We purchased some Strawberry ‘Marshmello’ Fast Growing Bare Root Garden Bush Fruit Plants (10 Plants) from Amazon with the intent to see if we could create a strawberry bush within our Hydroponics LED System, we purchased another hydronic system as the 3 we had were already full up it was a choice between the 8-pod hydroponic system or 12-pod model. These setups are cost-effective and provide the spectrum lighting needed for strawberries. Equipped with efficient nutrient delivery and water control, these systems support healthy fruiting indoors.
The guide below is based on my research to grow the ultimate in Strawberry Marshmello, from bare root runners, in a desktop hydroponic setup! – Follow my updates as they occur!
The *Strawberry ‘Marshmello’* variety is cherished for its sweet flavour, juicy texture, and reliable yield. Growing this strawberry from a bare root runner in a hydroponic setup allows for faster establishment and quicker fruit production compared to seeds. Bare root runners provide a head start, leading to rapid root development and healthy growth in a controlled, soil-free environment.
Why Use Bare Root Runners in Hydroponics?
Using bare root runners offers several advantages in a hydroponic system:
- Faster Growth: Established runners mature quicker than plants grown from seeds, leading to earlier fruit production.
- Higher Yield: Bare root runners have robust root systems that support more abundant fruiting.
- Optimised Indoor Cultivation: Hydroponics enables precise control over growth factors, optimising strawberry growth without soil.
With the help of LED lighting and a well-chosen hydroponic system, growing strawberries indoors becomes both productive and convenient.
Setting Up Hydroponic Strawberry ‘Marshmello’
Nutrient Requirements
The General Hydroponics Flora Series (FloraGro, FloraMicro, FloraBloom) provides balanced nutrients necessary for each growth stage, supporting strong roots, leaf production, and fruiting capabilities.
Light Requirements
Strawberries benefit from consistent lighting, particularly during flowering and fruiting phases:
- Rooting to Fruiting: Maintain 12-14 hours of light daily using an LED system to support flowering and fruit production.
Temperature and Humidity
- Temperature: Ideal temperature range is 18-24°C for growth and fruiting.
- Humidity: Keep humidity between 50-60% to reduce risk of mould and ensure a healthy environment.
- pH Range: Maintain pH between 5.5 and 6.0 for nutrient uptake.
Growing Stages of Hydroponic Strawberry ‘Marshmello’ from Bare Root
1. Root Establishment Stage
- Duration: 1-2 weeks
- Nutrient Solution: Use 1 ml of FloraGro and 1 ml of FloraMicro per litre of water; no FloraBloom is needed initially.
- Lighting: Provide 12-14 hours of light daily to support initial root establishment.
- Temperature and Humidity: Maintain 18-22°C and 60-70% humidity.
- pH Management: Check pH regularly, aiming to keep levels between 5.5 and 6.0.
Notes: In the first two weeks, the bare root runner will focus on establishing a strong root system. Once roots are developed, the plant will progress to the vegetative stage.
2. Vegetative Growth Stage
- Duration: 3-5 weeks
- Nutrient Solution: Increase to 1.5 ml of FloraGro, 1 ml of FloraMicro, and 0.5 ml of FloraBloom per litre.
- Lighting: Maintain 12-14 hours of LED lighting daily.
- Temperature and Humidity: Keep temperature between 18-24°C with 50-60% humidity.
- Water Change: Refresh water and nutrients every two weeks to prevent build-up.
- pH Management: Keep pH steady between 5.5 and 6.0.
Notes: The plant will grow more leaves and produce flower buds in this stage, preparing for the fruiting phase.
3. Flowering and Fruiting Stage
- Duration: 6+ weeks (until harvest)
- Nutrient Solution: Transition to 1 ml of FloraGro, 1 ml of FloraMicro, and 1.5-2 ml of FloraBloom per litre to support fruit production.
- Lighting: Keep at 12-14 hours daily.
- Temperature and Humidity: Ideal temperature is 20-24°C with 50-60% humidity.
- Water Change: Replace nutrient solution every two weeks.
- pH Management: Keep pH between 5.5 and 6.0.
Notes: Flowers will bloom, leading to strawberry formation. Harvest strawberries once they reach full ripeness and sweetness.
Nutrient and Light Schedule Summary Table
The amounts listed for FloraGro, FloraMicro, and FloraBloom are measured per litre of water. Adjust accordingly for the total volume in your hydroponic reservoir.
| Growth Stage | Duration | FloraGro (ml) | FloraMicro (ml) | FloraBloom (ml) | Lighting (Hours) | Temperature (°C) | Humidity (%) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Root Establishment | 1-2 weeks | 1 | 1 | 0 | 12-14 | 18-22 | 60-70 |
| Vegetative Growth | 3-5 weeks | 1.5 | 1 | 0.5 | 12-14 | 18-24 | 50-60 |
| Flowering/Fruiting | 6+ weeks | 1 | 1 | 1.5-2 | 12-14 | 20-24 | 50-60 |
Extra Tips for Growing Hydroponic Strawberries
- Weekly Monitoring: Regularly check nutrient, pH, and water levels to ensure optimal growing conditions.
- Maintain Cleanliness: Keep the hydroponic setup clean to prevent algae build-up and maintain water quality.
- Harvest Carefully: Use scissors to cut ripe strawberries, avoiding damage to surrounding flowers and fruiting branches.
