Cold Stratification: Place the seeds in the refrigerator for 2-4 weeks before planting. You can put them in a sealed plastic bag with some moistened vermiculite or sand.
Sowing Seeds: Plant the seeds approximately 1/4 inch deep in the soil. Space them about 1 inch apart. Gently water the soil to ensure it is evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Germination: Place the seed trays/pots in a warm location with plenty of indirect sunlight or under grow lights. Maintain a consistent temperature of around 70-75°F (21-24°C). Germination typically takes 1-3 weeks. Keep the soil moist during this period.
Transplanting: Once the seedlings have developed their first true leaves and are large enough to handle, usually when they reach a height of 2-3 inches, they are ready for transplanting. Harden off the seedlings by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over a period of 7-10 days.
Choosing a Growing Location: Select a site in your garden that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. The soil should be well-draining and enriched with organic matter. Giant Strawberries thrive in slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 5.5-6.5.
Planting Out: Dig holes in the prepared garden soil, spacing them around 12-18 inches apart to allow sufficient room for the plants to spread. Gently remove the seedlings from their containers and place them in the holes. Ensure that the soil level around the plants matches the level of the seedling's original soil. Backfill the holes and gently firm the soil around the plants.
Watering: Water the newly transplanted seedlings thoroughly after planting and continue to keep the soil consistently moist. Be cautious not to overwater, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch, such as straw or wood chips, around the plants. Mulching helps to conserve soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and protect the developing fruits from direct contact with the soil.
Care and Maintenance: Regularly water the plants, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged. Provide supplemental water during dry spells. Monitor the plants for pests and diseases, and take appropriate action if necessary. Remove weeds that compete with the strawberry plants for nutrients and space.
Pollination: Strawberries are typically self-pollinating, but you can aid the process by gently brushing the flowers with a soft brush or allowing bees and other pollinators to do the job. Increased pollination usually leads to better fruit set.
Harvesting: Giant Strawberries will ripen approximately 4-6 weeks after flowering. Harvest the fruits when they are fully red, plump, and fragrant. Carefully twist or cut the berries from the plants, leaving the green stem intact.
By following these growing instructions, you'll be well on your way to enjoying a bountiful harvest of delicious Giant Strawberries grown right from seed. Remember to provide proper care, and with time and patience, you'll be rewarded with exceptional fruits that will delight your senses.
These seeds are guaranteed viable. Should you have difficulties with the germination, then just contact me for a free replacement. Extra precaution will be taken with the packaging to protect the seeds from damage by mail sorting machines. Should a damage still have occurred, or the item was lost in the mail, then I will mail you a replacement.
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If, for any reason, you are not completely happy with your purchased item, we offer a hassle-free return policy that allows you to initiate a return within 30 days of the original purchase date.
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Please note that while we cover the delivery costs for returning unwanted goods, we are unable to refund the postage cost incurred by the customer for the initial purchase.
Exceptions to Return Policy:
We regret to inform you that returns cannot be accepted for self-damaged goods. It is essential to ensure that items are returned in their original condition, as any damage caused by the customer may result in the inability to process a refund.