2026 Basket Kisses Strawberry Seeds Packet

Cold Stratification (Essential First Step)

• Why Stratification is Necessary: Strawberry seeds must first be stratified to ensure they will grow when planted - this process mimics winter conditions.

Stratification Process:

1. Timing: Begin stratification 6-8 weeks before intended planting date
2. Method: Place seeds in an envelope or sealed plastic bag with slightly moist peat moss or vermiculite
3. Storage: Store them in the refrigerator for a month at 32-40°F (0-4°C)
4. Duration: Minimum 30 days, up to 90 days for improved results
5. Monitoring: Check periodically to ensure seeds remain moist but not waterlogged

Seed Starting (Indoor Method - Essential)

• Timing: Since strawberry seeds must be planted by February to be ready for harvest, begin stratification in late December or January

Materials Needed:

• High-quality seed starting mix
• Shallow seed trays or small pots
• Clear plastic domes or plastic wrap
• Grow lights or very bright windowsill
• Labels for variety identification

Sowing Process:

1. Container Preparation: Fill containers with moistened seed starting mix, leaving small amount of space at top
2. Seed Placement: Surface sow stratified seeds - do not cover as they need light to germinate
3. Environmental Control: The ideal soil/potting mix temperature for strawberry seed germination is 18-24°C (65-75°F)
4. Humidity Management: Place a piece of clear cling wrap (food wrap) loosely over everything to help keep moisture in if relative humidity is low (below 40%)
5. Germination Timeline: Germination can take 2-6 weeks, be patient and maintain consistent conditions

Seedling Care and Development

Light Requirements:

• Provide 14-16 hours of bright light daily using grow lights
• Position lights 4-6 inches above seedlings initially
• Gradually increase light intensity as plants develop
• Avoid direct sunlight which can scorch delicate seedlings

Temperature and Environment:

• Maintain consistent 65-75°F (18-24°C) during day
• Allow slight cooling at night (60-65°F)
• Maintain good air circulation to prevent damping-off
• Remove plastic covering once seeds germinate

Watering and Fertilizing:

• Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged
• Use bottom watering method when possible
• Begin feeding with diluted liquid fertilizer once true leaves develop
• Use quarter-strength balanced fertilizer weekly

Transplanting Up:

• Move to individual 3-4 inch pots when plants have 3-4 true leaves
• Handle very caref
• ully as seedlings are delicate
• Use high-quality potting mix with good drainage
• Hardening Off and Transplanting

Hardening Off Process (7-10 days):

1. Days 1-2: Place outside in shade for 2-3 hours
2. Days 3-4: Increase to 4-5 hours with morning sun
3. Days 5-6: Full day outside in partial sun
4. Days 7-10: Full day in intended growing location

Transplanting Outdoors:

• Plant after soil warms to at least 50°F (10°C) and frost danger passes
• Choose warmest, most protected location with full sun
• Space your strawberry seedlings 1 to 2 feet apart and plant your seedlings at the soil level

Container and Hanging Basket Growing

Container Selection:

• Growing strawberry plants in hanging baskets begins with a large basket
• Choose a container that is at least 12 inches (30 cm) wide and 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) deep
• Ensure excellent drainage with multiple holes
• Use coconut fiber liners or moss for hanging baskets

Potting Mix:

• Well-draining soil is very important - a good, commercial mix works well
• Mix equal parts high-quality potting soil, compost, and perlite
• Add slow-release fertilizer pellets to mix before planting pH should be 5.5-6.8 for optimal nutrient uptake

Container Care:

• Check moisture daily as containers dry out faster
• Provide wind protection to prevent drying and toppling
• Rotate containers weekly for even sun exposure
• Fertilize more frequently than ground-planted strawberries

Garden Bed Planting

Site Preparation:

1. Choose location with at least 8 hours of direct sunlight
2. Test and amend soil pH to 5.5-6.8 range
3. Work in 2-4 inches of compost or aged manure
4. Ensure excellent drainage - raise beds if necessary
5. Remove all weeds and grass from planting area

Planting Process:

• Dig holes same depth as containers, twice as wide
• Plant at soil level - crown should be at surface
• Water thoroughly after planting
• Apply 2-3 inches of organic mulch around plants

Ongoing Care and Management

Watering Practices:

• Maintain consistent soil moisture throughout growing season
• Water deeply 2-3 times per week rather than daily shallow watering
• Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep foliage dry
• Reduce watering frequency in fall as plants enter dormancy

