How to farm strawberries in Kenya in 2023
The strawberry was initially a plant that grew in mild temperatures but has adapted well in warmer regions.
It has become popular around the world and is grown in nearly every country, due to the breeding of new varieties that can grow under a wide range of climatic conditions.
Strawberry, being mainly a fresh market product, can be very profitable, if you are able to meet the challenges involved in growing strawberries.
Strawberry Varieties in Kenya
The following varieties are available in Kenya
- Chandler Strawberry Variety
Vigorous and high yielding, the Chandler Strawberry variety produces very desirable strawberries. Chandler Strawberries are very large, and firm and produce within 60 to 75 days. The shape of the chandler strawberry ranges from long and wedge-like shape to being conical in shape and large in size. They have brilliant red colour and glossy look, with an exceptional flavour.
Chandler strawberries are good for export or fresh market. They are very good for freezing. They are not the best for processing
- Douglas Strawberry
The Douglas strawberry is a vigorous plant with clear forage with a semi-erect habit. It produces elongated berries that are conical in shape and orange-red in colour. The berries have firm red flesh, with a pink centre. They have good taste and resistance to transport damages. The Douglas strawberry gives high yields.
- Aiko Strawberry
The Aiko strawberry produces uniform large conical berries, with a pointed end. They have firm pale red firm flesh that is slightly sweet. They are resistant to transport damages and have high yields.
- Pajaro Strawberry
The Pajaro strawberry is a short day variety, that gives berries that are symmetrical in shape. It is late maturing, with low production, making it not popular.
- Fern Strawberry
The Fern strawberry is a day-neutral variety that is high yielding with firm skin and sweet berry. It is good for fresh markets and processing.
- Cambridge Favourite Strawberry
The Cambridge strawberries produce many runners, small-sized sweet berries. It is resistant to most diseases.
- Tribute Strawberry
- Tristar Strawberry
- Tioga Selva Strawberry
- Domail Strawberry
- Rabunda Strawberry
Ecological Requirements for Growing Strawberries in Kenya
Strawberries grow well at altitudes of between 1250 and 2200 metres above sea level, east of the rift valley.
They require a well-distributed rainfall of 1200mm. Less than this will need irrigation at the rate of 25mm per week. The strawberry plant is not drought tolerant. Drip irrigation increases yields improve the size and appearance of the berries and prolong the harvest period.
Strawberries grow in a wide range of well-drained soils, although deep sandy soils that are rich in humus are most ideal. The soil should have a good capacity for retaining moisture. The soil drainage should be good enough to keep the water level at least 80 to 100 cm below the soil surface. Poor drainage makes strawberries weak and susceptible to diseases.
The soil PH range should be 5.5 and 6.5. Saline soils should be avoided.
The suitable strawberry growing areas in Kenya are Athi River, Kitengela, Sagana, Kinangop, Embu, Molo, Naivasha, Kericho, Kitale, Kirinyanga, Nairobi, Nyeri, Kiambu, etc
Land preparation for planting strawberries
In order to break the hard pan and improve soil structure, double digging is encouraged. The beds should be one metre wide and any desirable length. Leave a path of 50cm wide between the beds. Incorporate 15kg of well-composted manure per metre squared. The beds should be leveled and watering should be done on the whole bed in preparation for planting.
The bed preparation should be done one month before the date for planting.
Propagation and Planting of strawberries
Strawberries are vegetatively propagated, using splits and runners. Splits are the most used method. Seed are rarely used because they are not viable. The viable seeds take a long time before reaching the recommended height for transplanting.
Before planting, work the soil, so that there is a deep and reasonably loose planting bed.
Treating strawberry splits before planting
Before planting the splits, trim the leaves, and roots and dip the split in a fungicide solution 24 hours before planting. Examples of fungicides used to prevent fungal infections are ridomil, pearl, cotaf, and master
Spacing for Strawberries
Dig planting holes that are approximately 7.5 cm deep, 30 cm between rows, and 30cm between plants. With this spacing, you will be able to plant 75,000 plants per hectare.
Apply 2grams per hole of a recommended nematicide e.g mocap, bionematode, membedicine etc
Planting Strawberries
The strawberry crown is very short and cannot tolerate deep planting. Roots should not be allowed to dry. Make sure the crown, in the middle, is level with the soil.
Soil should be watered after planting to set the strawberry plants into the soil. Avoid watering the plants directly.
Weed control for strawberries
Plant the strawberries in soils that have no weeds. After planting, weekly cultivation is needed to remove weeds when they are small. Remove all diseased runners and leaves regularly
Fertilizer Application for strawberries
Do not apply fertilizer during planting, in order to avoid the splits getting dehydrated. This is because they go into a dormant state for 14 days after planting.
