Strawberry propagation in a controlled environment brings its own unique opportunities. One Floral Seacliff is currently the only propagator of high-tech greenhouse strawberries based in Leamington. This position enables the company to deliver consistently clean, vigorous, and uniform young plants to growers across Canada and the U.S.
Mike Mendez, playing a key role in Sales and Business Development at the company, highlights that they keep close connection to the growers the entire process. "Working closely with growers brings a whole different energy, it keeps you grounded (literally) and much more connected to the plants' development. There's nothing quite like watching something thrive that you helped nurture from the start."
With over 20 years of experience and a 30-acre high-tech facility, the team specializes in tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, eggplants, and now, increasingly, strawberries.
© Mike Mendez
Why mother material matters
According to Mike, one of the most critical factors in strawberry propagation is the health and quality of the mother material, a principle he emphasizes repeatedly.
"Strong plants start with strong foundations," he says. "Our mother stock has to be disease-free, genetically uniform, and true-to-type. That's what drives better rooting, faster growth, and overall plant consistency." By keeping disease pressure low through environmental control, the process becomes more efficient and reliable.
Propagation in high-tech greenhouses offers advantages that field-grown methods simply can't match.
"Out in the field, you're at the mercy of nature as temperature swings, there is inconsistent moisture, and pests can throw off everything," he explains. "In the greenhouse, we control humidity, temperature, and airflow. That allows us to create a perfect rooting zone. You get stronger plants, better uniformity, and way fewer disease issues."
© Mike Mendez
The challenges of greenhouse strawberries
But with high-tech control comes a different set of hurdles. Mike is candid about the challenges. "Strawberries don't love too much humidity. It's a balancing act as too much humidity invites fungal issues, and too little stresses the plant."
He mentions pollination is another challenge. "At the propagation stage we don't worry about it, but once growers start production, managing pollination (often with bumblebees) is critical."
When it comes to nutrient delivery, he emphasizes that when you grow in soilless media like coco coir, you have to get the EC, pH, and irrigation timing just right.
"Strawberries are also light-sensitive. Supplemental lighting helps but adds cost and complexity."
© Mike Mendez
Key steps for successful propagation
Mike outlines a rigorous propagation protocol designed to ensure uniformity, vigor, and transplant readiness. The process begins with the selection of mother plants that are disease-free, genetically stable, and physiologically uniform. "This foundational step is non-negotiable," he explains, "as the health and consistency of the daughter plants are directly tied to the integrity of the mother stock."
Cuttings must be harvested at optimal physiological maturity and handled with care to avoid mechanical injury or moisture loss. "Gentle handling during harvest and transfer preserves turgor pressure and metabolic reserves, which are essential for successful root initiation."
Environmental control is critical during the early rooting phase. "We maintain a tightly regulated microclimate with consistent humidity and air temperature to promote root primordia formation while avoiding oversaturation that could lead to Pythium or Botrytis issues," he notes.
Plant spacing and canopy management are adjusted continuously throughout propagation to maintain uniform light distribution and airflow. Any weak or non-conforming plants are culled early in the process. "By managing density and selectively removing underperformers, we preserve overall crop uniformity and reduce pathogen pressure."
As plants approach transplant stage, a gradual hardening protocol is implemented. This includes controlled reductions in humidity and slight increases in temperature or airflow to induce moderate abiotic stress. "This stage is essential for promoting thicker cuticle development, stronger crown structure, and root system resilience in downstream production environments."
Before shipment, all material undergoes a final quality assessment based on crown development, root system architecture, and vegetative uniformity. "Only plants that meet our specifications, typically with two to three well-formed crowns and dense, white root systems, are cleared for delivery. It's about delivering consistency at scale."
"Think of it like prepping a Corvette for the race track," he states. "You don't just roll it off the lot and expect performance. You fine-tune everything. That's what experienced propagators do."
"For new growers, I would indicate they should just start small - just enough to handle. Learn constantly. And remember, what works in one setup may not work in another. Every system is unique."
© Mike Mendez
Innovation in every leaf
Mike is excited about what the future holds, particularly as One Floral Seacliff continues to innovate. He elaborates that the team is working on exciting new developments in strawberry plant material.
Even outside of work, Mike lives and breathes agriculture. At the end of 2024, he and his wife launched a container farm to supply leafy greens and herbs to local restaurants and stores.
"Life's busy," he admits. "But that balance, between work, family, and passion projects, is everything. I've got three little girls who need their dad, and a wife who deserves my best."
For more information:
Mike Mendez
[email protected]
Seacliff Farms
seacliff-farms.com
One Floral Group
www.onefloral.com
