Allotments 4 All

Hi everyone... Im stumpped here.

Today I was given a huge pile of Strawberry runners that have small tiny roots. They have been cut from the mother plant and given to me to grow - too early in my opinion..  I tried a few a few weeks ago from another source and only got 3 from 40 to take!! I think I may have planted them too deeply and overwatered and rotted them.. 

What I need to know is if it is worth while trying with such tiny rooted runners? Should I cut off some of the leaves like you do with Leeks and other flowers when growing on? I have planted them just on the surface like they would have been in the bed.. They have very long leaves.. (they may have been fighting for light - cant tell really as I did not see the bed)

Hope my task will be worthwhile and await your advice.

I've had success before by standing them in water untill the roots grow, just like cuttings

interesting... I'll give some a go... the others I'll lie on top of moist soil and see what happens!!

Quote from: Stevens706 on August 25, 2011, 13:10:15
I've had success before by standing them in water untill the roots grow, just like cuttings

Jam-jars work well for this so you can keep an eye on them. Left too long in water they could rot.

normally they are tough as old boots as long as you use a good compost and bury them just a little bit deeper than they were, I have never cut off any leaves, and wouldnt. How big were they ? they should have 3 leaves at least...

Size about 2 - 3 leaves but very short still pinkish spikes as roots... I'vs done some in water and some just a wee bit in compost..

the ones i did was to lay, semi plant  them on top of damp grit or gravel making sure they dont dry out and then they are easily removed and potted on

I managed to get a few to take last year but they do work so much better if you can leave them attached until the roots get going.

I put mine just lightly pressed into damp compost nd them covered with a plastic bag to keep it moist.  I try not to let the plastic touch the leaves since I think this makes them go mouldy. 

Everything worth while of good experiment if nothing else..you'll learn.. ;)
If the leaves are really big and tall for the amount of roots...I would be tempted to take few of the older ones off..and leave just one or two to 'feed' the plants.
Keep them away from straing sun light and provide some moist bedding/compost in trays/pots..and they soon put some roots on.
As long as you don't bury them..the lumpy bit = crown needs to just in or above the soil level..you can use small sticks or make some wire 'pins' to steady the plants while they root.
Once they have put some obvious growth..then plant them into their permanent positions.

Thanks for all the advice... I assume I have done it correctly ... They were free and I love free so have to give them a chance to survive and make fruit to make jam...  ;D