To propagate garden strawberries, you can use either rosettes or seeds.
Those who choose the latter option begin sowing seeds for seedlings in the second half of February (the exact dates depend on the specific region).
But before this, the seed material is stratified to increase seed germination and grow stronger, more stress-resistant plants.
During stratification, the seeds are placed in the cold for some time (from 2-3 weeks to 1 month).
This can be done in different ways, but first the seeds should be disinfected using chlorhexidine or hydrogen peroxide.
To do this, pour them onto a cloth and cover with antiseptic. After 15 minutes, rinse the seeds under running water directly on the cloth.
Purchased seeds from trusted producers that have already undergone processing do not require this procedure.
So, let's move on to the stratification process.
Wrap the seeds in a damp cloth, place them in a bag and leave them at room temperature for two days.
During this time, they will swell, after which they can be left on the refrigerator door - here the garden strawberry seeds should spend two weeks.
Important: do not tie the bag tightly so that the seeds can “breathe”.
In addition, you will have to constantly ensure that the fabric remains moderately damp.
Author: Elena Shimanovskaya