How Are Strawberry Seeds Dispersed?

Animal Consumption & Distribution

Strawberries are a visually arresting and tasty food source for both animals and people. When the animals consume the fruit and seeds, however, they are often carried far and wide, eventually deposited onto soil to germinate in a later season.

Self Sowing by Decay

Mature strawberries growing either in the wild or in gardens are sometimes left to rot on the soil surface. This can be because the patch is untended or animals have disturbed the plants but only partially eaten the berries. As the red fruit desiccates, the seeds can be released into the soil and germinate in future seasons.

Garden & Commercial Planting

Human endeavors in both commercial and residential strawberry growing operations account for a significant degree to which strawberry seeds are dispersed. While many home gardeners buy their strawberry plants as seedlings to speed seasonal fruit production, others start seeds indoors as the tail end of winter to get a jump on the growing season. Commercial growers also start plants by seed on an industrial scale.