Strawberry seeds can require a bit of work in order to get started.
They aren’t as simple to grow as other seeds, such as tomatoes or squash.
As a matter of fact, growing strawberries from seed is one of the more difficult tasks that a home gardener might tackle.
Want to know what you’ve done wrong?
Check out each point, then dive into the articles I’ve linked to throughout the article to get you on the RIGHT path when it comes to growing your own strawberries from seed!
Have Patience: How Long Does It Take for Strawberry Seeds to Germinate?
You truly need to have lots, and lots, and lots of patience in order to germinate these tiny little seeds!
They will require between 7 and 28 days to germinate, and this will depend on a lot of different factors, including:
- Where the seeds are being started (indoors/outdoors).
- The germinating medium you’re using.
- The germination method you’re using.
- The temperature of the germination medium or room.
- The amount of light the seeds receive.
- Whether or not stratification occurred.
- The seed’s own timing.
- The seed’s genetics.
- Age of the seed.
- Moisture/humidity.
No Stratification = Low or No Germination Rate!
What is stratification, you ask? Well, it’s putting the seeds through a fake dormancy. Here, you can learn how to stratify the strawberry seeds at home successfully. Some plants utilize this dormancy period to trigger spring growth from seeds, as it helps to ensure that the plant’s offspring don’t try to sprout before they have a growing season to become established. Some seeds may still sprout, and would fail to thrive, dying during the harsh winter weather. The vast majority wait out the winter, and the warmth following the cold season initiates germination.
Dry Seeds Are Not Desirable
Whatever you do, don’t allow your seeds to dry out while you are trying to encourage them to germinate. I use this method to germinate strawberry seeds, and it is largely hands off. In other words, I don’t have to monitor moisture! I just set the finished germination packet in a sunny area, and check it every few days! Growing strawberries from seed is ridiculously easy for me, as I have learned what they need from me. You should try this method too.
Strawberries Require Light!
Would you believe me if I told you that strawberry seeds require light in order to germinate? It’s true! If you have buried the seeds or placed them in a dark place, they probably aren’t getting enough light to sprout. Again, I recommend the method I linked to above because it allows light to reach the seeds, while trapping moisture. Once the seedlings begin to germinate, grab some pots and pot them up! There are tons of ways to find free pots and planters, especially for tiny strawberry seedlings. I truly wonder if this is another survival mechanism for strawberry plants, as the tiny seedlings may struggle to grow if they have fruit, leaves, or dirt covering them too deeply. This would keep the seeds from germinating in the wrong conditions, allowing them to wait until the conditions are better for successful establishment.
If It’s Too Cold, You’re Reducing Germination Rates
If the growing area is too cold, whether it’s the garden bed or your kitchen counter, the seeds are going to be reluctant to sprout. Not only will they take longer to sprout, they may not poke their heads out at all. Keep the seeds at 70*F to increase your rate of germination. Once sprouted, the seedlings can be kept or transplanted in cooler conditions if necessary. They just require warm conditions to get started, in order to ensure survival.
