How to Plant Strawberries from a Strawberry

Planting strawberries from a store-bought or homegrown fruit isn't the standard method, but it can be done by harvesting the seeds from the skin of the strawberry. These seeds, called achenes, can germinate with the right preparation and patience. It's not the quickest route to fruiting plants, but it's a fascinating way to grow your own strawberries from scratch, especially if you enjoy experimenting in the garden.

Can You Really Grow Strawberries from a Strawberry?

Yes, but it’s not the method used by most growers. Typically, strawberries are propagated using runners—those little shoots that spread from the base of the plant and root nearby. However, strawberries also contain hundreds of tiny seeds on their surface. With the right conditions, those seeds can be coaxed to germinate and grow into fruit-bearing plants over time.

How to Extract and Prepare Strawberry Seeds

To grow strawberries from a fruit, you first need to harvest the seeds. Take a ripe strawberry and scrape the seeds from the skin using a knife or gently rub the skin with a paper towel to loosen them. Rinse them in water to remove any fruit pulp. Let the seeds dry out completely on a paper towel in a warm, dry place for a few days before sowing.

When to Plant Strawberry Seeds

Start seeds indoors in late winter to early spring. This gives the young plants time to establish before being moved outdoors. Germination can be slow, so be patient—it might take two to four weeks. For a head start, you can cold-stratify the seeds by placing them in the fridge for two to three weeks before planting. This mimics winter and can help trigger germination.

What You'll Need to Grow Strawberries from Seed

You’ll need seed trays or small pots, seed compost, a spray bottle for watering, and cling film or a propagator lid to maintain humidity. Sow the seeds on the surface of moist compost, press them down gently, and cover lightly. Keep them in a warm, well-lit spot out of direct sunlight and mist daily to keep the soil damp but not soggy.

How Long Do Strawberries Take to Grow?

From seed, strawberry plants usually take several months to reach transplant size. You may see germination in 2–4 weeks, and plants may be ready for outdoor planting in 10–12 weeks. Don’t expect fruit in the first year—most plants will fruit the following summer once well established.

When to Move Strawberry Seedlings Outdoors

Once all danger of frost has passed and your seedlings have at least three to four strong leaves, harden them off over a week. Then transplant them into beds, containers or hanging baskets in a sunny, sheltered spot with well-drained, fertile soil.

Where Should You Plant Strawberries?

Choose a spot that gets full sun for at least six hours a day. The soil should be rich in organic matter, slightly acidic to neutral, and free-draining. If planting in the ground, space them around 30cm apart in rows about 45cm apart. Strawberries also grow well in raised beds, pots and containers.

How to Care for Strawberry Plants

Water regularly, especially while the plants are flowering and fruiting. Avoid watering the crown to prevent rot. Feed with a balanced fertiliser every few weeks. As fruits appear, tuck straw or mulch around the base to keep them clean and prevent rotting. Remove runners if you want the plant to put energy into producing fruit instead of new plants.

Common Issues and Pests

Slugs, birds and mildew are common threats to strawberries. Use netting to keep birds off, and consider using copper tape or organic slug repellents. Water early in the day to avoid damp conditions that encourage mildew. Keep weeds down and avoid overcrowding to ensure good airflow.

Will They Grow True to the Original Fruit?

Not always. Strawberries grown from seed don’t always produce fruit identical to the parent plant, especially if the original fruit was from a hybrid variety. You may end up with a plant that fruits less, produces smaller berries, or has a different flavour. But if you're growing for the fun of it or trying to develop your own variety, it's a great project.

Patience Is Key

Strawberries from seed are a long game. Unlike growing from runners, where you might get fruit the same year, seed-grown plants often take a full year to produce anything decent. If you’re after speed and consistency, runners are better. But if you enjoy watching the full process unfold, seed growing is rewarding.

Use a Fine Sieve for Cleaning Seeds

After scraping seeds from the skin of the strawberry, rinse them in a fine sieve under cold water to separate them from pulp. This helps prevent mould during drying and boosts the chances of successful germination.

Don’t Bury the Seeds Too Deep

Strawberry seeds need light to germinate. After sowing, either press them gently into the surface or barely cover them with a light dusting of vermiculite or compost. Too much coverage and they won’t sprout.

Ideal Germination Conditions

Strawberry seeds germinate best at temperatures between 15°C and 21°C. A heated propagator or warm windowsill can help, especially in early spring. Cover the tray or pot with clear plastic or a propagator lid to keep humidity high until germination starts.

Label Everything

If you’re planting seeds from different strawberries—especially homegrown or heritage varieties—label your trays. It’ll be months before you know what you’ve got, and if one ends up producing amazing fruit, you’ll want to know which one it was.

Don’t Overcrowd Seedlings

Once your strawberry seedlings develop their first true leaves, thin them out or transplant to individual pots. Crowding leads to poor airflow and can cause damping off or fungal issues. Give them space to thrive.

Harden Off Gently

When it’s time to move seedlings outdoors, take a week or two to harden them off. Sudden exposure to direct sun and wind can shock them. Start with a couple of hours outside in a sheltered spot, gradually increasing their time out each day.

Expect Variation

Even if you’re planting seeds from a supermarket strawberry, the resulting plants could be wildly different. Size, taste, and productivity can vary. That said, you might discover something unique—and really tasty.