Strawberry is one of the most challenging crops to grow as it is very susceptible to climate conditions. Mathias Levarek, Founder of Agrotonomy, shares more on his insights on strawberry growing under various conditions.
"Whether you're growing strawberries in a climate-controlled greenhouse or indoors under LED lighting, it's essential to maintain daytime temperatures between 18°C and 25°C (65°F to 77°F) and nighttime temperatures ideally between 13°C and 18°C (55°F to 65°F).
During the summer, most climate-controlled greenhouses struggle to cool down to the recommended nighttime temperature range (ideally 16°C/60°F). As a result, while yields may be satisfactory, they're often not optimal.
This is why growing strawberries in a fully indoor environment is more manageable, as the temperature can be controlled precisely, day and night. In both greenhouses and indoor farms, maintaining humidity levels between 70% and 80%, and keeping CO2 levels between 700 PPM and 1500 PPM (with 1300 PPM being ideal), is recommended."
Outdoor cultivation
When growing strawberries outdoors on aeroponic towers, the preferred temperature range is between 15°C and 27°C (59°F to 80°F). However, at Agrotonomy, strawberries have been grown outdoors in conditions where daytime temperatures exceeded 30°C (86°F), and nighttime temperatures didn't drop below 20°C (68°F).
While the strawberries were excellent in terms of sweetness, flavor, and juiciness, the overall yield was below its potential. Simply put, for optimal outdoor strawberry farming with aeroponic towers, it's important to choose a climate where daytime temperatures aren't too extreme, and the nights are cool enough to fall within the recommended range.
Starting with bare-root plants vs. starting from seeds
When using aeroponic towers, starting strawberries from seeds is not recommended. Since strawberries are perennial plants, they focus on developing roots during their first year, meaning optimal yields won't be achieved until the second or third year, especially with June-bearing varieties. That's why it's best to start with bare-root plants or strawberry plugs, which are derived from runner plants (ramets).
Just like when growing in soil, strawberries grown in aeroponic systems prefer slightly acidic conditions. We recommend that the nutrient-rich water for aeroponic strawberries should have a pH between 4.5 and 6.
After years of experimenting with different strawberry varieties, including June-bearing and short-day types, we concluded that growing strawberries commercially on aeroponic towers is both viable and profitable—provided the climate conditions are right.
To reiterate, outdoor cultivation of strawberries with aeroponic towers works best in environments where the days don't get excessively hot and the nights cool off significantly, aligning with the ideal temperature range for the crop.
Strawberries are divided into 3 categories:
June-bearing strawberries
June-bearing strawberries are prized for their ability to produce one substantial harvest each year, typically during late spring to early summer. These varieties are known for their high yields and large, sweet berries, making them a popular choice for commercial growers and home gardeners alike.
Their fruiting season generally lasts for about two to three weeks, providing an abundant supply of strawberries in a short time. This characteristic makes June-bearers ideal for farmers looking to produce a significant amount of fruit all at once, which is especially beneficial for markets or processing purposes.
Because of their concentrated harvest window, June-bearing strawberries are also an excellent option for those who prefer to plan for a single, large-scale harvest rather than staggered picking throughout the season. This allows for easier labor management and a focused approach to distribution, whether for fresh sales or for preserving and freezing the fruit.
However, it's important to note that June-bearing varieties require proper spacing and care during the dormant months to ensure a fruitful crop. After the main harvest, they will not produce again until the following year, but the volume and quality of the berries during that period make them well worth the effort.
Everbearing strawberries are known for their ability to produce two to three distinct crops throughout the growing season, providing a predictable yet spaced-out harvest.
Typically, these varieties yield their first crop in early summer, followed by another in mid-summer, and often a final crop in early fall. This staggered production makes everbearing strawberries ideal for growers who prefer more defined harvest periods as opposed to the continuous, smaller yields seen with day-neutral varieties.
The breaks between harvests allow growers to manage labor and resources more efficiently, while still offering multiple opportunities to collect fruit. For home gardeners or small-scale farmers, this means fresh strawberries can be enjoyed at different points throughout the growing season, without the commitment of tending to continuous production.
Although the individual crops are smaller compared to the larger single harvest of June-bearing varieties, everbearing strawberries provide a nice balance for those who want consistent but not overwhelming production. Their relatively compact and well-timed harvest windows also make them a good fit for growers who need strawberries for specific market windows or events.
Day-neutral strawberries
Day-neutral strawberries are unique in their ability to produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season, regardless of the length of daylight. Unlike June-bearing or everbearing varieties, day-neutral strawberries aren't influenced by the number of daylight hours, meaning they can set fruit consistently from late spring until the first frost.
This variety tends to offer smaller, more frequent harvests, making them ideal for growers who prefer a steady supply of berries over time rather than one large harvest. The smaller yet consistent yield allows for regular picking, which can be particularly beneficial for fresh market sales, home gardening, or U-pick farms where consumers appreciate availability throughout the season.
Day-neutral strawberries are especially well-suited to cooler climates, as they thrive in moderate temperatures and can continue producing even when the weather turns cooler. In regions where summers are mild, these varieties will keep fruiting through the entire growing season without being slowed by heat or excessive light. In hotter climates, however, production might decline during peak summer temperatures, though it will often resume once conditions cool down.
While day-neutral strawberries typically produce smaller berries compared to June-bearing types, their ability to fruit continuously offers a great advantage for those looking to maintain a prolonged harvest window. This characteristic makes them a versatile option for growers seeking a balance between consistent yield and adaptability to a range of climate conditions.
Everbearing strawberries
Everbearing strawberries are known for their ability to produce two to three distinct crops over the course of the growing season, providing a predictable yet spaced-out harvest. Typically, these varieties yield their first crop in early summer, followed by another in mid-summer, and often a final crop in early fall.
This staggered production makes everbearing strawberries ideal for growers who prefer more defined harvest periods as opposed to the continuous, smaller yields seen with day-neutral varieties.
The breaks between harvests allow growers to manage labor and resources more efficiently, while still offering multiple opportunities to collect fruit. For home gardeners or small-scale farmers, this means fresh strawberries can be enjoyed at different points throughout the growing season, without the commitment of tending to continuous production.
Although the individual crops are smaller compared to the larger single harvest of June-bearing varieties, everbearing strawberries provide a nice balance for those who want consistent but not overwhelming production. Their relatively compact and well-timed harvest windows also make them a good fit for growers who need strawberries for specific market windows or events.
For more information:
Mathias Levarek, Founder
[email protected]
Agrotonomy Corp.
www.agrotonomy.com