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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Crystalmoon on May 19, 2011, 19:15:34

Title: strawberry plants - probably a silly question
Post by: Crystalmoon on May 19, 2011, 19:15:34
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
Title: Re: strawberry plants - probably a silly question
Post by: powerspade on May 19, 2011, 19:29:39
Cut them off to strenghten the crowns
Title: Re: strawberry plants - probably a silly question
Post by: Crystalmoon on May 19, 2011, 19:38:17
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
Title: Re: strawberry plants - probably a silly question
Post by: Weed-Digga on May 19, 2011, 19:48:06
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
Title: Re: strawberry plants - probably a silly question
Post by: Ben Acre on May 19, 2011, 19:57:58
Leave them to fruit then take them for cuttings.
Title: Re: strawberry plants - probably a silly question
Post by: davyw1 on May 19, 2011, 20:23:14
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.
Title: Re: strawberry plants - probably a silly question
Post by: Ben Acre on May 19, 2011, 21:00:08
Quote from: davyw1 on May 19, 2011, 20:23:14
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
Title: Re: strawberry plants - probably a silly question
Post by: picman on May 19, 2011, 21:25:07
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.