How Long Does It Take to Grow Strawberries From Seeds?

Spouting

• It can take several weeks and months after seeds are planted for plants to yield their first berry harvest. For this reason, it's important that you choose the right time to start seeds; waiting too long can diminish blossom formation and fruit set and result in a lower yield. Start seeds indoors about three to four weeks before the last forecasted frost. Transplant them outdoors when the soil is workable, about two to three after the last frost. At the time of transplanting, the seeds should have sprouted so that the crown is visible.

Bud Formation

• It usually takes three weeks for blossoms to develop on plants. Once buds form, pinch them to channel the plant's energy into establishing strong roots and increase runner development. Even though pinching prolongs fruit development, it's an important aspect to growing healthy plants that produce quality fruit.

Fruit Development

• Provided that you pinch strawberry plants in the spring, the second bud formation usually takes place in the late summer or early fall, depending on the variety of strawberry you planted. Once buds form, plants need about four weeks to produce fruit. During this growth period, it's essential that plants receive access to plenty of sunlight, at least six to eight hours per day, and between 1 and 1/2 inches inches of water per week to foster fruit formation.

Harvest

• After fruit begins to develop, it takes a week or more for strawberries to fully ripen. Only pick ripened strawberries; the ripening process ends as soon as the fruit is picked. Avoid letting ripened strawberries linger on plants to prevent rot and disease.

Considerations

• Certain strawberry varieties produce berries at different times of the season. For example, June-bearing strawberries only flower in June, so pinching their flowers means that you'll have to wait another full year for berry production. Ever-bearing and day-neutral strawberries both yield about two harvests each season, and the first season's berry harvest is frequently ready in late August or early fall if you choose to pinch the first set of buds in the spring.