Strawberry
Fragaria x ananassa
Also known asGarden strawberry · Fraise · Fresa
Environment
The bounded range this crop tolerates.
Climate and zones
- USDA zones
- 4–9 (winter low around -34°C)
- Frost
- frost hardy
- Season
- cool (spring/fall)
Growing systems
Root mass: moderate.
Growing media
| Medium | pH effect | Retention | Bacterial surface |
|---|---|---|---|
| Perlite (Expanded volcanic glass) | neutral / inert | very low | low |
| Coco coir (Coconut coir) | slightly acidic | high | moderate |
| Expanded clay pebbles (LECA) | neutral / inert | low | high |
| Soil-based mix (Potting soil) | varies | high | high |
Nutrient demand by stage
NPK ratios are relative weights. EC targets shift through the plant's life.
| Stage | N | P | K | EC (mS/cm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| seedling | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0.8 |
| vegetative | 2 | 1 | 2 | 1.3 |
| flowering | 1 | 2 | 2 | 1.5 |
| fruiting | 1 | 1 | 3 | 1.7 |
Companion-growing notes
- Heavy uptake of potassium, phosphorus. Co-grown crops with the same demand will end up deficient even at "correct" EC.
- High transpiration. Regular reservoir top-ups needed during fruiting.
Aquaponics suitability
Compatible
Fish waste provides enough nitrogen for healthy growth. Supplemental potassium, calcium, and iron may still be needed depending on fish stocking density.
Care notes
One of the most popular and successful hydroponic fruit crops. NFT, Dutch bucket, vertical tower, grow bag or hanging basket systems all work. EC 1.0-1.8 mS/cm (adjust upward during fruiting). pH 5.5-6.5. Temperature: 15–25°C for fruit production (above 30°C, pollination declines and fruit quality suffers). High light (DLI 17-22 mol/m2/day). Day-neutral varieties are essential for year-round production. From transplant to first fruit: 6-10 weeks. Runners (stolons) produce daughter plants that can be separated and replanted for free propagation stock. In indoor systems, hand-pollinate by touching each open flower with a soft brush. Each plant produces 200–500 g of fruit per month at peak. Botrytis (grey mould) is the main disease, controlled by good airflow and prompt removal of damaged berries, and spider mites are the main pest.
Notable varieties
| Cultivar | Type | Origin | Days | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Honeoye | open pollinated | Cornell | 90 | June-bearing. Single concentrated crop in early summer (3-4 week window). Cold-hardy to zone 3, the standard for cold-climate gardens. Tart-sweet flavor, firm fruit, good freezing. |
| Albion | hybrid | UC Davis | 90 | Day-neutral. Produces continuously from late spring through frost regardless of day length, total yield 2-3x a June-bearer over the season. Best balance of yield + flavor + disease resistance among day-neutrals. Commercial standard in California. |
| Quinault | open pollinated | WSU | 90 | Everbearing (two main flushes per season, spring and late summer). Easier than day-neutrals to manage; less constant attention needed. Soft fruit, doesn't store well, eat fresh or freeze the same day. |
| Alpine (Mignonette) | open pollinated | 120 | Fragaria vesca, not the larger F. × ananassa species of the others. Tiny intensely-flavored fruit (1-2g each), grown from seed, runs almost no runners. Edges of beds and container planting. Day-neutral, continuous through summer. |