Fertilization Program:

• Early spring: Apply balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) as growth begins
• During active growth: Feed every 3-4 weeks during growing season
• Container plants: Liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks at half strength
• Organic options: Compost tea, fish emulsion, aged manure

Runner Management:

• Allow the strawberry seedlings to grow in the first year to establish their roots
• Remove runners if you want larger berries and stronger plants
• Allow runners to develop for free new plants if desired
• Pin runners into small pots for easy transplanting

Harvesting and Storage

Harvest Timing:

• Begin harvesting 60-90 days from transplanting
• Pick berries when fully red and easily detach from plant
• Harvest every 1-2 days during peak season
• Morning harvest provides best flavor and storage lifeQuality Standards:
• Berries should be fully colored with no white areas
• Fruit should be firm but not hard
• Leave green cap attached for longer storage life
• Avoid overripe or soft berries

Storage Methods:

• Fresh storage: Refrigerate unwashed berries for 5-7 days
• Freezing: Wash, hull, and freeze on trays before bagging
• Dehydrating: Slice and dry for straw
• berry chips
• Preserving: Make jams, jellies, and preserves for long-term storage

Season Extension and Productivity

Extending Harvest:

• Everbearing varieties like Basket of Kisses produce fruit all season long
• Use row covers during cool spring and fall weather
• Container plants can be moved to protected areas
• Greenhouse growing possible in cold climates

Maximizing Yield:

• Regular harvesting encourages continued production
• Proper nutrition throughout growing season essential
• Adequate water during fruit development crucial
• Remove diseased or damaged plants promptly

Poor Germination:

• Causes: Inadequate stratification, old seeds, wrong temperature, excessive moisture
• Solutions: Ensure proper stratification period, use fresh seeds, maintain optimal temperature

Weak Seedling Growth:

• Causes: Insufficient light, poor nutrition, overwatering, damping-off disease
• Solutions: Increase light intensity, improve drainage, provide adequate nutrition

Poor Fruit Production:

• Causes: Insufficient sun, poor nutrition, water stress, disease pressure
• Solutions: Ensure full sun exposure, proper fertilization, consistent watering

Runner Problems:

• Causes: Excessive nitrogen, plant stress, variety characteristics
• Solutions: Reduce nitrogen fertilizer, manage runners appropriately for goals

Culinary Applications:

• Fresh eating as sweet, flavorful snacks
• Strawberry shortcakes and desserts
• Jams, jellies, and preserves
• Smoothies and fruit salads
• Baking applications (pies, muffins, cakes)
• Dehydrating for strawberry chips
• Freezing whole for year-round use

Nutritional Benefits:

• High in vitamin C and antioxidants
• Good source of folate and manganese
• Rich in anthocyanins and ellagic acid
• Low calorie, high fiber fruit
• Natural source of nitrates for heart health

Garden and Landscape Uses:

• Hanging basket specimens for patios and decks
• Container gardening on balconies and small spaces
• Ground cover in sunny areas
• Border plantings along walkways
• Vertical gardening applications
• Children's gardens for easy harvesting

Ornamental Value:

• Beautiful white flowers with yellow centers
• Attractive trifoliate green foliage
• Cascading growth habit perfect for displays
• Red berries provide color contrast
• Year-round interest in milder climates

Temperature:

• Germination: 65-75°F (18-24°C) optimal
• Growing season: 60-80°F (15-27°C) for best fruit production
• Cold stratification required: 1 month at 32-40°F (0-4°C)
• Winter hardiness: USDA zones 3-9 depending on variety
• Heat tolerance: Struggles above 85°F (29°C) consistently

Light:

• Full sun preferred: at least 8 hours of full sun each day
• Morning sun essential for dew evaporation and disease preventionSome afternoon shade tolerated in very hot climates
• Insufficient light results in poor flowering and fruit production
• Container plants may need protection from harsh afternoon sun

Soil:

• Well-draining soil essential to prevent root rot
• Slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8
• Rich, organic matter content for optimal nutrition
• Sandy loam to loam texture preferred
• Avoid heavy clay or waterlogged conditions
• Container mix: high-quality potting soil with good drainage

Water:

• Consistent moisture throughout growing season
• 1-1.5 inches of water weekly during fruit production
• Deep, infrequent watering preferred over frequent shallow watering
• Avoid overhead watering to prevent disease
• Mulching essential to maintain soil moisture
• Container plants need daily watering in hot weather

Space:

