Winter strawberry cultivation techniques
2025-08-28 08:53:33
Choosing the right strawberry variety for greenhouse cultivation is crucial. The varieties selected should have low dormancy, good cold tolerance, and the ability to flower normally under low temperatures. They should also exhibit strong self-pollination, large fruit size, uniform shape, high yield, and superior quality. Popular choices include Japan's "Ghost Anger Gan," "Feng Xiang," "Japan 1," "Female Peak," and the U.S. variety "Red Peak." These varieties are well-suited for winter or early spring planting in greenhouses.
Next, site selection and soil preparation are essential. Strawberries require well-drained, loose soil with a flat terrain and good irrigation facilities. Since it's difficult to apply fertilizer during the growing season in a greenhouse, a thorough base fertilizer application should be done before planting. Mix 5,000 tons of high-quality organic compost with an appropriate amount of triple superphosphate. After mixing, level the soil and create raised beds about 1 meter wide and 20–30 cm high.
For planting, strong seedlings should be selected—those with a root length of 3–5 cm, roots thicker than 0.8 cm, and 3–5 fully developed leaves. Plant them in two rows with 20 cm between rows and 13 cm between plants. During the hot season, ensuring proper planting depth and moisture is key to survival. The plant should be placed so that the base of the stem is level with the soil surface. Over-deep planting can cause rot, while too shallow planting may expose the crown, leading to dehydration. After planting, water thoroughly and keep the soil moist for 1–2 weeks.
Covering the plastic film should begin about a month after planting. Remove any diseased or yellow leaves and spray a 500-fold solution of thiophanate-methyl before covering. Apply the film vertically along the plants, making small slits with a knife or hand to allow the stems to pass through. Be careful not to damage the leaves, and keep the slits as small as possible. Once night temperatures drop below 15°C, start the greenhouse management process, similar to that used for peppers after fall planting.
Post-planting care involves regular watering and checking for missing plants. After the seedlings establish, apply 10 kg of urea per acre, and mix in 0.3% urea and 0.5% potassium dihydrogen phosphate when watering. During fruit development, consistent watering is essential to ensure large, well-colored fruits. In greenhouses, where natural pollinators may be limited, bee pollination or manual pollination using a brush is recommended. One hive per greenhouse is ideal, and bees should be introduced one week before flowering. Avoid using pesticides during the first half of the month. Additionally, increasing light exposure in the greenhouse can improve yield, fruit quality, and reduce deformation.
Pest control is important for healthy growth. Common diseases include gray mold and powdery mildew. Gray mold can be controlled with a 600-fold solution of a fungicide like Sulfur, while powdery mildew can be treated with Triadimefon or a 600–700-fold solution of a broad-spectrum fungicide. Insect pests such as aphids can be managed with pyrethroid-based insecticides.
Harvesting typically occurs 35–45 days after flowering. For winter sales, harvest when the fruit is at 80% maturity, and for early spring, harvest at the beginning of the season to make transportation easier. When picking, handle the fruit gently, using containers with good support to avoid crushing. Harvest in batches to prevent over-maturity, which reduces market value. Consistent monitoring and timely harvesting are essential to maintain quality and maximize profits.
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