Strawberries are not only delicious but also incredibly versatile—whether as a snack, in desserts, or even in salads. However, growing strawberries can be challenging, especially in regions where the climate isn’t ideal. This is where hydroponics comes into play. With this cultivation method, you can harvest strawberries year-round, regardless of weather or seasons.
But that’s not all! Growing strawberries hydroponically offers many other advantages. The plants grow faster, yields are higher, and you have full control over the nutrients they receive. No heavy soils, no weed problems, and significantly fewer pests—what more could you want? Hydroponics also means you can grow strawberries in the smallest of spaces, even in your apartment. For anyone who loves fresh, juicy strawberries, this is the ideal way to ensure these sweet fruits are always at hand.
The Best Strawberry Varieties for Hydroponics
Not every strawberry variety is suitable for hydroponics, so choosing the right variety is crucial for your success. Some varieties are particularly well-suited for hydroponic cultivation because they are robust and thrive excellently in a controlled environment. When selecting, you should consider characteristics such as yield, taste, and growth time.
A popular variety for hydroponics is Albion. This day-neutral strawberry produces sweet, aromatic fruits and delivers high yields, even in closed systems. If you’re looking for something experimental, Ostara is a great choice—this variety is easy to care for and produces fruits that almost taste like wild strawberries. Lastly, there’s Mara des Bois, known for its intense, traditional strawberry flavor. This variety is perfect for gourmets who are looking for that special something.
| Variety | Harvest Time | Taste | Sensitivity | Yield |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Albion | Day-neutral | Sweet, aromatic | Robust | High |
| Ostara | Early to late | Wild berry-like | Moderate risk | Medium |
| Mara des Bois | Medium | Intensely sweet | Sensitive | High |
The Ideal Hydroponic System for Strawberries
Strawberries thrive in various hydroponic systems, but not every system is equally suitable. The most commonly used are the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) and the Deep Water Culture (DWC). Both systems have their advantages, depending on how much space you have and how much care you want to invest.
The NFT system is perfect for strawberries, as the plant roots hang in a thin film of nutrient solution, allowing for constant supply. It is space-saving and ensures a rapid nutrient flow, promoting growth. Strawberries grow quickly and healthily in this system, but you must ensure that the pump runs continuously, so the roots don’t dry out.
The Deep Water Culture is a good choice if you want a straightforward solution. Here, the strawberry roots grow in a large water container that is continuously enriched with nutrients. It requires less technical equipment, although the space requirement is somewhat larger, as each plant needs more room. In return, you benefit from a stable environment, which is especially beneficial for your strawberries during hot summer months.
| System | Space Requirement | Maintenance Effort | Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFT System | Low | High | Fast growth, space-saving |
| Deep Water Culture | Medium to high | Medium | Stable environment, low technology |
Cultivation: From Seed Selection to Young Plants
Growing strawberries in hydroponics starts with the right cultivation. While you can also buy strawberry plants as seedlings, it’s worth being involved from the beginning and growing the plants from seeds. It requires some patience, but this way, you can ensure that the plants grow robust and healthy.
It’s best to start with a germination box or seed cubes. These provide optimal conditions for the young seedlings. Strawberry seeds need light to germinate, so simply sprinkle them on the surface of the growing substrate and press them down lightly. Make sure the substrate remains moist but not soaked—this is key for a good germination rate. Germination usually takes two to three weeks, so be patient.
Once the first leaves have formed, you can transfer the small plants to the hydroponic system. It’s important to gradually acclimate them to the system conditions. Initially, place them in the system for a few hours and gradually increase the time they spend there. This minimizes stress for the plants and ensures healthy development.
The Right Substrate for Hydroponic Strawberries
The substrate is crucial in hydroponics, as it provides stability to the plants while supplying the roots with oxygen. For strawberries, you have a variety of options, but some substrates are better suited than others. Coconut fibers, rock wool, and perlite are tried-and-true classics for growing strawberries in hydroponic systems.
Coconut fibers are a very popular substrate because they store moisture excellently while ventilating the roots well. The material is biodegradable and lasts longer than many other organic alternatives. If you’re looking for a sustainable substrate, coconut fiber is a good choice.
Rock wool is another substrate often used in hydroponics. It provides enough support for the roots and ensures even water distribution. A small disadvantage is that rock wool is not biodegradable, but it is very durable and rarely needs to be replaced.
Perlite is extremely lightweight and is often used as an addition to other substrates. It improves drainage and oxygen supply to the roots, which is especially important for strawberries. Since strawberry roots are sensitive to waterlogging, perlite can help avoid this problem.
Optimal Temperature for Healthy Growth
Strawberries, like most plants, depend on the right temperatures to grow optimally. In hydroponics, you have the advantage of being able to precisely control the environment of your plants. This not only ensures healthy plants but also sweet, aromatic fruits.
The ideal temperature for strawberries is between 18°C and 24°C. These temperatures allow the plants to grow vigorously and produce a bountiful harvest. It’s also important to distinguish between day and night temperatures. At night, it should be slightly cooler, ideally between 10°C and 15°C, as this supports the plants’ natural growth cycle.
