Strawberry Runners

[Colin Miles]

I have always allowed my strawberries to propagate themselves unhindered, but this year, with a new plot and more time I am trying to 'organise' them a bit better and I have a number of questions which I hope our KG experts can help me with.

1) One suggestion is to limit each plant to 5 runners to avoid exhausting the mother plant. Is 5 a sensible number or does it depend on the variety? The Marshmallow I have is very much more vigorous than Mae.

2) Some runners are far more vigorous than others and would produce 2 or more new plants from a single runner. Is it best to use the new plants from these rather than 1 plant from a less vigorous runner?

3) What is the best way of stopping a runner? Do I just pinch the end off or?

[Allan]

Don't be too strict about it all. Take what plants you need, even second or maybe third, especially the biggest babies from the best plants and as early as possible. When you have enough cut the rest off and tidy up the parent for a second years cropping, maybe a third year. I used to put a label against any plants that were exceptional fruiters and discard the rest but I did not prove that it gave any better results, runners are clones therefore inless genetic variation creeps in all the plants will have the same potential.
Allan

[Colin Miles]

Thanks Allan

[Geoff]

Personally I would usually take only 2 runners per plant, perhaps the odd 3, and only the first proper plant - beware the leafy bit that looks like it might become a plant - and cut off the rest. Pin them down with wire staples into 5" three-quarter depth pots of 50:50 JI2 and soiless, cut off any runner beyond the plant and watch out for new ones starting again from your rooted plant. Separate them from the mother when they are good plants. Keep them watered with maybe a bit of liquid feed. Don't replant them all. Let a few good ones catch some frost then as soon as you have some heat in the greenhouse in the Spring move them in. Can go in cold greenhouse later but give a good early crop especially if you have a shelf or staging.

[Colin Miles]

Hi Geoff,

Thanks for your comments. I have grown quite a number of varieties over the years and they do vary considerably in regard to the number of runners they put out. Marshmallow, as well as being probably the best-flavoured variety, is also the most vigorous and sends a large number of strong runners. Mae, which is the other one I am currently growing, is quite 'weak' in comparison. So I guess its a question of playing it by 'ear'.