Fruit cultivation
In the global greenhouse agriculture industry, fruit cultivation is becoming a promising but challenging sector. According to estimates, greenhouse fruit production is smaller than that of vegetables and flowers. However, rising market demand is driving growth in this field. Compared to vegetables, fruits have a longer growth cycle and require more precise environmental control. Growers must carefully manage light, temperature, and humidity to ensure consistent taste, sweetness, and yield. In addition, fast distribution after harvest, cold chain logistics, and value-added processing are key factors for investors when evaluating the industry’s potential.
On the market side, greenhouse fruits offer high value, especially in regions with well-developed supply chains. These fruits often generate higher profits. For example, greenhouse-grown strawberries can enter the market earlier or later than open-field strawberries, avoiding peak competition. This allows them to sell at prices up to 50% higher. However, higher production costs and longer investment return periods remain challenges for the industry’s growth. In the future, the development of smart farming technologies will be crucial. Improving production efficiency, reducing sales cycles, and increasing brand value will determine the success of the greenhouse fruit industry.
Global Greenhouse Grower Feedback
Based on our 28 years of experience in the greenhouse industry and feedback from global growers, the following are the most popular fruit varieties among greenhouse growers worldwide.
Strawberry
Blueberry
Cherry
Grapes
Cantaloupe
Greenhouse Recommendations
Our recommendations come from industry experience and customer feedback. Different greenhouse structures suit different climates, ensuring efficient cultivation.
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In Kazakhstan, our greenhouse keeps the indoor temperature at 25°C for crop growth even during -25°C winters.
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10 Key Facts About Fruit-Growing Greenhouses
01.What are the main cultivation methods for fruit greenhouses?
The main cultivation methods for fruit greenhouses include soil cultivation, substrate cultivation, hydroponics, and aeroponics. Each method is suitable for different types of fruit and affects production efficiency, quality, and management.
Soil cultivation is the most traditional method and is suitable for fruits with well-developed root systems, such as watermelon, strawberries, and grapes. It relies on the nutrients in natural soil but can be affected by soil-borne diseases. Substrate cultivation (e.g., coconut coir, rock wool, perlite) is a method between soil and soilless cultivation, ideal for berry fruits like blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries.
Hydroponics (NFT, DWC, etc.) directly supplies nutrients to the plant roots, making it suitable for fruits with short growth cycles, like strawberries and tomatoes. Aeroponics uses a mist system to deliver nutrients to the roots, increasing oxygen utilization, and is ideal for high-value fruits like strawberries and raspberries. These soilless methods are well-suited for modern intelligent greenhouses, improving production efficiency and reducing pests and diseases.
02.Which fruits are suitable for greenhouse cultivation?
Fruits suitable for greenhouse cultivation include berries, vine fruits, and some tropical fruits. Berry fruits (e.g., strawberries, blueberries, raspberries) grown in greenhouses can extend the harvest season, reduce pests and diseases, and increase yield.
Vine fruits such as tomatoes, cucumbers, grapes, and watermelons can be grown using vertical farming in greenhouses, improving space utilization and making management and harvesting easier. Additionally, some tropical fruits (e.g., bananas, figs, passion fruits) can thrive in greenhouse environments, making them suitable for growers in colder or non-tropical regions.
The main advantages of greenhouse fruit cultivation include stable growing conditions, reduced diseases, extended production periods, and improved market supply. Therefore, selecting the right fruit varieties based on market demand and greenhouse conditions is crucial.
03. Which types of fruit provide higher economic benefits for greenhouse cultivation?
High-profit greenhouse fruits typically have strong market demand, high yield per unit area, and long harvest periods. Among them, strawberries, blueberries, and tomatoes are among the most economically beneficial fruits.
Strawberries can be harvested multiple times a year in greenhouses, have stable market demand, and are suitable for both export and local sales. Blueberries are high-value fruits with growing consumer demand for premium quality, making them ideal for substrate cultivation to increase yield. Tomatoes (e.g., cherry tomatoes) are common high-value fruits in the market, suitable for multi-span or smart greenhouses, where precise environmental control can improve quality and yield.
Tropical fruits like passion fruit and figs also have strong market competitiveness when grown in greenhouses in non-tropical regions. When choosing high-profit fruits, market trends, growth cycles, greenhouse adaptability, and cost-effectiveness should be considered.
04.Which fruit varieties have a longer harvest period in greenhouses?
Fruits with longer harvest periods are ideal for commercial greenhouse cultivation, as they provide more stable yields and income.
