Strawberry farming is a lucrative agribusiness venture in Kenya, given the fruit’s high demand due to its sweetness, juicy texture, and aroma. With proper care and ecological conditions, strawberry farming can yield significant profits for farmers.
Key Strawberry Growing Areas in Kenya
Strawberries are grown in various regions, including:
- Kiambu
- Nyeri
- Naivasha
- Machakos
- Embu
- Molo
- Western Kenya
- Kirinyaga
- Nairobi
Popular Varieties of Strawberries in Kenya
Farmers can cultivate several strawberry varieties, such as:
- Chandler
- Tribute
- TriStar
- Tioga Selva
- Pajaro
- Douglas
- Domail
- Rabunda
Ecological Requirements for Growing Strawberries
To thrive, strawberries require:
- Soil: Well-drained soils with a pH of 5.5-6.5.
- Altitude: 1,250-2,200m above sea level.
- Temperature: 10-30°C.
- Sunlight: 6-10 hours of direct sunlight daily.
- Rainfall: Well-distributed rainfall of 1,200mm annually.
- Topography: Slightly elevated or leveled grounds.
- Weed Control: Soils must be weed-free for optimal yields.
Steps for Planting Strawberries
- Land Preparation:
- Till the land thoroughly and remove weeds using herbicides like Clampdown if necessary.
- Enrich the soil with manure and fertilizers such as DAP.
- Planting Process:
- Prepare planting holes approximately 7.5 cm deep.
- Maintain a spacing of 30cm by 40-45cm between plants.
- Use seedlings for transplantation or plant directly from seeds.
- Watering:
- Strawberries require adequate water, particularly during flowering.
- Consider using drip irrigation for consistent moisture supply.
Harvesting Strawberries
- Maturity Period:
- Strawberries take about 70 days to mature. Fruits are ready for harvest 4-6 weeks after blossoming.
- Harvesting Guidelines:
- Harvest berries when they are fully ripe, as they do not ripen further after picking.
- Handle berries with care to avoid damage due to their fragile nature.
- The best time to harvest is early in the morning when the fruits are cool.
Strawberry farming in Kenya is a profitable venture for farmers who meet the crop’s ecological requirements and practice proper care. With growing demand in both local and export markets, strawberries offer an excellent opportunity for small and large-scale farmers alike.
