Strawberry

Fragaria × ananassa

MediumFruit60-90 days
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Overview

Strawberries thrive in NFT systems, provided the crown remains dry to prevent rot. Day-neutral or everbearing varieties are best for continuous hydroponic harvest. They are sensitive to salinity and require specific environmental controls for optimal sweetness.

Growing Requirements

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pH Range

5.5 - 6.5

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EC Range

1 - 1.4 mS/cm

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TDS Range

500 - 700 ppm

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Temperature

18°C - 25°C

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Light Requirement

High (14 hours/day)

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Nutrient Needs

High Potassium during fruitingCalcium to prevent tip burnMagnesiumIron chelateLower Nitrogen during bloom

Growth Timeline

1

Establishment

1-2 weeks

Transplanting bare roots or runners into the NFT channel. Keep EC low (0.8-1.0) and ensure the crown is elevated above the nutrient film.

2

Vegetative Growth

3-4 weeks

Rapid development of the leaf canopy. Roots elongate into the channel. Maintain humidity to prevent stress.

3

Flowering & Pollination

Ongoing

Flowers emerge. In indoor setups, hand pollination or bumblebees are required. Humidity should be lowered slightly to aid pollen release.

4

Fruiting

30 days from flower

Berries swell and ripen. Nutrient solution should focus on Potassium and lower Nitrogen.

Common Issues & Solutions

Crown Rot (Phytophthora)

Symptoms:
  • Wilting leaves
  • Brown, mushy plant base
  • Plant collapse
Causes:
  • Crown submerged in nutrient solution
  • Poor oxygenation
  • Water temperature too high
Solutions:
  • Raise plant position so crown is dry
  • Increase flow rate for oxygenation
  • Use water chiller

Tip Burn

Symptoms:
  • Browning of edges on young leaves
  • Distorted leaf growth
Causes:
  • Calcium deficiency
  • High humidity preventing transpiration
  • EC too high
Solutions:
  • Add Calcium supplement
  • Increase airflow over canopy
  • Lower EC

Spider Mites

Symptoms:
  • Fine webbing between leaves
  • Yellow stippling/dots on leaves
Causes:
  • Low humidity
  • High temperatures
  • Lack of airflow
Solutions:
  • Introduce predatory mites
  • Apply neem oil (not on fruit)
  • Increase humidity

Harvesting Guide

When to Harvest

Harvest when the berry is fully red from tip to calyx. Strawberries do not ripen further after picking.

How to Harvest

Snip the stem about 1cm above the calyx using sterile scissors or pinch the stem carefully. Do not pull the berry itself.

Storage Tips

Store unwashed in a single layer in the refrigerator for 5-7 days. Keep dry to prevent mold.

Expected Yield

Approximately 0.5kg to 1.0kg per plant per season, depending on variety and system optimization.

Photo Gallery

Strawberry - Image 1
Strawberry - Image 2
Strawberry - Image 3

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