How to Plant Strawberry in Nigeria

Strawberries are a beloved fruit worldwide due to their sweet, tangy taste and versatility in culinary applications. 

While they are traditionally associated with temperate climates, growing strawberries in Nigeria is becoming increasingly popular among farmers and gardeners who recognize the fruit’s high market value and nutritional benefits.

 With the right approach, planting strawberries in Nigeria can be a rewarding endeavour. 

This article outlines everything you need to know about planting strawberries, including their description, planting season, and step-by-step planting instructions.

Description of a Strawberry Plant

The strawberry plant (Fragaria × ananassa) is a small, perennial herbaceous plant that produces bright red, juicy, and aromatic fruits. 

It belongs to the Rosaceae family and thrives in well-drained soils with adequate sunlight.

The plant is characterized by:

• Leaves: Compound with three leaflets, serrated edges, and vibrant green colour.
• Roots: A shallow root system that spreads laterally, making the plant dependent on frequent watering and fertile soil.
• Flowers: Small, white flowers with five petals, which later develop into strawberries.
• Fruits: Typically conical, bright red, and dotted with tiny seeds on the surface.

Strawberries are prized not only for their taste but also for their rich vitamin C, antioxidants, and fibre content, making them a valuable addition to any garden or farm.

Planting Season for Strawberry in Nigeria

Strawberries thrive in regions with moderate temperatures. In Nigeria, the cooler climates of the plateau regions, such as Jos in Plateau State, are particularly suitable for strawberry cultivation.

However, with proper care, strawberries can also be grown in other parts of the country.

The best planting season for strawberries in Nigeria is between October and December, just before the harmattan season. 

The cooler temperatures during harmattan help the plants establish themselves before the warmer months arrive. 

Additionally, planting during this period allows the plants to produce fruits by February or March.

Planting Strawberry: Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Choose a Suitable Location

Selecting the right location is crucial for successful strawberry farming. Strawberries need:

• Sunlight: A location that receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil with a slightly acidic pH (5.5–6.5).
• Climate: A cool and moderate environment is ideal, though strawberries can adapt with proper care.

In Nigeria, areas with cooler temperatures, such as highland regions, are naturally more suitable for strawberry farming. 

However, farmers in warmer areas can use shade nets or mulching to regulate temperature and retain soil moisture.

Step 2: Land Clearing and Preparation

Once the location is chosen, prepare the land as follows:

1. Clear the Land: Remove weeds, grass, and debris to ensure the strawberries are not competing for nutrients.
2. Loosen the Soil: Use a hoe or tiller to break up the soil to a depth of about 12 inches. This ensures proper root penetration.
3. Add Organic Matter: Mix compost or well-rotted manure into the soil to enhance fertility and improve drainage.
4. Create Raised Beds: Form raised beds about 8–12 inches high and 18–24 inches wide. Raised beds prevent waterlogging and improve aeration.

Step 3: Means of Propagation

Strawberries can be propagated through two main methods:

1. Seeds: Growing strawberries from seeds is more time-consuming but cost-effective.
2. Runners: These are stolons (horizontal stems) that grow from mature strawberry plants. Runners are faster and more reliable for propagation.

While seeds are commonly used by beginners, experienced farmers often prefer runners because they establish quicker and maintain the characteristics of the parent plant.

Step 4: How to Plant Strawberry from Seeds

If you decide to grow strawberries from seeds, follow these steps:

1. Seed Preparation:
   • Purchase high-quality strawberry seeds from a reputable supplier.
   • Soak the seeds in water for 12–24 hours to soften their hard outer shell and improve germination.
2. Seed Sowing:
   • Fill small pots or seed trays with a light, well-draining potting mix.
   • Sow the seeds on the surface and lightly press them into the soil. Do not bury them too deep.
   • Water gently to moisten the soil.
3. Germination:
   • Place the trays in a cool, shaded area.
   • Cover the trays with plastic wrap to retain moisture and warmth.
   • Germination typically takes 2–4 weeks.
4. Transplanting:
   • Once the seedlings have 3–4 true leaves and are about 2 inches tall, transplant them to the prepared beds.
   • Space the plants 12–18 inches apart to allow adequate growth.

How to plant strawberries from runners:

1. Identify Healthy Runners: Select strong runners (stolons) from a mature strawberry plant with well-developed leaves.
2. Anchor Runners: Press the node (small bump on the runner) into the soil, ensuring it makes good contact. Secure with a U-shaped pin or small stone.
3. Sever from Parent Plant: Once the runner develops its own roots (after 2–3 weeks), cut it from the parent plant.
4. Transplant (if needed): Move the new plant to its final location, spacing it 12–18 inches apart.

This method is faster and ensures true-to-type plants.

Step 5: Watering

Strawberries require consistent watering, especially during the dry season. Follow these tips:

• Water the plants 2–3 times per week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged.
• Use a drip irrigation system to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to fungal infections.

Step 6: Apply Manure

Strawberries are heavy feeders and need a nutrient-rich soil. 

Apply organic manure, such as cow dung or compost, every 4–6 weeks to boost growth and fruit production.

Alternatively, use a balanced fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (e.g., NPK 10-10-10). 

Avoid over-fertilizing, as excess nitrogen can lead to lush foliage at the expense of fruit production.

Maturity and Harvest

Strawberries typically begin to bear fruit 3–6 months after planting, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Here’s what to expect:

• Maturity Indicators: The fruits are fully ripe when they turn bright red, are firm to the touch, and have a sweet aroma.
• Harvesting: Use scissors or clippers to cut the fruit, leaving a small portion of the stem attached. Harvest in the morning when the temperature is cooler to maintain fruit quality.

Strawberries are delicate and should be handled carefully to avoid bruising. Store them in a cool place or refrigerate immediately after harvest.

Pests and Diseases

Strawberries are susceptible to various pests and diseases, including:

Pests

1. Aphids: These tiny insects suck sap from the leaves, causing curling and yellowing.
2. Spider Mites: They create webbing on leaves and stunt plant growth.
3. Fruit Flies: They target ripe fruits, making them inedible.
4. Cutworms: These caterpillars chew on stems and roots.

Diseases

1. Powdery Mildew: A white, powdery coating on leaves and stems.
2. Gray Mold (Botrytis cinerea): A fungal disease that affects fruits and causes rot.
3. Leaf Spot: Brown or black spots on leaves caused by fungal infections.
4. Root Rot: A result of waterlogged soil, leading to wilting and plant death.

Pest and Disease Control

To protect your strawberry plants, implement these control measures:

Pest Control

1. Use organic pesticides, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap, to manage aphids and spider mites.
2. Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs to naturally control pest populations.
3. Regularly inspect plants for pests and remove affected leaves or stems.
4. Employ physical barriers, such as nets, to prevent fruit flies from reaching the plants.

Disease Control

1. Practice crop rotation to prevent soil-borne diseases.
2. Avoid overhead watering to reduce fungal infections.
3. Remove and destroy infected plants or fruits promptly to prevent disease spread.
4. Apply fungicides, such as copper-based sprays, for severe fungal outbreaks.

Conclusion

Planting strawberries in Nigeria is a promising venture that requires proper planning and consistent care. 

By choosing a suitable location, preparing the soil adequately, and following best practices for planting, watering, and pest control, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of this delicious fruit. 

With an increasing demand for strawberries in Nigeria’s markets, both small-scale gardeners and commercial farmers can reap significant rewards from this endeavour.

Happy planting!

I hope this article was helpful.

Is there any crop you want to grow and can’t find in our How to Grow category?

Let us know; leave a note in the comment box below.