Stages of Strawberry Seed Germination
Strawberry seeds germinate in three main stages which includes dormancy, transition and sprouting. The germination of strawberries can repeat itself for up to three years before the seeds need to be replanted. Strawberries can be tricky to grow, and the plant may face many obstacles during its germination stages, but the end reward is very delicious. Does this Spark an idea?
Other People Are Reading
-
Dormancy
-
Strawberry plants are planted according to the general temperature of a given area. In areas that are prone to severe winter weather with cooler temperatures in the spring, the dormant plant should be planted in early spring. In areas with milder temperatures in the winter months, the plants are planted in the fall, which will produce a crop during the following spring. The reddish-purple dormant leaves will grow on the plant during this stage but otherwise, the plant will remain dormant with not a lot of growth. Generally, strawberry plants need to be planted in near-freezing temperatures for at least two weeks before they will show the first signs of flowers and berries.
Transition
-
The strawberry plant will transition from dormancy when the milder climates hit. The strawberry seed exchanges carbon dioxide for oxygen from the air and soil, also known as respiration. The plant produces seedlings which begin to grow, extending its first roots from the soil. Green leaves and flower trusses will emerge from the plant's crown and flower petals will begin to grow from the cluster of flowers in the plant.
-
Sprouting
-
The sprouting stage occurs between seven to 21 days of the plant's transition from dormancy. The flowers are in full bloom and the first berries appear and take on a bright red color as they ripen. The growth of the first red berries are known as the first harvest. Shortly after the first harvest, other berries will begin to grow and ripen every one to two days.
-
References
- Photo Credit strawberries image by Andrey Starostin from Fotolia.com
