Strawberries in the flower box transform the balcony into a snack garden. A bed is therefore not necessary to enjoy the aromatic fruits. Find out here what aspects need to be taken into account on the way to a rich strawberry harvest.
How can strawberries be successfully grown in flower boxes?
Strawberries in flower boxes thrive when the box is 18-20 cm high, 22-25 cm wide and 80-100 cm long. Choose a sunny location, nutrient-rich substrate and plant strawberries 20-30 cm apart. Regular watering, fertilizing and mulching supports growth.
This is what a flower box for strawberries should be like
As heavy feeders, strawberries require a larger volume of soil from which they obtain nutrients and water. A flower box should have the following properties so that strawberry plants feel at home in it:
- Height: 18-20 cm
- Width: 22-25 cm
- Length: 80-100 cm
Ideally, the flower box has an irrigation system (€49.00 on Amazon) in the form of a separate level below the ground. Here the very thirsty strawberry plants can help themselves. A water level indicator provides information about when the supply needs to be refilled. At least there should be several openings in the floor so that excess irrigation water can drain away.
Checklist for proper planting and care
The central factors for the successful cultivation of strawberries in the flower box are briefly and precisely specified in the following checklist:
- a sunny, airy location
- nutritious, slightly acidic, compost-based substrate with loosening components such as perlite or sand
- Drainage above the floor opening prevents waterlogging
- Do not plant strawberry plants deeper than the heart bud
- The planting distance is 20-30 centimeters
- water regularly and fertilize organically
- mulching with leaves, straw or bark mulch keeps the soil warm and moist
If you would like to harvest your strawberries while standing, plant them in a flower box with an integrated trellis. Since the tendrils do not have adhesive organs for independent climbing, they are regularly attached to their climbing aid.
Be careful when harvesting
Properly harvesting strawberries requires a little attention. In normal years, the strawberry season begins in May. Only harvest fully colored fruits without a greenish-white edge. Snap them off at the fruit stalk, including the green leaves.
Tips & Tricks
Strawberries can overwinter excellently in the flower box because they are frost-tolerant. After harvesting, the leaves and tendrils are cut off, except for the heart bud. Placed in front of the south wall of the house on a wooden or Styrofoam plate, covered with pine fronds and brushwood, the plants survive the winter here. On frost-free days, the strawberry plants receive a drink of water.