Topic: Vanishing strawberries

[deboydoyd]

I planted strawberry plants last Autumn, and have not been too concerned when they seemed to vanish. However, I am now thinking they should be showing signs of life. When do they start looking lively ? Or do I write them off?

[jennym]

You should be seeing something now - there at least should be tightly furled greenery in the centre. Dig one up carefully and have a look at the roots - should also see new fine white roots at this time of year.

[Motherwoman]

If you planted too deep and buried the crowns then they will have died.The top 'crown' should be on the surface.

[cowellen]

i cut the tops off some strawberries - and planted in a plastic tub with just enough soil to cover em..  :o i've got a something sprouting   :o

[deboydoyd]

Thanks for replies. Some have new green leaves, the other 'dead' looking ones have no new roots, they just look like they did when I planted them. Out of 50 plants, I bet a dozen have survived. An expensive loss.

[deboydoyd]

Update - on closer inspection, and on digging some up to check, I have actually got the grand total of one plant surviving. Is this a record out of 50 plants planted correctly, crowns above the surface, not eaten by anything just dead...

[greenstar]

Did you buy them?  You'd have a  strong case for taking them back and getting your money back - they obviously weren't "fit for the purpose for which they were intended" (Sale of Goods Act 1979).  You might need to stick to your guns a bit to convince them.  Oh, and you don't need a receipt if you paid by cheque or card.

Cheers

Ali