Abstract In the semi-hydroponic system, one of the main difficulties of the strawberry crop is to obtain substrates with good physical characteristics that can provide the plant adequate development. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the phyllochron and the phonological development of strawberry cultivars from different origins, being cultivated in a semi-hydroponic system with mixes of organic substrate. The experiment was conducted in Frederico Westphalen/Brazil during the 2015 crop year, with randomized blocks and in a 2 × 2 × 4 factorial, with two cultivars (Albion and Camarosa), two origins (National and Imported) and four substrates mixes: crushed sugar cane residue (70%) + organic compost (30%), crushed sugar cane residue (70%) + commercial substrate − Carolina (30%), burnt rice husk (70%) + organic compost (30%) and burnt rice husk (70%) + commercial substrate − Carolina (30%). It was possible to observe differences between cultivars, seedlings origin and substrate, for all evaluated variables. The Camarosa cultivar, regardless the origin, required less thermal accumulation for leaf emission. The Albion imported was earlier when compared to other treatments for the reproductive period. The best substrate for strawberry cultivation was the mixture of burnt rice husk + organic compost.