Which strawberry plants should you choose? Frigo, potted, or green seedlings?

2026-02-04

The season is starting, and you’re dreaming of your own juicy strawberries? Whether you live in an apartment in a big city or in a house in the countryside, there are plenty of ways to grow strawberries. You can plant them in the garden, on an allotment, on a balcony, a terrace, or even in pots.

Once the location has been chosen, another very important question arises: which strawberry plants should you choose? This choice largely determines the success of cultivation, the harvest time, and the quantity of fruit. There are three main types of strawberry plants available on the market: frigo, potted, and bare-root (green). Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it’s worth getting to know them well before making a decision.

Frigo plants – fast harvest and flexible planting time

Frigo plants are strawberries dug up in winter while in full vegetative dormancy. After being lifted, they are cleaned of leaves and stored in cold rooms at temperatures of around –1.5 to –2°C. This completely halts their development, allowing planting to be scheduled exactly when it is most convenient.

The biggest advantage of frigo plants is their very fast fruiting. After planting, the plants quickly “wake up,” begin to grow and flower intensively, and the first harvests are possible after just 6–8 weeks. This makes frigo plants a popular choice for commercial growers and for people who want a quick and reliable harvest.

However, it is worth remembering that frigo plants are more expensive than other types and require intensive care at the beginning of cultivation. Regular watering and proper fertilisation are crucial, especially in the first days after planting.

Soaking the roots: before planting, soak the roots in lukewarm water for 30–60 minutes to reduce stress and speed up rooting.
Planting on a cooler day: avoid heatwaves – young frigo plants do not tolerate strong sunlight immediately after planting.
Consistent watering: for the first two weeks, water daily, in the morning and evening.
Mulching: straw, garden fleece, or bark helps retain moisture and limit weed growth.
Fertilising with water: 2–3 weeks after planting, apply a gentle strawberry fertiliser to stimulate growth and flowering.
Flower bud control: if planting for a one-year harvest, leave the flowers. If you want to strengthen the plants for the next season, consider removing the first flowers.

Potted plants – a safe start and high survival rate

Potted plants are young strawberry plants that grow in containers with substrate from the very beginning. Thanks to their well-developed root system with a root ball, transplant shock is significantly reduced and the risk of plant failure is almost eliminated.

Their great advantage is versatility. They can be planted from early spring until autumn, and with proper watering even during summer. They work perfectly both in the ground and in pots on a balcony or terrace.

Check the moisture of the root ball before purchase and planting – it should be neither dry nor waterlogged.
Plant spacing: in the ground, 25–30 cm between plants; in pots, containers with a diameter of 20–25 cm.
Watering and fertilising – pots dry out faster, so watering is crucial. Every 2–3 weeks, apply a liquid fertiliser for fruiting plants.
Disease prevention: place pots so that there is good air circulation between them. This helps limit mould and fungal diseases.
Repotting and soil replacement: every 2–3 years, refresh the soil or change the pot so the plant has access to sufficient nutrients.

Potted plants are very popular among beginner gardeners, but are also chosen by more experienced growers. However, it should be remembered that the yield in the first year may be slightly lower, and the root ball must not be allowed to dry out before planting.

Green strawberry plants – economical but demanding

Green strawberry plants are young strawberry plants dug out of the ground without a root ball. For this reason, they are more sensitive to drying out and unfavourable weather conditions, especially immediately after planting.

The best planting time for green strawberry plants is early spring, as well as late summer and autumn. Plants planted during these periods have a good chance to establish well and produce an abundant harvest in the following season.

Their greatest advantage is the low price, which makes them a good solution when establishing larger plantings. The disadvantage, however, is that they usually do not bear fruit in the first year. They are therefore recommended for patient growers planning strawberry cultivation over the long term.

Soaking the roots: always soak the roots in water before planting so the plant can establish more quickly.
Planting at the right time: best in spring (March–April) or in late summer/autumn, avoiding periods of extreme heat.
Protection against drying out: during the first weeks after planting, strawberries require frequent watering.
Mulching: protects delicate roots and helps retain moisture.
Do not expect fruit in the first year: if fruit is important to you, remove flowers in the first season to strengthen the plant.
Weed and pest control: green strawberry plants are more sensitive than frigo and potted plants, so it is important to keep the bed clean and use both chemical and natural protection methods.

Which strawberry plants should you choose?

The choice of suitable strawberry plants should depend on your expectations, budget, and experience. If you want a quick harvest and full control over the fruiting time, choose frigo plants. If you are looking for a safe, easy-to-grow, and versatile solution, potted plants are the best choice. If you want to reduce costs and do not expect immediate yields, bare-root plants are worth considering.

Regardless of your choice, a suitable location, regular watering, and proper care will ensure that your own strawberries become a source of great satisfaction and excellent flavour.