How do i make my own seeds from a Strawberry and grow them form the seed?
Mark E.
Making your own seeds from a strawberry is a fun and rewarding process! Strawberry seeds are actually the tiny "dots" you see on the outside of the fruit. Here's how you can harvest and grow your own strawberry seeds:
How to Harvest Strawberry Seeds:
1. Choose the Right Strawberry
Select a ripe, organic strawberry. Ideally, choose a variety you like and know will grow well in your climate.
2. Extract the Seeds
Wash the Strawberry to remove any dirt or debris.
Use a knife or spoon to carefully scrape the seeds off the strawberry’s surface. Gently scrape until most of the seeds are off the fruit.
3. Clean the Seeds
After scraping, the seeds will likely be stuck to some of the fruit pulp.
Rinse the seeds in a fine mesh strainer under cold water to remove any remaining strawberry flesh.
Place the seeds on a paper towel or cloth and gently blot them dry.
4. Dry the Seeds
Lay the cleaned seeds on a paper towel or plate in a cool, dry place for 1-2 days to dry completely. Make sure they are spread out so they don't stick to each other.
5. Store the Seeds
Once dry, store your seeds in a paper envelope or small glass jar.
Keep them in a cool, dark place until you're ready to plant them.
How to Grow Strawberry Seeds:
1. Prepare the Seed Tray or Pot
Use a seed tray or a small pot with drainage holes.
Fill it with a moist, well-draining potting mix (a mix of peat and perlite works well).
2. Stratify the Seeds (Cold Treatment)
Strawberry seeds need a cold period to germinate effectively. This mimics the natural winter chilling they would experience outdoors.
Place the seeds in a sealed plastic bag with some moist (but not soaking) paper towels.
Put the bag in the refrigerator for 3-4 weeks (this is known as cold stratification).
3. Sow the Seeds
After the cold stratification period, scatter the seeds lightly on the surface of the moist soil.
Gently press the seeds down with a flat object, but do not cover them with soil—strawberry seeds need light to germinate.
4. Provide Light & Warmth
Place the seed tray or pot in a bright area (indirect sunlight or under grow lights).
Keep the soil moist but not soggy.
The seeds should germinate in 2-4 weeks.
5. Transplant the Seedlings
Once the seedlings grow large enough to handle (with 2-3 leaves), you can transplant them into bigger pots or directly into your garden if the weather is warm enough.
Tips for Success:
Strawberry seeds can be tricky and may not always germinate well, so plant extra seeds and be patient.
Some varieties of strawberries may have better germination rates than others, so it’s a good idea to experiment with a few types.
Grow indoors during the winter months to ensure your strawberries have the proper conditions.
Here's a close-up image of strawberry seeds on the surface of a ripe strawberry! It shows the tiny, round seeds embedded in the fruit.