Tips for How to Grow Strawberry Seeds Indoors

Overview

Strawberries are one of the few fruit plants that can be grown in almost any garden. They thrive in both containers and garden beds, so even apartment dwellers can enjoy a planter full of strawberry plants on a sunny balcony. Alpine strawberries are one of the most common varieties, and they can be grown from seed. Growing them from seed indoors requires some pre-treatment in order to encourage the proper germination that will allow your seeds to sprout and grow into healthy plants.

Step 1

Stratify the seeds two to four weeks before planting them unless it is specified on the seed envelope that seeds have been pre-stratified or undergone cold treatment. Place the seeds in a sealed jar and store them in the freezer for two to four weeks to break their dormancy. Remove the container from the freezer once the required time has passed and leave the jar unopened for four to six hours as the seeds return to room temperature.

Step 2

Fill seed pots that are 3 inches in diameter with a seed-starting soil mixture or other fine-textured potting soil. Sprinkle two or three seeds on the soil surface, then cover them with a 1/8-inch layer of soil.

Step 3

Fill a seedling tray with 2 inches of lukewarm water. Set the pots in the water and leave them to absorb the moisture for two hours, or until the surface of the soil begins to feel moist. Empty any excess water from the tray afterward.

Step 4

Cover the pots with plastic bags to help retain the soil moisture during germination. Place the pots in an area that receives bright, indirect light, as strawberries require some light in order to germinate.

Step 5

Remove the plastic bags once sprouts appear, usually within seven to ten days of planting. Leave the pots in an area that receives bright, indirect light and water as necessary to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Step 6

Thin the pots down to one seedling each when the strawberries produce their second set of leaves. Pinch off the weaker seedlings at soil level, taking care not to disturb the seedling you are leaving to continue growing.