strawberry flowers

[FloBen]

Hello,

We planted out a bed of strawberry runners from a neighbour's plot in September. I've just read that you should take the flowers of plants in their first year so that they can grow strong before producing fruit. Do you think we really need to bother with this - we were looking forward to some yummy strawbs this year, and the plants have all taken really well (and some are already forming fruit, so it might be a bit late for them anyway).

thanks,
Flo

[FloBen]

[Mrs Ava]

Mine were from last years runner, and there is absolutely no way on this spinning planet that I am removing flowers!  The kids would probably have me tarred and feathered!  I don't know if you should or no, I would say no, enjoy the strawbs!!  Hoorah for strawbs!!!! ;D ;D ;D

[aquilegia]

Everyone says you should do. But I haven't bothered ever. I just couldn't! Having said that, the first year's crop was pretty pitiful, but nevertheless well worth it. (I remember when the first single berry was ripe, I cut it in half so Mr Aqui and I could share it. I'm too good to him!)

[giantseye]

 :)

Hi Flo,

I have been growing strawberries for years, and I have never had any problems with plants that were fruiting in the first year.  The size of the plants and the strawberry size and taste have always been good.

I've just planted 40 plants out (this years), and I won't be taking any flowers off. 

I have to agree with EJ, where my kids would string me up if I didn't get strawberries this year. ;D

[BAGGY]

I don't suppose any of them will amke it home anyway.  We scoff 'em while they are still warm and ever so slightly gritty.  I know,I know you should wash them but you know what they say about eating a peck  of dirt .....

[giantseye]

Yeah Baggy.. Now exactly what you mean ;D

I bought 2 large punnets of strawberrys from the Spring show at Malvern today...But unfortunately they didn't last long enough for the kids to get any tonight ;D ;D ;D

I really couldn't tell you what happened to them ;)

[BAGGY]

Your secret is safe with me.

[Granny_Smith]

I rescued some runners from my son's garden when he moved house last November. I took them home stuck them in pots in the greenhouse and left them there over winter. Because they were 'doing' so well, I left them where they were. We had yummy strawberries for breakfast yesterday !!!!