Strawberries are one of the fruits with the longest harvest periods in greenhouses. With advanced cultivation management, year-round production can be achieved. Tomatoes (especially cherry tomatoes) can continue to grow and flower multiple times within a year in greenhouses. Grapes can be pruned and managed for light exposure to achieve two or more harvests in a year.
Blueberries, figs, and passion fruits can also have their growth conditions adjusted in a greenhouse to extend the harvest period. By controlling light, temperature, humidity, and water/nutrient supply, greenhouses can help fruits maintain high yield over a longer time.
05. What are the different types of greenhouse structures for fruit cultivation?
The main greenhouse structures for fruit cultivation are glass greenhouses, PC board greenhouses, and film greenhouses. Each type is suitable for different climates and cultivation needs.
Glass greenhouses have high light transmission and are sturdy, making them suitable for high-value fruits like blueberries, strawberries, and grapes. However, they have high construction costs and require advanced environmental control. PC board greenhouses have good insulation properties, making them ideal for cold regions. They regulate temperature well and reduce energy consumption. Film greenhouses are more affordable and suitable for large-scale cultivation of fruits like tomatoes and watermelons, but they are less resistant to wind and snow and have a shorter lifespan.
Choosing the right greenhouse structure based on the fruit variety, local climate conditions, and investment budget can improve cultivation efficiency and economic returns.
06.Which greenhouse structure is most suitable for fruit cultivation?
When choosing a greenhouse structure, factors such as the type of fruit, climate conditions, and investment budget need to be considered.
Glass greenhouses are ideal for high-end fruit cultivation, such as strawberries, blueberries, and grapes, due to their high light transmission and suitability for intelligent management, though their cost is higher. PC board greenhouses are best for cold climates and provide good insulation, making them suitable for fruits like tomatoes and figs, which need a long growing period. Film greenhouses are more cost-effective for large-scale production of fruits like watermelons, cucumbers, and passion fruits, but they are less durable.
For year-round, high-quality fruit supply, it is recommended to choose multi-span greenhouses with intelligent environmental control to improve management efficiency and yield.
07.How should temperature, humidity, and light be controlled in fruit greenhouses?
Environmental control is critical in fruit greenhouses, as it directly affects crop growth and yield.
Temperature control: The ideal temperature range for most greenhouse fruits is 18-30°C. Temperature can be adjusted using fans, wet walls, shading systems, and heating equipment.
Humidity management: The relative humidity in a fruit greenhouse should be kept between 50-80%. High humidity can lead to diseases, which can be controlled with ventilation and dehumidification equipment.
Light control: Light is a key factor in fruit growth. Some fruits (like blueberries and tomatoes) need plenty of light, which can be supplemented with LED lights to extend daylight hours. For hot climates, external shading systems can reduce light intensity and prevent excessive water loss from fruits.
08. What are the differences in environmental requirements for different fruit types?
Different fruits have varying needs for temperature, humidity, light, and carbon dioxide levels. For example:
- Strawberries: Best growth temperature is 15-25°C, with humidity control between 60-80%.
- Blueberries: Require plenty of light, with the ideal temperature range of 18-28°C.
- Tomatoes: High light demand, with an ideal temperature range of 20-30°C and humidity control between 50-70%.
Greenhouses need to manage these environmental factors precisely based on the growth requirements of each fruit to optimize yield and quality.
09.What are the main pests and diseases in fruit greenhouses?
Common diseases in fruit greenhouses include gray mold, powdery mildew, downy mildew, and leaf spots, while common pests include aphids, mites, and whiteflies.
Prevention measures include ventilation management, the use of insect-proof nets, biological control (natural predators), and intelligent monitoring systems to reduce pesticide use.
10.How should irrigation be managed in fruit greenhouses?
Common irrigation methods in fruit greenhouses include drip irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, and tidal irrigation. Drip irrigation is suitable for fruit trees like tomatoes and grapes, improving water and fertilizer utilization. Sprinkler irrigation is suitable for larger-leaf fruits like watermelons. Tidal irrigation is used for potted or soilless fruits like strawberries and blueberries to ensure even water distribution.
Why choose CFGET?
With 28 years of expertise in greenhouse design and manufacturing, CFGET is committed to providing high-quality, customized solutions for growers worldwide. We integrate advanced technology, ensuring efficient climate control and energy savings. Our global experience allows us to adapt to various agricultural needs, delivering durable, high-performance structures. From initial planning to after-sales support, we prioritize reliability, innovation, and customer success.