Grow Strawberries In Belize? Yes, With The Right Conditions!

Belize has a vibrant natural history with over 4,000 flowering plants, 250 species of orchids, and 700 different trees. However, strawberries are not among the fruits that grow in Belize. While strawberries can be grown in tropical climates, they are not native to these regions and require specific conditions to thrive.

Strawberries are typically grown in temperate climates and require cool temperatures, full sun, and well-drained soil. They are sensitive to heat and moisture, which can cause the plants to die. In tropical climates, strawberries may be grown at higher altitudes or in climate-controlled environments, such as greenhouses.

While it is possible to grow strawberries in Belize, it would require significant modifications to the natural environment, and even then, the plants may not produce fruit.

What type of strawberries can be grown in Belize?

Belize has a diverse vegetation profile, with over 4,000 flowering plants, 250 species of orchids, and 700 tree types. However, strawberries are not mentioned in any of the sources.

Strawberries are typically grown in temperate climates, and while they can be grown in tropical climates, they require specific conditions, such as altitude, to be successful. In tropical climates, strawberries often struggle to produce fruit and may die due to the heat and moisture.

Therefore, it is unlikely that strawberries are grown in Belize, as it has a tropical climate. However, it may be possible to grow strawberries in Belize under very specific conditions, such as in a climate-controlled greenhouse or at higher altitudes.

What is the best time of year to grow strawberries in Belize?

Belize has a tropical climate, and strawberries are typically grown in temperate climates. However, with the right conditions, it is possible to grow strawberries in Belize.

Strawberries require 6 to 10 hours of direct sunlight per day, so it is important to choose a sunny spot for planting. The plants also prefer loamy soil that drains well, with a soil pH between 5.5 and 7.

The best time of year to grow strawberries in Belize will depend on the type of strawberry plant. There are four main types: June-bearing, everbearing, day-neutral, and alpine.

June-bearing strawberries produce fruit in one go, usually over a period of three weeks. Despite their name, they can be early-, mid-, or late-season varieties, fruiting anytime from early to late summer. In Belize, the best time to plant June-bearing strawberries is in the spring, when the ground can be worked.

Everbearing strawberries produce fruit steadily throughout the summer and even into autumn. They have smaller berries and are great for making jam or freezing.

Day-neutral strawberries are insensitive to day length and produce fruit continuously through the season, as long as the temperature remains between 35° and 85°F (1° to 30°C).

Alpine strawberries are much smaller plants that form smaller berries with an intense flavor. They require less attention than bigger strawberry plants and will self-seed to create a useful edible ground cover.

For Belize's tropical climate, everbearing or day-neutral strawberries may be the best options, as they produce fruit throughout the summer and into autumn. However, it is important to note that even with the right variety, growing strawberries in Belize will require extra care due to the warm and humid climate.

What are the challenges of growing strawberries in Belize?

Belize has a tropical climate, and strawberries are typically grown in temperate climates. However, it is possible to grow strawberries in tropical climates if they are grown at higher altitudes where the temperature is cooler.

The main challenges of growing strawberries in Belize are the high temperatures and humidity. Strawberries prefer cooler temperatures of between 35° and 85°F (1° to 30°C). In regions where the temperature regularly drops below 20°F (-6°C), strawberries will enter a dormant stage and require winter protection.

To successfully grow strawberries in Belize, it is essential to provide a climate-controlled environment, such as a greenhouse, to moderate the temperature and humidity. Additionally, the following measures can be implemented:

• Choose strawberry varieties suitable for tropical climates, such as Red Gauntlet, Tioga, Cambridge, and Turft.
• Plant strawberries in containers or raised beds with well-draining soil and adequate spacing for sprawling.
• Provide adequate sunlight, as strawberries require 6 to 10 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Maintain proper soil pH between 5.5 and 7.
• Water strawberry plants regularly, especially during dry weather, as moisture is crucial due to their shallow roots.
• Protect plants from pests such as birds, slugs, and Japanese beetles.
• Remove blossoms in the first year to encourage healthy root development and higher yields in the second year.

What are the benefits of growing strawberries in Belize?

Belize has a diverse vegetation profile, with over 4,000 flowering plants, 250 species of orchids, and 700 tree types. The country's climate is suitable for growing strawberries, which require 6 to 10 hours of direct sunlight per day. Here are the benefits of growing strawberries in Belize:

• Ideal Climate: Belize's climate provides the necessary sunlight and temperature range for strawberry cultivation.
• Export Opportunities: As a major exporter of bananas, Belize has the potential to develop a thriving strawberry industry.
• High-Value Crop: Strawberries are sought-after fruits with a high market value, making them a profitable crop for farmers.
• Soil Suitability: Belize's soil types, particularly loamy soil, are well-suited for strawberry cultivation, ensuring healthy plant growth.
• Year-Round Harvest: With a suitable climate, farmers can grow strawberries year-round, providing a continuous supply to local and international markets.
• Attracting Tourism: Strawberry farms can become tourist attractions, offering visitors a unique experience of picking their own strawberries.
• Job Creation: The development of a strawberry industry in Belize would create numerous job opportunities, from farming to packaging and distribution.
• Economic Growth: The establishment of a successful strawberry industry would contribute to Belize's economic growth and development, generating revenue and boosting the country's GDP.
• Diversification: Growing strawberries would add diversity to Belize's agricultural sector, reducing reliance on traditional crops and promoting sustainable farming practices.

How can you care for strawberries in Belize?

How to Care for Strawberries in Belize

Strawberries are a delicious treat and can be grown in Belize with the right care. Here are some tips to help you grow and maintain a healthy crop of strawberries.

Choosing the Right Variety

Firstly, you need to select the right type of strawberries for your needs. There are four main types:

• June-bearing strawberries produce a large crop over a three-week period, usually in late May and June.
• Everbearing strawberries (also called perpetual or all-season) produce smaller berries steadily throughout the summer and even into autumn.
• Day-neutral strawberries are similar to everbearing, producing fruit continuously but with lower yields.
• Alpine strawberries are much smaller plants with intensely flavoured berries; they require less attention and are great for ground cover.

Planting

Strawberries require a lot of sunlight, so choose a spot that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. They also prefer loamy soil that drains well and has a slightly acidic pH between 5.5 and 7. You should also avoid planting strawberries where tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, potatoes, raspberries or melons have been grown in the last three years, to prevent soil-borne diseases.

When planting, allow for plenty of space as strawberries are sprawling plants. For seedlings, space them 18 inches apart, and leave 4 feet between rows. Plant holes should be deep and wide enough to accommodate the roots without bending them, but take care not to plant too deep—the crown of the plant should be at soil level. Water the plants well after planting and use straw mulch to help retain moisture.

Ongoing Care

Strawberries need a lot of water, especially when the runners and flowers are developing and when the plants are mature. Keep the soil moist, providing about one inch of water per square foot per week. Fertilise with a high-potassium feed to encourage fruit production, and add mulch to reduce water needs and prevent weeds. Remove any weeds by hand, especially in the first few months.

Harvesting and Storing

Harvest strawberries when they are fully red and pick every three days. They are usually ready for harvest 4–6 weeks after blossoming. Pick them in the early morning or late afternoon when they are cool to avoid bruising. Store unwashed berries in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze them for up to 2 months.

Frequently asked questions