Key Takeaways:
- Grodan, Limgroup, and Delphy Innovative Soft Fruit Center (ISFC) have reported strawberry yields exceeding 20 kilograms per square meter.
- The ongoing trial, launched in January 2025, combines hybrid seeds from Limgroup with Grodan’s stone wool substrates.
- The research focuses on data-driven growing techniques and crop steering to optimize conditions and productivity.
- The project explores direct seeding on stone wool as an alternative to traditional tray plant systems.
- The trial is scheduled to conclude in October 2025.
Grodan, Limgroup & Delphy ISFC: Collaborative Research on Indoor Strawberry Cultivation
Grodan, Limgroup, and Delphy ISFC have announced results from a joint cultivation trial that achieved strawberry yields above 20 kilograms per square meter. Conducted at Delphy ISFC in the Netherlands, the project integrates precision cultivation, automation, and data monitoring to study plant performance in controlled conditions.
The trial, which began on 14 January 2025, is examining how crop steering and environmental control can improve yield, consistency, and fruit quality. Researchers used Limgroup’s Limore One hybrid variety and Grodan’s stone wool growing media as part of the experiment.
Advancing Alternative Cultivation Systems
The study replaces traditional tray plant propagation with direct seeding on stone wool. According to the partners, this approach supports uniform plant growth and extends the production window. The system is also designed to maintain product consistency and optimize resource use.
Thomas Peters, Business Development Manager at Grodan, said: “This achievement demonstrates the potential of growing strawberries from seed on stone wool. Grodan stone wool growing media allows precise control over water content and electrical conductivity during the growing cycle. Starting in a clean substrate can reduce the risk of soil-borne diseases and support healthy plant establishment.”
Breeding and Research Collaboration
Roland Sweijen, Product Lead for Strawberries at Limgroup, stated: “This outcome supports our breeding program and its compatibility with advanced cultivation systems. Our focus is on developing varieties that combine quality, resilience, and high yield for modern greenhouse production.”
Gondy Heijerman, researcher soft fruit at Delphy ISFC, added: “This collaboration brings together breeders, substrate specialists, and cultivation experts. The results provide useful insights into how controlled environment horticulture can influence future strawberry production.”
Implications for High-Tech Horticulture
The trial demonstrates how combining genetics, substrate technology, and precision control can contribute to the study of high-yield, resource-efficient crop production. The findings are expected to inform future applications in greenhouse and indoor farming systems as research continues through October 2025.
Grodan
Grodan, part of the ROCKWOOL Group, provides stone wool substrate solutions designed for professional horticulture. The company supports vegetable and flower cultivation through its Precision Growing principles, offering tools and advisory services alongside its growing media.
Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Roermond, Netherlands, Grodan is active in over 60 countries. The company emphasizes sustainability from production to end-of-life recycling of its products.
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