Quick-Reference
|
Phase |
EC (mS/cm) |
pH |
Key N-P-K Focus |
Light Hours |
|
Seedling |
0.8–1.2 |
5.8 |
N boost for rootlet growth |
14 h |
|
Vegetative |
1.4–1.8 |
5.5–6.0 |
Higher N + Ca/Mg |
16 h |
|
Early Bloom |
1.8–2.0 |
6.0 |
Ramp P & K |
14 h |
|
Heavy Fruit |
2.0–2.2 |
6.0–6.2 |
Elevated K, steady Ca |
12 h |
Keep solution 18–22 °C, RH 60–70 %, and aim for 350–450 ppm CO₂ if growing indoors.
Why hydroponic strawberries?
Hydroponics lets you push berries past soil limits: higher density per m², 25–40 % faster growth and zero soggy crowns after big East-coast rains. With precise nutrition you’ll beat supermarket flavour, colour and shelf-life every time!
Choose your system
|
NFT Channels |
Deep-Water Culture |
Coco/Perlite Drip |
|
Lightweight rails fit balconies; constant flow keeps roots oxygenated. |
Buckets or tubs – easiest for beginners; just suspend the net-pots. |
More buffer against pH swings; suits growers using organic additives. |
Regardless of system, the nutrient backbone stays the same – and that’s where Professor Nutrients A&B takes centre-stage. Grab the one-litre A&B kit here for small systems, or scale to 5 L or 10 L once you’re hooked.
Setting perfect parameters
-
Water: Start with rain or RO (< 80 ppm) to avoid random Ca/Na spikes.
-
Mixing sequence: Add Part A, stir 30 sec, then Part B – never together in concentrate to prevent lock-out.
-
pH adjust: Use your pH down or up to adjust the nutrients to between pH 5.5 and 6. Readjust the tank when the pH reaches 6.2+ pH.
-
Temperature: Keep rez 18–22 °C.
If you’re new to two-part systems, A & B Nutrients: The Ultimate Australian Guide to 2-Part Hydroponic Feeding (2025) breaks down exactly why strawberries respond so well to clean, correctly separated A/B mixes.
Feeding schedule (per 10 L stock tank)
|
Week |
Nutrient ml/10 L |
Notes |
|
1 |
15 ml A + 15 ml B |
Seedlings, shaded light |
|
2–3 |
20 ml A + 20 ml B |
Rapid veg push |
|
4 (first flowers) |
22 ml A + 25 ml B |
Lift P & K |
|
5–6 |
20 ml A + 30 ml B |
Peak fruit swell |
|
7 |
Flush with plain water |
Improves shelf-life |
If you own an EC meter, stick to the EC ranges in the Quick-Reference.
Pollination & environment hacks
-
Gently vibrate the flowers with an electric toothbrush or fan breeze.
-
Day temp 22–24 °C; nights 18 °C for uniform sizing.
-
Keep leaves dry – overhead misters invite botrytis and crown rot.
For a full breakdown of organic, food-safe sprays that suppress botrytis and mildew in recirculating systems, check out our Best Organic Fungicides in Australia: 2026 Guide.
Troubleshooting at a glance
|
Symptom |
Likely Cause |
Fast Fix |
|
Upward curl + bronzing edges |
EC too high |
Dilute rez 20 % |
|
Pale new leaves |
Iron lock-out at pH > 6.3 |
Drop pH to 5.9 |
|
Small, misshapen fruit |
Potassium deficit |
Boost Part B 10 % |
For long-term structural strength—especially in tall, LED-grown strawberry towers—Silica for Plants in Australia: The No-Nonsense Guide to Stronger, Happier Crops explains why silica tightens internodes and improves fruit hold.
Pro tips for next-level yields
-
Additives: A teaspoon of kelp or humic acid in veg improves root mass – find both in our hydroponic additives collection.
-
Cultivar choice: Day-neutral ‘Albion’ and ‘San Andreas’ smash it under LED rigs, giving fruit every four weeks once established.
-
Quarterly rez deep-clean: 3 % peroxide rinse kills bio-film and keeps drippers flowing.
And if you’re considering expanding beyond strawberries, The Complete 2026 Guide to Hydroponic Nutrients & Additives in Australia shows how to scale your nutrient program across herbs, leafy greens and fruiting crops without guesswork.
Ready to grow?
Professor Nutrients A&B this month. Pair it with our full Hydroponic Nutrients range for unbeatable berry flavour and consistency.
Happy growing – and remember, if the data says tweak, tweak. The strawberries will always tell you the truth.
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