Strawberry Temptation

10 Seeds

🌱 Best Sowing Time

For the Gulf climate, sow from October to February, when temperatures are cooler.

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

Avoid sowing during the extreme summer heat.

🌿 How to Sow

1. Fill a seed tray or small pots with a fine, fertile, well-draining seed-starting mix.
2. Moisten the growing medium before sowing.
3. Scatter the very small seeds on the surface.
4. Do not bury the seeds deeply. Press them gently into the surface.
5. Cover with only a very thin layer of fine vermiculite or soil, approximately 1–2 mm maximum.
6. Keep the surface consistently moist using a fine mist or gentle watering.
7. Cover the tray with a transparent humidity cover while allowing some ventilation.
8. Place it somewhere bright but protected from strong afternoon sunlight.

🌡️ Germination

• Ideal temperature: 15–22°C
• Germination time: Approximately 1–4 weeks, sometimes longer.
• Keep the seed surface moist but not waterlogged.
• Good light helps young seedlings develop strongly.
• Avoid temperatures consistently above 25–28°C during germination.

🌱 Seedling Care

Strawberry seedlings are very small and slow-growing at first.

• Provide bright light.
• Give gentle morning sunlight once seedlings are established.
• Maintain even moisture.
• Ensure good air circulation.
• Do not allow seedlings to sit in standing water.
• Thin overcrowded seedlings carefully.

🌿 Transplanting

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

• Space plants approximately 25–30 cm apart.
• Use containers at least 15–20 cm deep with excellent drainage.
• Keep the crown of the strawberry at soil level.
• Do not bury the crown, as this can cause rot.
• Transplant during the cooler part of the day.

☀️ Sunlight

Strawberries need plenty of light for good growth and fruiting.

• Provide full sun to bright partial sun during the cooler Gulf season.
• Morning and early afternoon sunlight is ideal.
• Protect plants from intense afternoon summer sun.
• During hot weather, provide approximately 30–50% afternoon shade.
• Avoid placing pots on surfaces that become extremely hot.

💧 Watering

• Keep the soil consistently and lightly moist.
• Water when the upper layer begins to dry.
• Increase watering during hot or dry weather.
• Avoid overwatering and permanently wet soil.
• Water at the base of the plant when possible.
• Mulching around the plants can help maintain moisture and keep roots cooler.

🌱 Soil

Use a fertile, loose and well-draining growing medium.

A suitable container mix can contain:

• Quality potting soil or coco peat
• Well-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 feeding after the seedlings become established.
• Use a balanced fertilizer at a light rate.
• During flowering and fruit development, provide adequate potassium.
• Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can produce abundant foliage but fewer fruits.

🍓 Fruiting

‘Temptation’ strawberries can produce sweet red fruits under suitable conditions.

In the Gulf, the best opportunity for flowering and fruiting is during the cooler months. High temperatures can reduce flowering, fruit set and fruit quality.

Harvest strawberries when they are fully colored and ripe.

🔥 Gulf Climate Tips

• Cool-season growing is strongly recommended.
• Avoid starting seeds during the hottest months.
• Protect young plants when temperatures rise above 30°C.
• Provide afternoon shade during warm periods.
• Keep the root zone cool with mulch.
• Excellent drainage is essential, especially in humid coastal areas.
• Containers are useful because plants can be moved to a cooler or shaded location.
• Avoid hot concrete, rooftops and metal surfaces.
• Protect flowers and developing fruit from extreme heat.

🌱 Growing Tip: For the Gulf, start ‘Strawberry Temptation’ during the cooler season, keep the seed surface moist during germination, provide strong morning light, and protect established plants from intense afternoon heat.