Greenhouse cultivation of strawberries offers a highly controlled environment that significantly improves fruit yield, quality, and extends the harvesting duration. This method overcomes climatic limitations and provides protection against pests, diseases, and unpredictable weather events such as unseasonal rainfall. Additionally, it allows growers to fine-tune environmental conditions for optimal crop performance.
1. Advantages of Growing Strawberry in Greenhouse
- Year-round and off-season production capability
- Superior pest and disease control through physical barriers and climate regulation
- Improved fruit quality in terms of taste, color, and size
- Efficient utilization of water and nutrients through drip irrigation and fertigation
- Higher market value and better pricing due to availability during lean seasons
- Minimal pesticide use, leading to safer produce
2. Suitable Varieties for Greenhouse
- Chandler
- Sweet Charlie
- Winter Dawn
- Camarosa
- Festival
- Albion and San Andreas (for long harvest duration)
3. Environmental Requirements
- Temperature: Optimal range is 15°C to 26°C; temperature regulation is crucial
- Humidity: Ideal range is 60–80%; humidity control helps prevent fungal diseases
- Light: Requires high light intensity; artificial lighting can supplement natural light
- Photoperiod: Use short-day varieties for early harvest; day-neutral for extended harvest
4. Propagation
Strawberries are propagated using healthy runners or tissue culture plantlets. Selecting disease-free, certified planting material ensures healthy crop establishment and minimizes early-stage crop loss. In greenhouse systems, tissue-cultured plants are often preferred for uniform growth and predictable performance.
5. Growing Media
Strawberries are typically grown in soilless media such as cocopeat, perlite, and vermiculite in various ratios. Hydroponic setups like NFT (Nutrient Film Technique), aeroponics, and grow bags are increasingly used to ensure precise nutrient and water delivery. These systems also reduce weed growth and soil-borne diseases.
6. Planting and Spacing
Plants are spaced at 25–30 cm apart in rows that are 30–40 cm apart. Planting is commonly done in staggered double rows on raised beds, vertical towers, or troughs to optimize space. Proper spacing facilitates airflow and light penetration, which are vital for disease control and fruit development.
7. Irrigation and Fertigation
- Drip irrigation systems are used for efficient water application
- Fertigation allows for nutrient scheduling according to plant growth stages
- Soluble fertilizers like NPK (19:19:19), calcium nitrate, and magnesium sulfate are commonly used
- Micronutrient supplementation (boron, zinc, iron) is also essential
- Regular monitoring of EC and pH of the nutrient solution is required
8. Pollination Management
Greenhouses limit access to natural pollinators, so manual pollination or bumble bee hives are introduced. In smaller setups, gentle shaking of plants during flowering enhances pollination. Some growers use electric vibrating tools or airflow systems to aid pollen transfer.
9. Pest and Disease Management
- Use of insect-proof nets, yellow/blue sticky traps, and physical barriers
- Common pests: aphids, spider mites, thrips, and whiteflies
- Common diseases: powdery mildew, grey mold (Botrytis), anthracnose, and root rot
- IPM strategies include biological control, sanitation, and organic sprays
- Monitoring systems and early detection are key to effective control
10. Extra Activities to Improve Yield and Quality
- Mulching: Black or silver polythene mulch improves moisture retention and suppresses weeds
- Deflowering: Removal of early flowers boosts plant vigor and later fruiting
- Leaf Removal: Periodic pruning of older leaves increases airflow and reduces fungal risks
- Fruit Thinning: Ensures uniformity and size of remaining fruits
- Use of Growth Regulators: Gibberellic acid or auxins promote flowering and fruit set
- Artificial Lighting: Improves flowering and extends the growing season during low-light periods
- Climate Monitoring: Automated temperature and humidity control systems enhance consistency
- CO2 Enrichment: Increases photosynthetic activity and yield in tightly sealed greenhouses
11. Harvesting
Strawberries are ready for harvest within 60–90 days of planting, depending on the cultivar and growing conditions. Harvesting is done every 2–3 days. Fruits should be harvested when they are fully red and firm, ideally during the early morning hours to avoid post-harvest losses.
12. Post-Harvest Handling
- Grading is done based on fruit size, color, and firmness
- Immediate pre-cooling at 0–2°C is essential to maintain freshness
- Packing in ventilated plastic punnets or clamshells prevents bruising
- Fruits are stored under refrigerated conditions to extend shelf life and preserve quality
Conclusion
Greenhouse cultivation of strawberries is a highly profitable venture that enables growers to produce high-quality, off-season fruits. By carefully managing environmental parameters, irrigation, fertigation, and plant health, growers can achieve greater productivity and market success. Incorporating modern technologies such as automated climate control, hydroponics, and artificial lighting further enhances profitability and sustainability in strawberry production.
