Strawberry 'Golden Alexandria'

30 Seeds

🌱 Best Sowing Time

For the Gulf climate, sow during the cooler months:

• Gulf region: October–February
• Kuwait: October–January
• UAE & Qatar: October–February
• Saudi Arabia & Bahrain: October–February
• Oman: October–February, depending on local temperatures and elevation

Avoid starting seeds during the hottest part of summer, as high temperatures can greatly reduce germination and seedling survival.

🌿 How to Sow

1. Use a fine, well-draining seed-starting mix.
2. Moisten the growing medium before sowing.
3. Sprinkle the very small seeds on the surface.
4. Press them gently into the soil.
5. Cover with only a very thin layer of fine soil, or leave almost uncovered.
6. Keep the seed surface consistently moist but not saturated.
7. Place the tray somewhere bright and cool.

Seed depth: About 1–2 mm maximum.

🌡️ Germination

• Ideal temperature: 15–22°C
• Germination time: Usually 1–4 weeks, sometimes longer
• Light can help strawberry seeds germinate.
• Avoid temperatures above approximately 25–28°C during germination.
• Do not allow the seed surface to dry out completely.

🌱 Seedling Care

Once seedlings appear:

• Provide bright light.
• Give gentle morning sunlight.
• Protect young seedlings from strong Gulf afternoon sun.
• Keep the growing medium lightly and evenly moist.
• Provide good air circulation.
• Avoid excessive watering, which can cause damping-off.
• Thin crowded seedlings carefully.

🌿 Transplanting

Transplant when the seedlings have developed several true leaves and are strong enough to handle.

• Spacing: 20–30 cm between plants
• Container depth: At least 15–20 cm
• Keep the crown at soil level; do not bury it.
• Transplant during the cooler part of the day.
• Water lightly after transplanting.

Containers are particularly useful in the Gulf because they can be moved to a cooler, shaded position during hot weather.

☀️ Sunlight

• Strong light or full sun is preferred during the cooler Gulf season.
• Morning sunlight is especially beneficial.
• Protect plants from intense afternoon sun when temperatures rise.
• 30–50% afternoon shade can be useful during warmer periods.

Avoid placing containers directly on very hot concrete, metal or rooftops.

💧 Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist but well drained.
• Water when the upper surface begins to dry.
• Increase watering during hot or dry weather.
• Maintain regular moisture during flowering and fruit development.
• Avoid standing water around the roots.
• Water near the base rather than constantly wetting the leaves.
• A light mulch can help maintain soil moisture and reduce heat around the roots.

🌱 Soil

Use a fertile, loose and moisture-retentive but well-draining mix.

A suitable container mix can include:

• Quality potting soil or coco peat
• Aged compost
• Perlite or pumice
• A small amount of coarse sand if additional drainage is needed

A slightly acidic to neutral growing medium is suitable.

🌿 Fertilizing

• Begin light feeding after the plants are established.
• Use a balanced fertilizer at a moderate rate.
• During flowering and fruit development, adequate potassium can be beneficial.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can encourage leaves instead of flowers and fruit.

🍓 Fruiting

‘Golden Alexandria’ is an alpine/wild-strawberry type, so the fruits are generally smaller than large-fruited garden strawberries.

With suitable conditions, the plants can produce aromatic strawberries. Harvest fruit when it has reached its characteristic mature color and is fully developed.

🔥 Gulf Climate Tips

• Cool-season cultivation is strongly recommended.
• Protect young plants when temperatures approach or exceed 30°C.
• Provide afternoon shade during warm weather.
• Containers or raised beds can make temperature and drainage easier to manage.
• Avoid dark containers sitting directly on hot surfaces.
• Excellent drainage is particularly important in humid coastal Gulf areas.
• Extreme summer heat can reduce flowering, fruit set and fruit quality.
• In very hot areas, plants may slow down considerably during summer.

🌱 Growing Tip: Sow ‘Golden Alexandria’ during the cooler Gulf months, keep the tiny seeds almost uncovered and consistently moist during germination, provide bright morning light, and protect the plants from intense afternoon heat.