Within the first month, remove the first and second flowers to prevent premature fruiting and give the plants time to develop roots.
After 30 days, fix CAN fertilizer, 10gms (1 tablespoon), per hole, in between the plants. Fertilizers are used to maintain soil fertility and maximize plant growth and fruit production.
Strawberries are heavy feeders, hence they need to be boosted with foliar feeds such as Easygrow vegetative, flower and fruit, and calcium to firm the skin of the fruit and decrease fruit deformities.
Strawberries are self-pollinating, but cross-pollinating will achieve better yields.
Mulching for Strawberries
Mulching will help conserve ground moisture, keep the fruits clean and add humus to the soil. Avoid applying mulch when the plants are too young. If using plastic mulch paper, do not use the black one, as it will raise soil temperatures. Optimal fruit production requires cool soil.
Pruning strawberries
During the cold and rainy seasons, the strawberries go into a rest period. Remove all the old and diseased leaves to reduce infection from diseases, reduce pests, allow for aeration and allow regrowth of the foliage. Burn all the removed leaves outside the field.
Cut off runners regularly, except those needed for fruiting. After seven months, thin the plants, leaving the mother and three daughters.
Irrigation for strawberries
During the first month of planting, water daily, in the evening for 30 days. This will help in root establishment and initial vegetative growth.
From the second month onwards, after applying mulch, water twice or thrice a week depending on the weather.
The best method for watering is through drip irrigation, a watering can or a low-pressure hose pipe. The high-pressure sprinkler will cause flower abortion, and fruit bruises and will contribute to fungal infections.
Harvesting Strawberries
The maturity of strawberries depends on the temperatures during the growth period. The warmer the temperature, the faster the maturity. The maturity period ranges from 75 to 90 days depending on the variety.
Strawberries should be picked when they are completely ripe because strawberries do not continue to ripen once harvested. If you do not pick the ripe berries, they will become overripe or rotten by the next picking. Avoid crushing the fruit when picking, by using a firm clean container to put the strawberries after picking.
Pre cools the fruits to avoid dehydration and deterioration, as they deteriorate quickly after picking.
For the fresh market, strawberries are sold in punnets (250 grams) or by weight.
Pick the berries after every 2 days. This is because they ripen quickly.
Deterioration can be slowed down by pre-cooling the berries and storing in temperatures below 4 degrees celsius. A small-scale farmer can use a charcoal cooler for this.
Do not wash the fruits, as this destroys s the skin and hastens deterioration
Sorting Strawberries after harvesting
This is done to remove damaged, unripe and dirty fruits. Remove all the fruits without the calyx.
Precooling Strawberries after harvesting
Precooling is done to remove the field heat in order to minimize deterioration. Small-scale farmers can use charcoal coolers. For markets that are far, forced air precooling is needed.
Grading Strawberries
Strawberries are graded according to sizes and shapes, depending on the targeted market
- Grade 1 – 6-9 fruits per punnet
- Grade 2 – 15 to 25 fruits per punnet
- Grade 3 – 28 to 32 fruits per punnet
Any smaller strawberries are kept for processing into jam and juice.
Packing strawberries
Strawberries are packed into punnets, ready for delivery to the market.
The yield of strawberries per hectare
The yield for strawberries per hectare is 25,000 kg for the first year, 18,750 kgs the second year and 12,500 the third year respectively. It is recommended to replant by the end of the third year. A ⅛ of acre plot can produce 30kg to 50kgs per week.
Value addition to strawberries
Strawberries can also be dried or frozen. You can make strawberry jam for sale.
Very informative, where can…
Very informative, where can i get good variety seedlings?
Peter maina
Hey Peter..I know someone…
Hey Peter..I know someone who deals with strawberry seedlings..He has different varieties of seedlings and an affordable price.
Contact:0720590127
Well researched information…
Well researched information. Really helpful to us strawberry farmers and those who wish to venture into the field.
Very informative
Very informative
Would wish to try it in…
Would wish to try it in Ithanga, Kakuzi, Muranga South. Where do I get certified seeds?
Very informative.
Planning…
Very informative.
Planning to give it a try.
Hey there.I happen to know a…
Hey there.I happen to know a strawberry farmer looking for market
Contact:0720590127
Instagram: Sweetfarmke
This is the most extensive…
This is the most extensive and well researched article on strawberry farming that I have found, good work. Some pictures to help distinguish the varieties would have been even more excellent.
When grown on a cornical…
When grown on a cornical shape will need to mulch