If you’re working in an indoor system, it’s relatively easy to maintain these temperatures consistently. In a greenhouse or outdoors, however, it can be a challenge, especially in midsummer or deep winter. Climate control systems or simple ventilation and shading can be helpful here to avoid extreme fluctuations.
The Right Light: Illuminating Hydroponic Strawberries
Light is one of the most important prerequisites for strawberry growth. Without sufficient light, growth is disrupted, and fruiting does not occur. In hydroponics, especially if you’re growing indoors, proper lighting is crucial for a successful harvest.
Strawberries need at least 8 to 12 hours of light daily to grow well. If you don’t have a greenhouse or live in a region with little natural light, you should consider installing artificial lighting. LED lamps are the best choice because they are energy-efficient and provide the right light spectrum for plant growth. LEDs offer both blue light, which is important for the vegetative phase, and red light, which supports flowering and fruiting.
Make sure the lamps are not too far from the plants. The distance should be about 30 to 45 cm to ensure the plants receive enough light without overheating. A practical tip: Use a timer to automate the light cycle. This way, you ensure that your strawberries always get the ideal amount of light.
pH and EC Levels: The Perfect Nutrient Balance
To ensure that your strawberries thrive in hydroponics, you need to keep an eye on the pH and EC (electrical conductivity) levels. These values indicate whether the plants are receiving the right nutrients in the right amounts.
The pH level for strawberries should be between 5.5 and 6.5. A pH level that is too high or too low can prevent the roots from absorbing essential nutrients, even if they are present. A simple pH meter can help you check the level regularly. If the pH level falls outside the optimal range, there are special pH-up or pH-down solutions to adjust the value.
The EC level measures the nutrient concentration in the nutrient solution. For strawberries, the value should be between 1.2 and 2.0 mS/cm. If the EC level is too high, the plants can “burn,” and the roots can be damaged. A low EC level means the plants are not receiving enough nutrients. An EC meter can help you regularly check the value and adjust the nutrient solution as needed.
Fertilizers and Nutrients: What Strawberries Really Need
Strawberries are hungry plants that need a good supply of nutrients for a bountiful harvest. In hydroponics, this is especially important because the plants can’t draw nutrients from the soil. Instead, they receive everything they need through the nutrient solution you provide.
Strawberries require a balanced mix of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K)—often referred to as the NPK ratio. Nitrogen promotes leaf growth, while phosphorus supports root development and flowering. Potassium is essential for fruiting and overall plant health. A typical NPK ratio for strawberries is about 10-10-20 during fruiting.
In addition to the main nutrients, strawberries also need micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, and iron. Make sure the fertilizer you use contains these essential elements. Special hydroponic fertilizers for fruit plants are ideal because they are tailored to the needs of strawberries. Regular fertilization and checking the nutrient solution are crucial for a rich and healthy strawberry harvest.
When and How to Harvest the Best Fruits
Harvest time is the moment you’ve been waiting for—juicy, sweet strawberries just waiting to be picked. But when is the right time to harvest, and how do you do it best without damaging the plant?
The perfect time to harvest strawberries is when they are fully red and shiny. Ensure the fruits have an even color and no green or white spots are visible. The taste and sweetness are optimal then. For some varieties, timing is crucial—if you wait too long, the fruits lose their sweetness or become overripe.
To harvest, it’s best to cut the fruit directly with a sharp knife or scissors to avoid injuring the plant. Always leave a small piece of the stem on the fruit to extend its shelf life. Be especially careful with the plant’s runners, as they can grow into new plants and form the basis for your next harvest.
Diseases and Pests: Protecting Hydroponic Strawberries
Even though hydroponic systems are less susceptible to pests and diseases, you’re not entirely immune. A few common problems can also affect hydroponic strawberries, and it’s important to recognize these early and take appropriate action.
A common issue is powdery mildew, which appears as a whitish coating on the leaves and fruits. In a humid environment, this fungus can spread quickly. Make sure the humidity is not too high and that your plants are adequately ventilated. Natural fungicides or neem oil can help combat it.
Root rot can also be a problem, especially if the nutrient solution is not adequately aerated. Regularly check that the roots are healthy and white. Dark or soft roots are a sign of rot. Improving the oxygen supply in the system and removing any damaged roots can help.
Regarding pests, hydroponic strawberries are susceptible to aphids and spider mites. Regularly spraying the plants with water can help keep pests at bay. Natural insecticides or predatory mites are also good solutions to keep populations in check if an infestation occurs.
Extra Tips: Thriving Hydroponic Strawberries
Strawberries have a few peculiarities you should consider to get the most out of your hydroponic harvest. One of the most important tasks with strawberries is managing runners. These long shoots grow from the mother plant and can form new plants. This sounds good at first, but too many runners can weaken the mother plant, as it expends energy on growing the shoots instead of producing fruit.
If you want many fruits, you should regularly remove most of the runners. Leave only one or two if you plan to grow new plants. Otherwise, you can remove them all so the mother plant can focus on fruiting.
Another important tip is pollination. Since there are no bees or other insects for pollination in indoor hydroponics, you have to do this job yourself. Simply use a small brush and gently brush over the flowers to distribute the pollen. This promotes fruiting and ensures that your strawberries are well pollinated.
