When strawberry plants become overgrown, they produce fewer and smaller berries. Cutting them back will help them rejuvenate and produce more fruit next season. But when and how should you cut back strawberry plants? And what are some tips for getting the best results?
Read on to learn everything you need to know about cutting back strawberry plants. We’ll cover everything from when to cut them back to how to do it properly. Plus, we’ll provide some tips for getting the best results. So if you’re ready to give your strawberry plants a little TLC, keep reading!
Typically, the best time to cut back strawberry plants is in the late summer or early fall, after the plants have finished fruiting. This will give the plants time to recover and put on new growth before winter. However, if you live in a climate with mild winters, you can also cut back your strawberry plants in the spring, just before new growth begins.
Understanding Strawberry Plant Dormancy
Strawberry plants undergo a period of dormancy, typically during the winter months, when they enter a resting state to conserve energy and protect themselves from cold temperatures. This natural process involves the following stages:
Initiation of Dormancy
As daylight hours shorten and temperatures cool in autumn, strawberry plants begin to accumulate carbohydrates in their crowns and roots. This energy storage prepares them for the dormant period.
Development of Dormant Bud
During dormancy, strawberry plants form terminal buds, also known as flower buds, at the growing tips of each plant. These buds contain the embryonic flowers and leaves that will emerge in spring.
Bud Rest
Once formed, the dormant buds enter a period of deep rest, characterized by low metabolic activity and resistance to environmental cues. This stage ensures that the plants remain in dormancy until conditions are favorable for growth.
Termination of Dormancy
When spring arrives, increasing temperatures and longer daylight hours trigger the release of dormancy-breaking hormones. These hormones stimulate the buds to resume growth, marking the end of the dormant period and the initiation of the vegetative and reproductive cycle.
Preparing Your Strawberry Patch for Pruning
Before you begin pruning your strawberry plants, there are a few things you need to do to prepare your patch.
1. Water your plants deeply
Watering your plants deeply the day before you prune them will help them to recover from the stress of pruning.
2. Remove any dead or diseased leaves
Remove any dead or diseased leaves from your strawberry plants. This will help to prevent the spread of disease.
3. Remove any runners
Runners are the long, thin stems that strawberries produce to create new plants. If you don’t want your strawberry plants to spread, you should remove the runners. To remove a runner, simply pinch it off at the base of the plant.
4. Fertilize your plants
Fertilizing your strawberry plants after you prune them will help them to recover and produce a bountiful harvest.
5. Mulch your plants
Mulching your strawberry plants will help to keep the soil moist and suppress weeds.
Proper Pruning Techniques for Strawberry Plants
Strawberry plants require proper pruning to ensure healthy growth, optimal fruit production, and disease prevention. Here are the essential pruning techniques to follow:
1. Removing Old Leaves and Runners
In the fall, after the final harvest, remove old leaves by cutting them as close to the crown as possible. This helps clear the plant of potential disease and pest havens. Additionally, remove excess runners that crowd the plant and compete for nutrients.
2. Thinning Flowers and Fruit
During the flowering stage, it is advisable to thin out excess flowers and fruit. Remove any underdeveloped, misshapen, or damaged flowers and fruit to promote larger, higher-quality production. This practice also improves air circulation and reduces disease susceptibility.
3. Reneweing Strawberry Beds
Every few years, it is beneficial to renew strawberry beds by creating new plants from established ones. This process involves:
- Division: Dig up mature strawberry plants and divide them into smaller sections with a sharp knife. Each division should have a healthy crown and sufficient roots.
- Bare Root Planting: Remove all leaves except for the youngest central leaves. Trim the roots to about 6 inches in length. Plant the bare root divisions at the same depth as they were previously grown.
Transplanting:
Plant the divisions in a well-prepared bed with ample spacing for optimal growth. Water thoroughly and mulch around the plants to regulate temperature and moisture.
By following these pruning techniques, strawberry plants can maintain vigor, produce abundant high-quality fruit, and resist disease and pests more effectively.
Timing and Frequency of Pruning
Pruning frequency depends on the variety of strawberry plant and your climate. Some varieties require more frequent pruning than others. In general, most strawberry plants should be pruned once a year, in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. However, if you live in a climate with a long growing season, you may need to prune twice a year, once in late summer and again in late winter or early spring.
Pruning Techniques
There are two main pruning techniques for strawberry plants:
- Tip pruning: This involves removing the tips of the runners, which will encourage the plant to produce more flowers and fruit.
