Quick Reference Guide
✔️ Can strawberries grow in a greenhouse? Yes! They thrive in controlled environments.
🌡 Best Temperature: 60–75°F (16–24°C) during the day, 50–55°F (10–13°C) at night
☀️ Light Needs: At least 10–12 hours of light per day (supplement with grow lights in winter)
💧 Humidity Level: 60–75% for optimal growth
🪴 Best Strawberry Types for Greenhouses: Day-neutral & everbearing varieties
📆 Year-Round Harvest? Yes, with proper temperature & lighting control
Can You Grow Strawberries in a Greenhouse?
Yes, greenhouse strawberries grow faster, produce higher yields, and extend the growing season. With temperature, humidity, and light control, you can enjoy fresh strawberries year-round, even in cold climates like Minnesota.
Benefits of Greenhouse-Grown Strawberries
✅ Longer growing season—no frost means earlier fruiting and extended harvests
✅ Faster growth—controlled temperatures speed up plant development
✅ Pest and disease protection—less exposure to outdoor pests
✅ Higher yields—ideal conditions result in more flowers and larger berries
✅ Less weather stress—no wind, frost, or sudden temperature changes
A heated greenhouse with supplemental lighting allows for continuous strawberry production year-round.
Best Strawberry Varieties for Greenhouse Growing
Not all strawberries perform well in greenhouses. The best options are day-neutral and everbearing varieties, which continuously produce fruit in stable temperatures.
Best Day-Neutral Strawberries for Greenhouses
✅ Seascape – Large, firm, and sweet berries
✅ Albion – High yields, disease-resistant, very sweet
✅ Mara des Bois – Highly aromatic, deep red fruit
✅ San Andreas – Heavy producer with uniform berries
Best Everbearing Strawberries for Greenhouses
✅ Ozark Beauty – Very sweet, produces in spring and fall
✅ Quinault – Soft texture, great for fresh eating
✅ Fort Laramie – Cold-hardy with good disease resistance
June-bearing varieties are not recommended unless you’re forcing a single large harvest per year.
How to Grow Strawberries in a Greenhouse
1. Maintain the Right Temperature
✅ Optimal Temperature:
- 60–75°F daytime
- 50–55°F nighttime
✅ Winter Growing Tips:
- Use a greenhouse heater to keep temperatures above 50°F
✅ Avoid temperatures above 85°F, which reduces fruit production.
Sudden temperature swings can stress plants, leading to low yields or small berries.
2. Provide Sufficient Light
✅ Strawberries need at least 10–12 hours of light per day
✅ In winter, use LED grow lights or fluorescent lights to supplement natural light
✅ Best Grow Lights for Greenhouse Strawberries:
- Full-spectrum LED grow lights (energy-efficient)
- T5 fluorescent lights (budget-friendly)
Place lights 12–18 inches above plants and run them 12–14 hours daily in winter.
3. Keep Humidity & Airflow Balanced
✅ Ideal Humidity Level: 60–75%
✅ Too humid? Use fans or vents to prevent mold and fungal diseases
✅ Too dry? Mist plants or use a humidifier
Poor airflow leads to fungal infections like mold and powdery mildew.
✅ Set up oscillating fans to keep air moving around plants
4. Choose the Best Growing Method for Greenhouse Strawberries
1. Raised Beds or Ground Soil
✅ Best for large-scale greenhouse production
✅ Use loamy, well-draining soil (pH 5.5–6.5)
✅ Space plants 12 inches apart in rows 2 feet apart
2. Containers or Grow Bags
✅ Best for small greenhouses & vertical gardening
✅ Use MEG’s custom strawberry container mix:
- 1/2 Peat
- 1/4 Compost
- 1/4 Pine Bark Fines
Containers must have drainage holes to prevent root rot.
3. Hydroponic Strawberry Systems
✅ Fastest growth & highest yield potential
✅ Uses nutrient-rich water instead of soil
✅ Best for vertical or stacked setups
Hydroponics increases fruit production by 20-30% compared to soil-grown plants.
5. Fertilizing for Maximum Strawberry Yields
✅ Use a balanced slow-release fertilizer (10-10-10)
✅ Switch to high-potassium fertilizer when flowering begins (e.g., 10-20-10)
✅ Too much nitrogen = lots of leaves, no berries
Liquid kelp or fish emulsion boosts flowering & fruit size.
6. Managing Pests & Diseases in a Greenhouse
Even in a protected environment, strawberries can still attract pests and fungal infections.
✅ Common Greenhouse Strawberry Pests:
- Aphids & Spider Mites → Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap
- Thrips & Whiteflies → Use sticky traps or introduce ladybugs
✅ Common Greenhouse Strawberry Diseases:
- Gray Mold (Botrytis Rot) → Improve airflow & avoid overhead watering
- Powdery Mildew → Reduce humidity & spray with baking soda solution
Keep greenhouse floors clean & weed-free to reduce pest issues.
Final Thoughts: Growing Strawberries in a Greenhouse
✅ Yes, you can grow strawberries year-round in a greenhouse! With proper temperature, light, and humidity control, you’ll enjoy continuous harvests of fresh, juicy berries.
✅ Best Varieties: Day-neutral (Seascape, Albion) & everbearing (Ozark Beauty, Quinault)
✅ Best Growing Methods: Containers, raised beds, or hydroponics
✅ Key Factors for Success: Consistent watering, good airflow, and proper fertilization
By following these greenhouse growing tips, you’ll maximize your strawberry yield and enjoy fresh berries all year long!