally, buying from unreliable sources may lead to poor results as the seeds might not be genuine strawberry seeds. Therefore, extracting seeds from actual strawberries is a more reliable method.
• Gardening Joy: When you explore and experiment with growing strawberries from store-bought fruit, you’ll find joy in gardening. Although it might take more time and you shouldn’t expect perfect results, it adds to the pleasure for gardening enthusiasts.

>>>Read More: Growing Strawberries Without Rot

2. How to Grow Strawberries from Fresh Seeds at Home

Here’s a straightforward guide for growing strawberries from fresh seeds obtained from store-bought fruit.

2.1. How to Extract Strawberry Seeds from Fruit

First, you need to extract seeds from the strawberries to use as seeds. Follow these steps:

• Use a sharp knife to cut around the strawberry with a thickness of about 0.3 cm. Avoid cutting too thinly to prevent damaging the seeds, which could reduce germination rates.
• Place the sliced strawberries on a plate or plastic sheet and let them dry in the sun for about 2 days. Alternatively, you can let them dry naturally.
• Gently rub the strawberry slices with your hands to release the seeds. Then, transfer the seeds to a separate bowl.

2.2. How to Sow Fresh Strawberry Seeds

After extracting the seeds, don’t rush to sow them immediately. Here’s what you need to do with fresh seeds:

• Place all the extracted fresh strawberry seeds into a bowl, add cold water to cover them, and seal the bowl with plastic wrap. Let them soak for 1 day. Note that you should use cold water for fresh seeds, unlike dry seeds which require warm water.
• While soaking the seeds, prepare the soil. It should be loose and well-drained, with coconut coir or rice husk for good drainage. If sowing in a pot, ensure it has good drainage. Also, if using fertilizer, it should be well-rotted manure; avoid fresh manure as it can cause the seeds to rot.
• After preparing the soil and soaking the seeds, plant the strawberry seeds into the soil. Sprinkle a thin layer of soil over the seeds. Be careful not to cover them too thickly, unlike other seeds.
• Lightly water the soil using a spray bottle to avoid washing away the seeds.
• Cover the pot with plastic wrap and create a few small holes for air circulation. This helps maintain moisture and provides an optimal environment for seed germination.
• Check the soil every 2 to 3 days. If it feels too dry, add a little water. Strawberry seeds typically germinate in about 1 to 2, or sometimes up to 3 weeks.

2.3. How to Transplant Strawberry Seedlings for Healthy Growth

Once the strawberry seedlings have germinated, don’t rush to transplant them. Typically, you should wait about 7 weeks before moving the seedlings to other pots. Here’s how to transplant them:

• Choose a pot with a depth of 30 to 40 cm for growing strawberries. Ensure the pot has good drainage. It’s also advisable to place the pot on a shelf to minimize exposure to pests like snails and slugs.
• Prepare the soil as described earlier, and then plant each seedling about 25 to 30 cm apart to allow for proper growth. Avoid pulling seedlings out; instead, use a small trowel to dig up the entire root system to help the plant thrive.
• After planting, water the strawberry plants lightly to avoid disturbing the roots. Water every 2 to 3 days, except on rainy days when the humidity is high.

By following these steps to grow strawberries from fresh seeds, you can ensure you have a reliable source of seeds and save on costs. Plus, the joy of gardening and watching your plants grow can be an added pleasure. Start creating your garden today!

Written by My Garden