Fragaria + ODRŮDY strawberries

Strawberries thrive in nutrient rich soil, steady moisture during flowering and fruit development, and plenty of sun and warmth. Once the berries begin to colour, it’s best to reduce watering to limit the spread of fungal diseases. Harvest time varies with climate, but in our conditions it usually begins in June. In warmer countries, where plants receive more natural sunlight and heat outdoors, strawberries can ripen as early as March. 

Before planting, prepare the soil thoroughly so the plants can root quickly and deeply. Mix the existing garden soil with compost or well rotted humus, and if needed, add a fertiliser for strawberries or soft fruit. Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5). Container-grown plants can be planted from spring until mid October; bare root plants are best planted in spring or again from August to September. Bare root plants benefit from a short soaking in water before planting.

It’s a good idea to plant strawberries in slightly raised rows, which helps prevent water from sitting in the crown of the plant. Recommended spacing is 30–40 cm between plants and 50–70 cm between rows. To keep ripening fruit clean and dry, you can place straw under the plants or use black non woven fabric. Straw works very well, but it can attract slugs — the most effective solution tends to be beer traps, which reliably lure and reduce them. Non woven fabric is practical, but it should be lifted each year so you can replenish nutrients. Plastic sheeting is no longer used. 

Strawberries also grow well in deep containers on a terrace or balcony. They will need more frequent watering and feeding, but the fruiting runners will hang over the edge, so the berries are less likely to rot. 

In early spring, remove old and damaged leaves, taking care not to injure the crown. Do not compost these leaves — it’s safer to burn them to prevent diseases from spreading. Strawberries produce their best harvest in the second and third year after planting. When the plants start forming runners, you can use the young plantlets for immediate replanting into new rows, where they will fruit strongly the following year. This rotation keeps your beds young, vigorous and productive. 

After three years, it’s best to clear the oldest bed and avoid replanting strawberries there for at least three more years, to break the cycle of soil borne diseases and pests such as nematodes. Strawberries can suffer from several diseases, most commonly grey mould, leaf spot diseases, powdery mildew and root rots. If you keep proper spacing, renew the beds regularly and remove infected plant parts in time, these problems will not be fatal.

Latest update: 18-09-2014; 10-05-2026