Role of Nutrients by Strawberry Growth Stage

Post harvest to Establishment

• Nitrogen - to build reserves in the crown for recycling and subsequent growth of new leaves in the spring.
• Phosphorus, calcium, boron and zinc - to maximize strong root development and support new growth.
• Potassium - for good plant development.

Vegetative growth

• Nitrogen - main doses are required at this stage for leaf and plant expansion
• Phosphorus - to meet uptake needs through flowering.
• Potassium - to promote strong lead growth and build a strong plant development.
• Calcium - to build levels in the plant and maintain a steady supply to developing tissues.
• Sulfur and magnesium - maintain vigorous, healthy leaf growth and to improve plant supplies.
• Micronutrients - ensure photosynthetic growth is not limiting.

Flowering to fruit set

• Potassium - peak demand for berry development and to build fruit quality.
• Nitrogen - in reduced amounts so as not compromise fruit stability.
• Phosphorus - for strong flower bud formation.
• Calcium and magnesium - to support new tissue development and boost fruit integrity, reduce disease and maximize shelf life.
• Boron - for good pollen production, seed formation and fruit set.
• Other micronutrients - as needed to maintain growth.

Fruiting to maturity

• Potassium - to maximize fruit quality, particularly TSS, acidity and taste.
• Phosphorus - to top up levels being redistributed to the fruit.
• Nitrogen - in limited quantities to balance other nutrients (excessive N at this stage can spoil fruit, but too little N reduces fruit size).
• Boron and calcium - for fruit strength.