Strawberry nutritional requirements

Strawberry nutrient requirements vary depending on the crop growth stage. Find out which nutrients are most important at different growth stages.

Roles of nutrients at key growth stages

 

Post harvest to New growth or Establishment

Nitrogen - to build reserves in the crown for recycling and subsequent growth of new leaves in the spring

Phosphorus, calcium, boron, and zinc – to maximise strong root development and support new growth

Potassium – for good plant development

Vegetative growth

Nitrogen - main doses are required at this stage for leaf and plant expansion

Phosphorus - to meet uptake needs through to flowering

Potassium – to promote nstrong leaf growth and build a strong plant development

Calcium – to build levels in the plant and maintain a steady supply to developing tissues

Sulphur and magnesium - to maintain vigorous, healthy leaf growth and to improve plant supplies

Micronutrients - to ensure photosynthetic growth is not limiting

Flowering to fruit set

Potassium – peak demand for berry development and to build berry quality

Nitrogen - in reduced amounts so as not to compromise fruit stability

Phosphorus - to meet uptake needs through to flowering

Calcium  and magnesium - to support new tissue development and boost fruit integrity, reduce disease and maximise shelf life

Boron - for good pollen production, seed formation and fruit set

Other micronutrients - as needed to maintain growth

Fruiting to maturity

Potassium – to maximise fruit quality, particularly TSS, acidity and taste.

Phosphorus - to to up levels being redistributed to the fruit

Nitrogen - limited quantities to balance other nutrients - excessive N at this stage can spoil fruit, but too little N reduces fruit size

Boron and Calcium - for fruit strength