Growing Requirements

In general, strawberry plants thrive in high-altitude areas with relatively cool temperatures as they originate from subtropical regions. They prefer sandy soil containing clay, such as mountain slopes. Here are the growing conditions and planting media for strawberries

A. Climate

  • Climate types A, B, and C (wet areas) based on the Schmidt-Fergusson classification.

  • Annual rainfall ranges from 600 to 700 mm.

  • Temperature ranges from 10 to 30ºC, with an optimum of 27ºC.

  • Humidity levels between 60% and 90%.

  • Sunlight intensity of 8 to 10 hours per day.

  • Elevation above 900 meters above sea level.

B. Growing Medium

  • Sandy clay soil that is fertile and loose. If used in polybags/sacks, it must have good porosity, be easily absorbent, and rich in nutrients.

  • Soil pH in open land: 5.4 – 7.0.

  • Soil pH in pots/polybags: 6.5 – 7.0.

  • Water depth of 50 – 100 cm from the soil surface.

  • Growing medium for polybags/sacks should consist of compost, rice husk charcoal, and cocopeat.

The harvesting process marks the final stage of fruit growth. Strawberries can generally be harvested two months after planting. Since strawberries are non-climacteric fruits, harvesting must be done precisely when the fruit is fully ripe to ensure good quality in terms of appearance, freshness, texture, and color.

Strawberries are perishable fruits, so harvesting must be done carefully. They can be consumed fresh or processed. Due to their short harvesting period, strawberries must be handled promptly to maintain quality. Post-harvest handling processes for strawberries include sorting, grading, packaging, storage, and processing.

Harvesting and Post-Harvesting

Characteristics and Harvest Age

The fruit's skin color is predominantly red, reddish-green, or reddish-yellow, with a fruit stem that is yellowish-brown. The flesh is chewy and slightly soft. It is harvested at two weeks after flowering or 10 days after the initial fruit formation. If harvested too early, while still greenish-white, the fruit will taste sour even if its color has changed to red.

Fruit Ripeness Level

The ripeness level of strawberries significantly affects their resistance to damage and shelf life. Generally, fruit ripeness can be classified as follows:

  • Phase 1: The fruit is completely white.

  • Phase 2: 25% of the fruit is red.

  • Phase 3: 50% of the fruit is red.

  • Phase 4: 75% of the fruit is red.

  • Phase 5: 90% of the fruit is red.

  • Phase 6: The fruit is 100% red.

The recommended harvest stage is Phase 4 or Phase 5, or it can be adjusted based on market needs and purposes.