strawberry plant growth stages

In ancient Rome, around the year 234 BC, historians believe that the first strawberry plant was discovered. Initially, the plant was mainly used for medicinal purposes. The garden variety strawberry that we enjoy every summer first appeared in a garden in Brittany, France. Essentially an accident, they were a hybrid of Chilean and Virginia strawberries as a result of cross-pollination by bees, a process then documented by the botanist Antoine Duchesne (1747-1827).

There are many theories about how the fruit got the name “strawberry.” It is believed that it was originally called “clayberry”, but etymologists are not sure why the name was then changed to strawberry. It is thought, perhaps, to have been changed to a scattered berry, in connection with the fact that the plant produces a runner and the fruit grows on the ground. Another assumption is that it refers to the fact that farmers use straw when planting or that the berries would be sold on a stick of straw. However you look at it, it’s a unique name for the most delicious fruit.

Germination

Germinating strawberry seeds is more challenging than other garden plants because they need light to germinate and to be dormant before they can grow. For successful germination, condition or stratify seeds for 2 – 3 weeks by storing them at 10 – 30 degrees.

Planting bare root strawberries, strawberry seedlings, or runners are other ways to grow strawberry plants. Runners, called stolons or daughter plants, sprout as the berries ripen.

Patio Gardening

Strawberries are also a great patio plant that grows well in containers. In fact, vertical planters are great for growing strawberries, and better than in the ground growing for several reasons.

We grew strawberries in the Nancy Jane stacking planters and also in urn style terra cotta pots and they are doing great and blooming. Some have even “hopped out” of the stacked planter and are now growing on the ground around it!

Stage 1: Strawberry Seed

The first stage of growth of strawberries is in the form of seeds. At this stage, still, nothing happens, no sign of germination or any activity under the strawberry plant. The characteristics of strawberry seeds are very small and have a rounded appearance. It is brown in color with a fine texture. It has no or less odor.

The strawberry seed will be considered the first stage as it is where the plant grows and develops. Also, most plants have seeds, where they start their journey. You can buy seeds from the store or buy fruit and grow a plant using it.

Fruits Strawberries

Strawberries are the first fruits to ripen in the spring. Depending on the type of strawberry plants you have in the garden, you will get fruit production at different times.

June bearing strawberries produce large sweet strawberries for about 3 weeks, sometime around late May into June where I am.