Growth Stages of a Strawberry Plant

Runner Development

• During the first growth season, the mother plant forms runner plants. The runners spread out, take root in the surrounding soil, and form daughter plants. The Purdue University Cooperative Extension recommends arranging the runners so that there are five plants per square foot of soil, rows that are 12 to 18 inches wide. This limited number of runners will grow vigorously and produce multiple crowns with higher yields.

Flowers

• Different types of strawberry plants produce flowers at different times. June-bearing cultivars bloom once during the spring or summer. Day-neutral cultivars bloom several times each season, and everbearers bloom twice each season. A flower bud develops from a node on a flowering stem. To encourage runner development and root growth, remove flowers from June-bearing plants during the first season. The University of Illinois Extension recommends removing everbearing and day-neutral flowers until June of the first season.

Fruit

• The timing of strawberry fruit set depends on the cultivar and weather conditions. According to the Oklahoma State University Cooperative Extension Service, fruit set occurs 18 to 45 days after the flowers bloom. Plants that receive at least six hours of full sun will produce the highest yields. Some varieties are pink when they are ripe, and other varieties are red. The fruit will not ripen after it is removed from the plant.

Renovation

• Renovation consists of management practices such as fertilizing and thinning the strawberry plants. Each year, cultivated strawberry plants require renovation in order to maintain vigorous growth and fruit production. According to the Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service, renovation should begin immediately after the final fruit harvest of the season. Apply a balanced complete fertilizer, unless soil tests indicate the need for high potash or potassium fertilizer. Mow the foliage to 1 inch above the crowns, and thin plants to five or six plants per square foot. Water the plants immediately after renovation and make sure that the plants receive adequate water through September.

Considerations

• To ensure bud set for the following season, do not allow plants to dry out during late summer and early fall. Weed control is important for strawberry plant growth and yield. To prevent herbicide injury to your strawberry plants, control weeds by cultivating the soil. Before the first hard freeze, apply a 2-inch layer of mulch to protect the plants during their dormant period. Remove the mulch in the spring when new growth appears.