Cách trồng dâu tây: Đất, Trồng, Chăm sóc, Bệnh hại & Hướng dẫn thu hoạch

Strawberries, members of the Rosaceae family, are among the most widely cultivated small fruits globally. These fruits are typically categorized into two primary groups: short-day (June-bearing) strawberries and day-neutral (everbearing) strawberries. June-bearing strawberries initiate flowering and fruiting from May to June, yielding a substantial harvest within a condensed timeframe. Conversely, day-neutral strawberries exhibit continuous flowering and fruiting throughout the growing season, with peak production occurring in June and a secondary harvest extending from late summer into autumn.

Variety Selection

Strawberries are divided into two main types: short-day (also known as June-bearing) and day-neutral (also known as everbearing). June-bearing strawberries flower and fruit from May to June, producing a large harvest in a short period. Day-neutral strawberries, by contrast, produce flowers and fruit throughout the growing season, reaching peak production in June and bearing again from late summer into fall.

In strawberry production, growers usually choose strawberry plants rather than seeds because plants offer higher survival rates, faster growth, stable characteristics, and easier management. Strawberry plants already have a well-developed root system, so they establish quickly after transplanting. They usually flower within 30–50 days and can be harvested in 60–90 days, whereas seed propagation takes much longer.

In addition, strawberries are commonly propagated asexually, and using plants helps maintain the superior traits of the mother plant, resulting in more uniform fruit size, flavor, and yield. By contrast, plants grown from seed are more likely to vary in quality and performance.

Strawberries can be purchased as bare-root plants, plug plants, or mature plants. Bare-root plants are dormant and should be planted as soon as possible after arrival. Before planting, keep them in a cool place and soak the roots in water for about 30 minutes. Plug plants are actively growing seedlings and are usually available in fall. Generally, bare-root plants are planted in early spring, while plug plants are planted in autumn.

Soil

Strawberry plants and their root systems cannot grow vigorously if the soil is too wet, because standing water deprives the roots of oxygen. Therefore, choosing a site with good drainage is essential. Plant strawberries in soil amended with perlite or sand to improve aeration and drainage.

Apply fertilizer two to three weeks before planting or at least six weeks after planting, incorporating plenty of well-rotted organic matter or compost to increase soil organic content and provide a steady nutrient supply. Strawberries need continuous nutrition, but the concentration should not be too high. Compost, aged sheep manure, cow manure, and humus both supply nutrients and improve soil structure, making them safer and more effective than fast-acting concentrated fertilizers for producing high-quality, high yields.

Soil pH should also be tested before planting, ideally in the fall. Strawberries grow best in locations with full sunlight and a pH between 5.8 and 6.8. Soil testing is strongly recommended so that the proper fertilizers can be applied for successful berry production.

Trồng cây

Raised-bed planting is ideal for strawberries because it improves drainage, increases soil temperature, controls weeds, and makes harvesting easier. When planting in raised beds covered with plastic mulch (preferably with a drip irrigation system installed underneath), space plants 8 to 14 inches apart.

If beds are not used, keep plant spacing at 12 to 24 inches, with 36 to 48 inches between rows. When planting, place the roots vertically downwards, with the crown (the part between the roots and leaves) slightly above or level with the soil surface.

To ensure healthy plant growth, we should remove the first set of flowers and runners so that the plant can develop a strong root system. Strawberries require sufficient soil moisture throughout the growing season, but avoid overwatering, as this will dilute the fruit’s flavor. Weed weekly to prevent weeds from competing with the strawberries for nutrients and to help reduce pests and diseases. If using mulch to control weeds, straw is recommended. Avoid using grass clippings or fallen leaves, as these can cause disease, suffocate the plants, or hinder water penetration.

As winter approaches, cover plants with mulch or row covers to protect them from frost and to encourage earlier production in spring. After the danger of frost has passed—usually between March and May—the mulch or row covers can be removed.

Tưới nước

After transplanting strawberries, gently firm the soil around each plant so the roots make good contact with the soil, then water thoroughly to help the plants establish quickly. During the growing period, strawberries require a steady water supply, generally about 1 inch (about 2.5 cm) per week, equivalent to a moderate rainfall. Use a rain gauge to monitor natural precipitation and supplement with irrigation when needed.

The best watering methods are soaker hoses or drip irrigation, which allow water to move slowly into the root zone, conserving water and preventing soil from splashing onto leaves and fruit. Under most soil conditions, watering deeply once a week is sufficient, though frequency may need to increase in hot weather or sandy soils. Watering should be done in the early morning so leaves can dry during the day, reducing the risk of diseases such as gray mold and powdery mildew and ensuring healthy growth and good fruit quality.

Thụ tinh

After fruiting, strawberries enter a vegetative growth stage and usually begin to produce many runners (stolons). If, after fruiting in June, few runners appear by mid-July, it often indicates that the plants are nutrient-deficient, especially in nitrogen. Nitrogen mainly promotes leaf and runner growth. When nitrogen is lacking, plants remain small, leaves become pale, and renewal capacity is weak.

At this time, you can side-dress plants with well-rotted compost, aged sheep manure, fish fertilizer, or bữa ăn máu, lightly mix it into the topsoil, and water thoroughly so nutrients move into the root zone. A fish fertilizer such as Rutom Fish Amino Acid Liquid Solution 3-0.5-5, made from fermented fish byproducts like bones, flesh, and skin, can also be used. However, fertilization should be moderate to avoid excessive vegetative growth or root burn.

In the second spring, before plants resume growth, apply compost or organic nitrogen fertilizer again to supply nutrients for new leaves, flowering, and fruit development, resulting in stronger plants, more runners, better fruit set, and higher overall yield and quality.

Common Diseases

During strawberry cultivation, improper water, fertilizer, ventilation, or temperature management can easily lead to various diseases and abnormal symptoms. Common problems mainly appear on the leaves, flowers, fruits, and roots.

Thu hoạch và bảo quản

Strawberry harvesting requires careful consideration of both fruit ripeness and harvesting methods to ensure optimal flavor and quality. Strawberries are non-climacteric fruits, which means they do not continue to ripen or become sweeter after being picked, so they should be harvested only when fully red for the best taste. The ideal time for harvesting is early morning or late evening when temperatures are lower, and the fruit is firmer and less susceptible to damage.

When harvesting, avoid pulling directly on the fruit. Instead, hold the stem and cut or snap it about 1–2 cm above the fruit, leaving a short stem to reduce injury and extend shelf life. Handle the fruit gently after picking, avoid piling it up, and do not wash immediately; wash only before consumption. Ripe strawberries should be harvested promptly, usually every two days. This helps reduce spoilage and disease while also encouraging the plant to continue flowering and fruiting, ultimately improving overall yield and fruit quality.