The trial began on 14th January 2025 and will be concluded by the end of October, with production taking place at Delphy ISFC. Throughout the trial, the partners collaborated closely with researchers to develop precision cultivation strategies that ensured optimal plant development. By combining crop steering, data-driven monitoring, Limgroup’s advanced strawberry genetics (variety: Limore One), and Grodan’s high-performance stone wool substrate, the team created ideal growing conditions for consistent, high-quality results.
This milestone is the result of a pioneering approach that replaces traditional field-based tray plant production with direct seeding on stone wool. The method yields cleaner, healthier, and more uniform plants, extends the production window, and produces strawberries with outstanding taste, shelf life, and consistent quality.
More than just a production achievement, this success marks a significant step forward in the evolution of high-tech indoor strawberry cultivation.
“This achievement showcases the commercial potential of growing strawberries from seed on stone wool, setting a new benchmark for the industry,” stated Thomas Peters, Business Development Manager at Grodan. “Grodan stone wool growing media is steerable, allowing propagators and growers to precisely control water content (WC%) and electrical conductivity (EC) throughout the growing cycle. Additionally, starting in a clean substrate significantly reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases, giving young plants a healthier, more uniform start.”
“This milestone is a powerful endorsement of our breeding program and its compatibility with cutting-edge cultivation systems,” said Roland Sweijen, Product Lead for Strawberries at Limgroup. “Our goal is to develop varieties that not only deliver exceptional flavor and resilience but also empower growers to achieve consistently high yields in tomorrow’s high-tech greenhouses.”
“This project exemplifies the strength of cross-disciplinary collaboration, bringing together breeders, substrate innovators, and precision cultivation experts,” Gondy Heijerman, researcher soft fruit, Delphy ISFC. “The results we’re seeing today aren’t just promising, they’re a preview of how advanced horticulture will shape the future of strawberry production on a global scale.”
To read more about this milestone and what it means for the future of strawberry cultivation you can read the complete article Why seeds on stone wool are the recipe for higher-value strawberry production.