- Renovation pruning: This involves removing all of the old leaves and runners from the plant, leaving only the new growth. This is typically done in late winter or early spring.
Pruning Frequency
The frequency of pruning will depend on the type of strawberry plant you have and the climate you live in. Some varieties of strawberry plants require more frequent pruning than others. In general, you should prune strawberry plants once a year, in late winter or early spring. However, if you live in a climate with a long growing season, you may need to prune twice a year, once in late summer and again in late winter or early spring.
Pruning During the Growing Season
If you notice that your strawberry plants are producing too many runners, you can prune them back during the growing season. This will help to redirect the plant’s energy into producing flowers and fruit.
Pruning After Harvest
After the strawberry plants have finished fruiting, you should prune them back to remove any old leaves and runners. This will help to promote new growth and fruit production the following year.
Table: Pruning Schedule for Strawberry Plants
| Month | Task | ||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Late winter or early spring | Renovation pruning | ||||||||||||||||||
| Late summer (if necessary) | Tip pruning | ||||||||||||||||||
| After harvest | Pruning to remove old leaves and runners |
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Water deeply | Water your plants deeply after pruning to help them recover from the stress of pruning. |
| Fertilize | Fertilize your plants with a balanced fertilizer to help them recover and grow new leaves. |
| Mulch | Mulch around your plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. |
| Protect from pests and diseases | Inspect your plants regularly for pests and diseases, and treat them as necessary. |
8. Divide and Replant:
Every 3-5 years, your strawberry plants will start to decline in productivity. At this point, it’s time to divide and replant them to encourage new growth and higher yields. To divide and replant your strawberry plants:
- Dig up your strawberry plants in the spring or fall.
- Use a sharp knife to divide the plants into smaller sections, each with a healthy crown and some roots.
- Replant the divisions in a new location, spacing them 12-18 inches apart.
- Water the plants deeply and mulch around them to retain moisture.
Common Mistakes in Strawberry Plant Pruning
1. Pruning Too Soon
Wait until after the last frost to prune your strawberry plants. Pruning too soon can expose them to cold weather and damage.
2. Cutting Back Too Much
Only remove the oldest, dead, or diseased leaves. Removing too much foliage can stunt the plant’s growth and reduce fruit production.
3. Not Removing Runners
Strawberry plants produce runners, which are long, thin stems that grow new plants. Remove runners regularly to prevent overcrowding and promote fruit production.
4. Pruning Crown
Avoid cutting into the crown of the plant. The crown is where the leaves and stems emerge, and damaging it will kill the plant.
5. Not Pruning After Harvest
After fruiting, remove all old leaves and runners to encourage new growth and fruit production for the next season.
6. Using Dull or Unclean Tools
Use sharp, clean pruning shears or scissors to avoid spreading disease or damaging the plants.
7. Overwatering After Pruning
Strawberries need more water after pruning, but avoid overwatering. Excess moisture can promote disease and rot.
8. Not Providing Mulch
Spread a layer of mulch around the plants after pruning to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and regulate temperature.
9. Mistakes When Removing Dead or Diseased Foliage:
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Removing too much healthy foliage | Reduces photosynthesis and fruit production |
| Leaving dead or diseased leaves attached | Spread diseases and attract pests |
| Cutting into new growth | Damages healthy tissue and reduces yield |
How to Cut Back Strawberry Plants
After the strawberry season is over, it’s important to cut back the plants to encourage new growth and fruit production for next season. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to properly cut back strawberry plants:
- Wait until after the last harvest. Once the strawberry plants have finished producing fruit, you can begin to cut them back.
- Remove all old leaves and runners. Use sharp shears or a knife to remove all of the old leaves and runners from the plants. This will help to prevent disease and encourage new growth.
- Cut back the crowns. The crowns of the strawberry plants are the central growing points. Cut back the crowns by about half, to just above the first healthy leaf.
- Water the plants deeply. After you have cut back the plants, water them deeply to help them recover from the process.
People Also Ask About How to Cut Back Strawberry Plants
How often should I cut back strawberry plants?
You should cut back strawberry plants once a year, after the last harvest.
Do I need to fertilize strawberry plants after cutting them back?
Yes, it’s a good idea to fertilize strawberry plants after cutting them back to help them recover and promote new growth.
Can I cut back strawberry plants in the fall?
Yes, you can cut back strawberry plants in the fall, but it’s best to wait until after the first frost to prevent damage to the plants.
