Strawberry Seeds,
Tresca

Start seeds indoors 8 weeks before the last frost, typically in early spring. Alternatively, seeds can be sown outdoors in early spring once frost danger has passed. Strawberries can be grown year-round in warmer climates, but they do need protection from frost in colder areas. If you’re not sure how to find your area's first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

Surface sow the seeds, as they need light to germinate. Germination occurs in 14-48 days at temperatures around 65 F. Once seedlings have developed several leaves, transplant them outdoors, spacing them about 8 inches apart. Make sure that the crown remains above soil level when planting.

Provide at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, and keep the soil evenly moist, particularly during flowering and fruiting. Mulching helps retain moisture and keeps the fruits clean. A balanced fertilizer can be applied during the growing season to support healthy growth and fruit production.

• To save strawberry seeds, allow the fruit to become very ripe, then mash the fruit in a bowl and wash the pulp away through successive rinsing.
• Spread seeds out on a paper plate to dry.
• Strawberries are insect-pollinated, so alpine strawberries will cross between varieties. It is wise to grow just one variety at a time or isolate by at least 1/2 mile to prevent mixing.
• Strawberry seed will remain viable for 2 or more years when stored properly, in cool, dry conditions.