strawberry plants - probably a silly question

[Crystalmoon]

Hi everyone, Ive got some new strawberry plants that are growing off shoots already.
Should I cut them off this year as its their first year?
Dont want to overstrain the new plants. Thanks for any advice

[Crystalmoon]

[powerspade]

Cut them off to strenghten the crowns

[Crystalmoon]

Thank you so much for the quick reply  :)
My instinct was telling me to cut them off but I didnt trust myself,lol.
Should I allow them to produce fruit this first year?
Thanks

[Weed-Digga]

I would let them fruit this year, the thought of no strawbs is awful!! You can let them form runners after they have finished fruiting, pot the runners up and hey presto!! More lovely strawberry plants for next year

Weed-Digga

[Ben Acre]

Leave them to fruit then take them for cuttings.

[davyw1]

First year strawberries should have their flowers removed to strengthen the plant and all runners removed because these will sap the strength from the plant.

[Ben Acre]

First year strawberries should have their flowers removed to strengthen the plant and all runners removed because these will sap the strength from the plant.

I agree "Should" but I just cant stand to see them sit there uneaten  ;D

[picman]

Take the runners off before fruiting , allow them to grow after , train the runners into pots and cut off when new plant is established, use for a new strawberry bed next year, discard old plants after 3 years, so you really need 3 beds.