Rujana Strawberry

1. Seed Preparation:

   - Strawberry seeds, including Rujana, require a cold stratification process to help break dormancy and improve germination. This can be done by placing the seeds in a damp paper towel or moist soil, then refrigerating them for about 3–4 weeks.

   - After stratification, allow the seeds to come to room temperature for a few hours before planting.

2. Sowing the Seeds:

   - Indoor Sowing: For best results, start seeds indoors 8–10 weeks before the last expected frost. Use a seed-starting tray or small pots filled with well-draining seed mix. Sprinkle the seeds lightly on the surface, as strawberry seeds need light to germinate. Do not cover the seeds with soil.

   - Outdoor Sowing: If you live in a mild climate, you can sow the seeds directly in the garden after the last frost. In this case, prepare the soil by enriching it with compost and ensuring good drainage.

3. Germination:

   - Keep the soil moist but not soggy, and place the seed tray in a bright, cool location (around 65-70°F or 18-21°C). Use a clear plastic cover or dome to maintain humidity.

   - Germination can take anywhere from 2–4 weeks, but can sometimes take longer, so patience is key.

4. Transplanting:

   - Once the seedlings have 2–3 sets of leaves, you can transplant them into larger pots or directly into the garden. Be sure to harden them off by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7–10 days before planting them in the ground.

   - Space plants about 12–18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and growth.

5. Soil:

   - Strawberries prefer well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter. They thrive in slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5.

   - Prepare the soil by adding compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and drainage.

6. Light:

   - Strawberries need full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day to produce the best fruit.

7. Watering:

   - Water the plants regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist, but avoid waterlogging, as strawberries are sensitive to root rot.

   - Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to disease.

8. Fertilizing:

   - Fertilize strawberries with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the start of the growing season, and again after the first harvest. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leafy growth at the expense of fruit.

9. Mulching:

   - Mulch around the plants with straw, pine needles, or wood chips to keep the soil moist, suppress weeds, and protect the fruit from soil-borne diseases.

Care and Maintenance:

- Pruning: Remove any runners (side shoots) during the growing season to focus the plant's energy on producing fruit, unless you're trying to propagate new plants.

- Protection: Consider using netting or row covers to protect the strawberries from birds and other animals that may try to eat the ripe fruit.

Harvesting:

- Rujana strawberries typically begin to fruit in late spring to early summer (depending on your climate). Harvest the berries when they are fully red and ripe for the best flavor.

Rujana Strawberry seeds will produce sweet, firm berries with excellent flavor when given proper care. While growing strawberries from seed requires patience, it can be very rewarding to grow your own strawberries from scratch, and the Rujana variety is an excellent choice for gardeners looking for a reliable, productive strawberry plant.