Technical Itinerary for Growing Strawberries from Frigo Plants

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Definition of a Frigo strawberry plant

A Frigo strawberry plant is a bare-root strawberry plant that has been stored in cold storage. The process begins in mid-November when the plants are harvested, sorted, and frozen at low temperatures. During this freezing period, the plants remain dormant. Storage in cold storage allows the plants to develop stronger roots before planting.

Production Calendar - Frigo Strawberry Plants

Technical Itinerary for Frigo Strawberry Plants: From Reception to Harvest

Growing refrigerated strawberries, while technical, offers promising results for growers. These bare-root plants, stored in cold storage, require rigorous care from the moment they are received until harvest. In this article, we'll guide you step-by-step through the process of growing refrigerated strawberries, helping you maximize your yield while respecting the plant's specific needs.

Reception and Preparation of Frigo Strawberry Plants

Successful refrigerated strawberry growing begins with the plants' arrival. Harvested in mid-November and kept in a cold room, these bare-root plants are carefully sorted and frozen to keep them dormant. The pre-planting preparation process is crucial to ensure the plants get off to a good start.

Once the seedlings have been received, it is imperative to plant them as soon as possible. However, before planting, allow the seedlings to thaw slowly in the shade, away from the wind, to prevent rapid drying. This allows the tissues to gradually rehydrate without thermal shock. A thorough soaking of the roots in water for 15 minutes is essential to restore their natural moisture.

When preparing plants, it is often necessary to lightly prune the roots, keeping a length of 10 cm from the collar. This pruning allows the roots to develop better once in the ground. Finally, if the plants have large leaves, it is recommended to cut off some of them, but always preserve those in the heart to promote photosynthesis and growth.

Planting Frigo Strawberries: Period, Density and Spacing

The planting period for cold-season strawberries generally extends from March to the end of May, although earlier plantings, as early as March, often ensure deeper and faster rooting. Good rooting is the key to quality production, as it promotes nutrient absorption and anchoring the plant in the soil.

As for the plants themselves, they are classified according to the diameter of the collar into different categories:

• A++: more than 18 mm
• A+: more than 15 mm
• A: between 10 and 14 mm
• A-: between 8 and 10 mm
• B: between 6 and 8 mm

For successful commercial cultivation, it is strongly recommended to use A+ or A-size plants, as they offer greater vigor and higher yields. Size B plants, on the other hand, are not recommended for market gardening and are more suitable for nurseries where repotting is planned.

Plant spacing is a determining factor in the development of each strawberry plant. Too close spacing can lead to competition between plants for resources, while too wide spacing wastes space and reduces yield potential per hectare. It is therefore recommended to consult specialized guides to precisely define the optimal density based on your variety and climatic conditions.

Maintenance and Care of Strawberry Plants in Frigo

Once the strawberry plants are in the ground, maintenance requires precision and regularity. Moisture control, fertilization, and weed management are all essential tasks to ensure healthy and vigorous growth.

Watering

Watering is a crucial step, especially right after planting. It's essential to water generously to help the roots settle into their new environment. During the root development phase, constant moisture must be maintained. However, be careful not to drown the plants, as excess water can promote the development of fungal diseases such as Botrytis. Drip irrigation is often recommended, as it provides a controlled amount of water directly to the roots.

In summer, strawberry plants require around 5 mm of water per day. It is therefore important to adjust watering according to the temperature and evapotranspiration.

Fertilization

Balanced fertilization is key to good fruit production. In spring, nitrogen supplementation promotes the vegetative growth of strawberry plants, while potassium supplementation is essential for fruit development and quality. A typical NPK dosage would be 120-75-265 kg/ha/year, but it is recommended to conduct soil analyses to adapt the supplements according to the specific needs of your land.

Weeding

Regular weeding is essential to limit weed competition and prevent weeds from harboring pests or diseases. However, avoid working the soil too close to the strawberry roots to avoid damaging them. The use of mulch, whether plastic or organic, is strongly recommended. In addition to limiting weeds, mulching helps maintain soil moisture and reduce temperature fluctuations.

Plant protection

Strawberry plants are particularly susceptible to several diseases and pests, such as Botrytis, powdery mildew, aphids, and mites. Constant monitoring is necessary to detect the first signs of disease or infestation. Depending on your growing practices (organic or conventional), consult phytosanitary guides to choose the appropriate treatments. Using natural products such as plant extracts or beneficial insects can be an interesting solution in the context of organic farming.

Harvesting Frigo Strawberries

The harvest period for chilled strawberries generally extends from mid-May to mid-October, depending on the region and weather conditions. To obtain quality fruit, it is important to pick them at the right time, that is, when they are completely red and fully ripe. Picking early in the morning helps preserve the freshness of the fruit and prevents them from softening in the heat.

When picking, handle strawberries carefully to avoid damaging them, as injuries reduce their shelf life and encourage mold growth.

Duration of Growing Frigo Strawberries

Frigo strawberry plants are generally grown over a three-year period, with the plants being renewed every three years. Peak production occurs in the second year, when yields are generally highest. After this period, plant productivity tends to decline, justifying their replacement.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fridge Strawberry Cakes

Benefits :

• Relatively low cost of plants compared to other methods.
• Stable yield, with the possibility of annual production under optimal conditions.

Disadvantages:

• Relatively long time before the first harvest (about one year after planting).
• Requires sustained maintenance, particularly for watering and disease control.

FAQ

Do refrigerator strawberry plants require specific soil to thrive?
Frigo strawberries adapt to different soil types, but prefer light, well-drained soil rich in organic matter.

When is the best time to plant refrigerator strawberries?
Planting takes place between March and the end of May, with preference given to early planting to ensure better rooting.

What are the main pests of strawberries?
Strawberry plants are often attacked by aphids and mites and are susceptible to diseases such as Botrytis and powdery mildew.

How do I know when my strawberries are ready to harvest?
Strawberries are ready to pick when they are uniformly red, with no green or white spots.

What are the water requirements of refrigerator strawberries?
In summer, strawberry plants require about 5 mm of water per day, depending on temperature and soil type.

How to extend the life of a refrigerated strawberry crop?
By maintaining good plant maintenance (watering, weeding, fertilizing), it is possible to extend the duration of the crop by up to three years.

Conclusion

Growing refrigerated strawberries is both a technical and profitable method, provided you follow the key steps of their care. From receiving the plants to harvesting, including watering, fertilizing, and disease control, each step requires attention and precision. With proper preparation and rigorous monitoring, refrigerated strawberries produce an abundant, high-quality harvest.