• Plant spacing: 1 to 2 feet apart for garden plantings
• Hanging basket size: at least 12 inches (30 cm) wide and 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 cm) deep
• Allow room for trailing growth and runner development
• Adequate air circulation between plants essential

Daily Tasks (During Growing Season):

• Monitor soil moisture, especially in containers
• Check for ripe berries and harvest regularly
• Observe for pest activity and disease symptoms

Weekly Tasks:

Deep watering if rainfall insufficient

• Remove runners if desired to maintain plant vigor
• Deadhead spent flowers if not wanting fruit
• Remove any diseased or damaged foliage

Monthly Tasks:

• Fertilize with balanced fertilizer during active growth
• Refresh mulch around plants
• Check and adjust plant supports in hanging baskets
• Inspect drainage holes in containers

Seasonal Tasks:

• Spring: Apply balanced fertilizer, renew mulch, plant new strawberry seedlings
• Summer: Maintain consistent moisture, harvest regularly, manage runners
• Fall: Reduce watering, prepare plants for dormancy, collect seeds from best fruits
• Winter: Protect plants from extreme cold, plan for next season

Fertilizing Schedule:

• Early spring: Balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) as growth begins
• During fruiting: Lower nitrogen, higher phosphorus fertilizer every 3-4 weeks
• Container plants: Liquid fertilizer every 2 weeks during growing season
• Organic options: Compost, aged manure, fish emulsion

Pruning and Training:

• Remove runners to concentrate energy into fruit production
• Allow runners to develop for new plant propagation if desired
• Remove old, damaged, or diseased leaves regularly
• Pinch early flowers in first year to strengthen plants

Major Pests:

Aphids

Identification: Small, soft-bodied insects clustering on new growth and undersides of leavesDamage: Stunted growth, distorted leaves, honeydew secretion leading to sooty mold

Treatment: Insecticidal soap, beneficial insects (ladybugs, lacewings), strong water spray

Prevention: Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, encourage beneficial insects

Slugs and Snails

Identification: Slimy trails and irregular holes in leaves and fruit

Damage: Feed on leaves, crowns, and developing fruit, especially during wet weather

Treatment: Beer traps, copper barriers, iron phosphate baits, hand-picking

Prevention: Reduce moisture around plants, use drip irrigation, remove debris

Spider Mites

• Identification: Fine webbing on leaves, stippled or bronze-colored foliage
• Damage: Reduced plant vigor, poor fruit quality, leaf drop
• Treatment: Predatory mites, insecticidal soap, increase humidity around plants
• Prevention: Maintain adequate moisture, avoid dusty conditions

Strawberry Root Weevil

• Identification: Small, dark beetles; C-shaped white grubs in soil
• Damage: Adults notch leaf edges, larvae feed on roots and crowns
• Treatment: Beneficial nematodes for larvae, adult trapping, systemic insecticides
• Prevention: Clean cultivation, remove plant debris, inspect new plants

Common Diseases:

Gray Mold (Botrytis)

• Symptoms: Botrytis cinerea causes blossoms turning brown and dying; misshapen fruit; patches of rot on fruit with masses of gray mycelium
• Treatment: Improve air circulation, remove infected material, fungicidal sprays
• Prevention: Avoid overhead watering, ensure good drainage, proper plant spacing

Powdery Mildew

• Symptoms: White, powdery coating on leaves, particularly undersides
• Conditions: Powdery mildew favors high humidity and temperatures in the 60º to 80º F range
• Treatment: Fungicidal sprays, improve air circulation, remove affected leavesPrevention: Plant in full sun, avoid overcrowding, use drip irrigation

Red Stele Root Rot

• Symptoms: Red stele, black root rot are among the most important strawberry diseases - plants wilt and die, roots show reddish interior
• Treatment: Remove affected plants, improve drainage, plant resistant varieties
• Prevention: Plant in well-draining soil, avoid overwatering, crop rotation

Leaf Spot and Leaf Scorch

• Symptoms: Leaf spot, and leaf scorch are the most important strawberry diseases - circular spots on leaves, yellowing and browning
• Treatment: Remove affected foliage, fungicidal treatments, improve air circulation
• Prevention: Avoid overhead watering, maintain proper spacing, clean cultivation

Integrated Pest Management:

• Strawberry plants are most susceptible to disease-causing organisms when subjected to stress
• Regular monitoring and early intervention crucial
• Encourage beneficial insects with diverse plantings
• Proper sanitation and removal of infected material
• Choose disease-resistant varieties when available