Smart Strawberry Farming with 24/7 Field Monitoring

Stay informed about your strawberry fields with Cropler agri-cameras  and make timely agricultural decisions

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Strawberry: Key Facts

Height

15-30 cm (6-12 inches)

Yield

20-25 tons per hectare on average; up to 40 tons under ideal conditions

Pollination

Primarily insect-pollinated, especially by bees

Roots

Fibrous, shallow root system

Plant spacing  & depth

Typically planted 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) deep, 35-40 cm (14-16 inches) between plants, and 80-100 cm (31-39 inches) between rows

Irrigation needs

Requires consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting; drip irrigation is preferred to avoid leaf and fruit diseases.

Geography

Temperate to subtropical regions, including the US, Europe, China, and parts of South America

Temperature

Optimal temperature is 15-25°C (59-77°F); sensitive to frost and extreme heat

Season

Usually planted in autumn or spring depending on climate; harvested in late spring through early summer.

Growth cycle duration

90-120 days from planting to harvest.

Soil

Prefers well-drained sandy loam or loamy soils rich in organic matter

5.5-6.5

Strawberry Phenophases and Signs to Look Out For

Strawberries are cultivated worldwide; they thrive in temperate to subtropical climates and prefer well-drained, fertile soils rich in organic matter. While the plants are naturally perennial, it’s common to manage them as annuals for optimal commercial production.

Strawberries are known for their sweet flavor and are widely consumed both fresh and in processed forms: jams, juices, frozen, etc. The leaves and stems are sometimes used in agriculture for compost or mulch.

Strawberries can be grown in diverse environments, but proper management of soil health, irrigation, adequate pollination, and pest control is essential for quality yields. Cultivation practices like raised beds and mulching help improve drainage and reduce disease pressure. Strawberries can be included in crop rotation plans to maintain soil fertility.

Dormancy and Bud Break (Perennials Only)

The plant is inactive during the cold months, conserving energy to develop new roots, leaves, crowns, and runners after “waking up” at the beginning of the growing season.

Common threats and diseases: Frost damage, crown rot

Signs to watch: Overly dry leaves, standing water near crowns, no regrowth in spring, pest damage

Vegetative Growth

Seed-grown varieties start with germination, which takes up to six weeks. In the case of runner-based propagation (most common), daughter plants are transplanted. Plants develop leaves, stems, and a compact crown; runners may form in some varieties.

Common threats and diseases: Damping-off, root rot, powdery mildew, leaf spot, aphids, spider mites. Fertilization and weed control are critical at this stage.

Signs to watch: Poor growth, curling or spotted leaves, pale  or stunted seedlings, soft stems at the soil line, pest activity.

Flowering and Pollination

Flower buds begin developing inside the crown; then, flower stalks begin to rise above the leaves and flower buds become visible. When flowers open, pollination by bees and other insects starts.

Common threats and diseases: Botrytis, poor pollination, poor bud formation because of nutrient stress, thrips.

Signs to watch: Deformed fruits, mold on flowers, pest presence.

Fruit Set, Development, and Ripening

Pollinated flowers start to form small fruits. Later, fruits enlarge, change color from green to red, and accumulate sugars and aroma.

Common threats and diseases: Botrytis, anthracnose, slugs, birds, sunburn and drought stress, mold.

Signs to watch: Mold, soft berries, uneven ripening, bite marks.

Maturation and Harvesting

Fruits are hand-picked when fully red and ripe; usually harvested every 2–3 days during the season.

Common threats and diseases: Overripeness, post-harvest rot, fruit bruising, pest damage.

Signs to watch: Overripe fruit, fruit drop, pest damage.

Runner Formation

Varieties that grow runners start producing long shoots that root at nodes to form daughter plants.

Common threats and diseases: Overcrowding, nutrient depletion.

Signs to watch: Potential for early propagation.

Senescence

The plants go through post-harvest decline. Old leaves yellow and die; energy is directed to the crown or runners.

Common threats and diseases: Fungal infections, crown rot.

Signs to watch: Mushy crowns, wilting.

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Common types

June-Bearing Strawberries

Produce one large crop per year, usually in late spring to early summer. The most common varieties with big berries rich in flavor.

Everbearing Strawberries

Produce two to three harvests per year (spring, summer, and early fall). These varieties have smaller berries.

Day-Neutral Strawberries

Produce fruit continuously over the growing season, regardless of day length; typically, annual plants, but there are perennial varieties.

Cropler helps in many ways

Our goal is to help you monitor strawberry health day by day, ensuring proper development and timely identification of diseases and environmental factors.

Monitor plant health remotely 24/7

Choose the best time to irrigate and fertilize

Act quickly in the case of diseases or pests

Plan harvesting and estimate yield potential