How to Grow Strawberries Indoors with LED Grow Lights
How to Grow Strawberries Indoors with LED Grow Lights
How to Grow Strawberries Indoors with LED Grow Lights
Growing strawberries indoors with Active Grow LED grow lights allows for year-round fresh berries. Whether you're supplementing natural light in a greenhouse or using LEDs as the sole light source in a vertical farm, this guide provides answers to the most common questions about indoor strawberry growing and how to maximize your success.
What Are the Best Strawberry Varieties to Grow Indoors?
The best varieties for indoor strawberry growing are day-neutral types like Albion and Seascape. These varieties fruit continuously throughout the growing season, making them ideal for controlled environments where light and temperature can be adjusted.
What Lighting Do I Need for Growing Strawberries Indoors?
Strawberries thrive under Active Grow LED grow lights. For optimal growth, here’s what you need:
- Seedling Stage: 150-200 PPFD using the Active Grow T5 HO 2.0 LED Grow Light with two lamps on at 12 inches from the plants.
- Vegetative and Fruiting Stages: 350+ PPFD using all four lamps at 8 inches from the plants.
- For Commercial Strawberry Growers check out the popular Active Grow LoPro Elite LED Grow Lights for vertical farms or the Active Grow SG HO LED Grow Lights for greenhouses to increase your strawberry yields, quality and productions rates.
Strawberries need a Daily Light Integral (DLI) of 12-25 mol/m²/day. To ensure your plants receive the appropriate amount of light, use Active Grow’s DLI Calculator to optimize your setup.
What Lighting Spectrum is Best for Growing Indoor Strawberries?
For indoor strawberry growth, a full-spectrum light is ideal. The Active Grow Sun White Spectrum mimics natural sunlight and has a high CRI of 95 to help detect deficiencies early. It also extends beyond the traditional PAR range to include far-red wavelengths (730 nm), which boost photosynthesis through the Emerson Effect, promoting higher growth rates and better fruit production.
For growers looking to promote even greater fruit production, the Active Grow Red Bloom Pro Spectrum and Entourage Spectrum provides an even higher level of far-red light. This spectrum is designed specifically for flowering and fruiting crops, increasing biomass accumulation and fruit yield, particularly in strawberries.
How Does Far-Red Light Impact Indoor Strawberry Growth?
Far-red light (700-750 nm) can significantly enhance strawberry growth and fruit production. A peer reviewed study from HortScience found that including far-red light in your light spectrum can increase:
- 36% more fruit per plant
- 48% higher fruit yield
- 12% improvement in fruit sweetness
Far-red light promotes leaf expansion, shoot biomass, and overall plant development. The Active Grow Sun White Spectrum includes these beneficial far-red wavelengths, while the Red Bloom Pro Spectrum provides even more far-red light, making it ideal for maximizing strawberry yields in indoor settings. The Entourage Spectrum is available with far-red wavelengths for commercial growers on Active Grow ProGrade Series LED Grow Lights.
How Do I Set Up the Ideal Indoor Environment for Growing Strawberries?
To grow strawberries successfully indoors, manage these factors:
- Temperature: Maintain daytime temperatures between 68-75°F (20-24°C) and nighttime temperatures between 50-54°F (10-12°C).
- Humidity: Keep humidity levels between 40-60% to prevent leaf tipburn and fungal issues.
- Ventilation: Proper airflow prevents mold and promotes healthy growth. Use fans or a ventilation system.
The Active Grow 3-Tier Walden Grow Tent provides a stable, controlled environment for indoor strawberry growing, making it easier to manage temperature and humidity.
Advantages of the 3-Tier Walden Grow Tent
Strawberry Specific Design: The 3-Tier Walden Grow tent is the only complete grow tent and LED grow light kit designed from the ground up for strawberry cultivation.
Quality Construction: Designed with durability and longevity in mind.
Optimal Environment: Provides precise control over humidity, temperature and light.
Convenience: Easy to set up and maintain, with smart features for hassle-free operation.
Cost-Efficiency: Eliminates the need for buying individual components separately.
Support & Warranty: Backed by customer assistance and the only 2 year grow tent warranty, offering peace of mind.
What Nutrients Do Strawberries Need for Indoor Growing?
Strawberries need regular fertilization, especially during flowering and fruiting stages:
- Use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 during vegetative growth.
- Switch to a higher potassium formula like 5-10-10 during flowering to support fruit development.
Ensure consistent moisture, but avoid waterlogging, as strawberries are prone to root rot.
How Can I Maximize My Strawberry Yield Indoors?
Follow these tips for the best results:
- Prune runners regularly to direct energy toward fruit production.
- Manually pollinate the flowers using a small brush or by placing a fan to encourage airflow.
- CO2 enrichment: Boost CO2 levels to 1,000-1,500 ppm during the fruiting stage to enhance photosynthesis and fruit yield.
Growing strawberries indoors with LED grow lights provides a rewarding way to enjoy fresh fruit year-round. By using the right light spectrum, maintaining ideal temperature and humidity levels, and following proper fertilization and pruning practices, you can maximize your strawberry yield. With options like the Active Grow Sun White Spectrum, Red Bloom Pro Spectrum, and Entourage Spectrum you can further enhance growth and fruit production by leveraging far-red light.
Whether you're a home gardener or a commercial grower, these techniques will help you cultivate healthy, productive strawberry plants indoors.