STarting Aeroponic Strawberries - STARTING PLANTING MATERIAL

There are several types of planting materials available: bare-root plants, unrooted runner tips, plugs, and seeds. The availability of these materials largely depends on the time of year.

BARE-ROOT PLANTS

Bare-root plants from the previous season are typically available from January to June. These are daughter plants that have been dug up and stored in cold storage for up to six months. Widely used for planting new outdoor fields, these plants already possess flowering buds, making them a popular choice for early-season planting. Freshly dug bare-root plants, along with both unrooted and rooted runner tips, are typically available between August and December. Runner tips, whether fresh or rooted, already have developed leaves, which allows them to begin production faster. Fully rooted tray plants (produced from runner tips) can start producing fruit in as few as 60 days after transplanting.

SEEDS

Seeds, available year-round, require the longest startup time—approximately 10-12 weeks to reach transplantable size. After that, they need additional time to develop flower initials before eventually producing fruit. The first harvest from seed-grown plants is often smaller due to this extended development period. Additionally, the variety of strawberries available in seed form is limited compared to those developed for vegetative propagation.

It’s important to note that due to plant patent protections, it is illegal to propagate commercial cultivars until 20 years after the patent is filed. As a result, most commercial operations purchase their planting materials from third-party nurseries to ensure they are using the latest and most effective cultivars.

Albion, a popular and reliable strawberry variety, is now patent-free. AEssense recommends Albion day-neutral plants for first-time growers due to their ease of growth, high yields, and great flavor. Without patent restrictions, dedicated horticulturists can also set up an in-house propagation system with separate spaces for fruit and runner production, reducing or eliminating the need for external planting material.

DAY LENGTH & FLOWER PRODUCTION

DAY LENGTH

Day length plays a crucial role in the flowering and fruiting cycles of strawberries, particularly in soilless cultivation where environmental factors can be carefully controlled. Strawberry cultivars are categorized into different types based on their response to day length: short-day (June-bearing) and everbearing (day-neutral).

SHORT-DAY STRAWBERRIES

Short-day strawberries, also known as June-bearing strawberries, initiate flower buds when day lengths are short, typically less than 12 hours of daylight. These plants are highly sensitive to photoperiods and require the shorter days of late summer and fall to trigger flower formation.

Once flower buds are set, the plants enter a dormant state over the winter and begin to bloom and produce fruit in the following spring and early summer. This concentrated fruiting period typically results in a large, single harvest, making short-day strawberries ideal for growers who prefer a high-yield harvest over a shorter time frame.

Seeds, available year-round, require the longest startup time—approximately 10-12 weeks to reach transplantable size. After that, they need additional time to develop flower initials before eventually producing fruit. The first harvest from seed-grown plants is often smaller due to this extended development period. Additionally, the variety of strawberries available in seed form is limited compared to those developed for vegetative propagation.

It’s important to note that due to plant patent protections, it is illegal to propagate commercial cultivars until 20 years after the patent is filed. As a result, most commercial operations purchase their planting materials from third-party nurseries to ensure they are using the latest and most effective cultivars.

Albion, a popular and reliable strawberry variety, is now patent-free. AEssense recommends Albion day-neutral plants for first-time growers due to their ease of growth, high yields, and great flavor. Without patent restrictions, dedicated horticulturists can also set up an in-house propagation system with separate spaces for fruit and runner production, reduci

AESSENSE RECOMMENDATION: USE EVERBEARING (DAY-NEUTRAL) CULTIVARS

For first-time strawberry growers, everbearing (day-neutral) cultivars are a more accessible and rewarding choice compared to short-day varieties. Everbearing strawberries are less sensitive to day length, allowing them to produce flowers and fruit continuously as long as environmental conditions are favorable, simplifying the growing process. The cumulative yield over an entire season is often higher, providing a steady supply of fresh strawberries.

Everbearing cultivars also offer greater flexibility in planting and harvesting schedules, making them ideal for beginners who may want to experiment with different growing periods. Since everbearing strawberries don’t rely on a single flowering period, there’s a lower risk of crop loss, providing a safety net for new growers. Overall, everbearing cultivars offer a manageable, productive, and flexible option that maximizes the chances of success while minimizing the complexities of growing strawberries.

SCHEDULING FOR (AEROPONIC) Strawberry Production

USING EVERBEARING CULTIVARS SOURCED FROM ROOTED PLUGS

(Week 1) Transplanting

Everbearing strawberry plants begin their journey as transplants, typically from plugs or runner tips. In this stage, young plants are placed into the growing system, where they quickly establish their root systems and begin growing new leaves.

(Week 2-6) Vegetative Growth

Following transplant, the plants begin their vegetative growth, developing strong roots, healthy leaves, and runners. During this phase, the plants require optimal nutrient levels, proper light, and controlled temperatures to build the foundation for continuous flowering.

(Week 7-8) Flowering and Fruiting

As day-neutral plants, everbearing strawberries can initiate flowers regardless of day length, provided conditions are favorable. Once flowering begins, fruit development quickly follows. In a soilless system, this process is continuous, with the plants cycling through flowering and fruiting stages repeatedly.

(Week 9) Harvesting

Approximately 60-70 days after transplanting rooted plugs, the first fruits are ready for harvest. Everbearing plants will continue to produce fruit throughout the growing season, offering multiple harvests over time. Regular monitoring and harvesting ensure that the strawberries are picked at their peak ripeness for the best quality and flavor.

(Week 10+) Post-Harvest Management

After the initial harvests, proper plant management, including pruning and nutrient adjustments, helps maintain plant health and sustain fruit production throughout the extended growing season.