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.