Strawberry seedlings are perennial herbaceous plants with a relatively long growth cycle. So how many years can a strawberry seedling typically grow? Let's find out below.
How many years can a strawberry seedling grow?
Strawberry seedlings can generally grow for about 5 years, but they produce less fruit after the third year. If you want them to produce fruit every year, it's best to propagate them by division after 3 years. Cut off any side shoots that grow out and replant them in soil. This will ensure a continuous supply of fruit.
How to propagate strawberry seedlings by cuttings?
1. Selection of seedlings
Select robust runners from strawberry farms planted in autumn, characterized by at least two unfolded leaves and three or more exposed white adventitious roots. If the runners take a long time to emerge, causing the adventitious roots to dry out, spray them with water 2-3 times before planting to encourage the development of white roots longer than 1 mm.
2. Seedbed preparation
It is recommended to use river sand as the seedbed substrate, or to mix river sand and sterilized soil in a 2:1 ratio. 32-cell seedling trays are preferable. Fill the prepared seedling substrate into the trays and place them in the greenhouse in a specific order.
3. Cutting time
The best time to propagate cuttings is usually between June and August, depending on when the cuttings are taken.
4. Cuttings method
When propagating by cuttings, bury the rootstock of the seedling in the substrate, and also insert one end of the stolon into the substrate after bending it to help absorb water and promote survival.
5. Post-cutting management
Within 7 days after cuttings, keep the substrate moist and maintain high temperature and humidity inside the greenhouse to promote rooting. Spray water twice a day, morning and evening, and provide shade from 10:00 to 16:00. Maintain daytime temperatures above 25℃ and nighttime temperatures above 15℃, with a relative humidity of 80%-90% inside the greenhouse.
