Sequoia Strawberry Care and Propagation

Planting

• The Sequoia strawberry thrives in a full-sun environment with fertile, well-drained soil. The hill system of planting, where runners are removed, allows the mother plant sufficient energy for blossom and fruit production. Plant in spring where winter frosts are significant. In milder climates, plant in the fall to encourage a spring crop. Plant strawberries in mounded rows, 12 inches apart, with the crown of the plant at soil level. The topmost roots should be 1/4" below the soil. Pluck flower buds during the first month to encourage a strong plant and abundant fruit.

Care

• Sequoia strawberries are perennial growers that require a minimum of six hours of sunlight daily. They prefer a soil that is slightly acidic. A pH between 5.8 and 6.2 creates is ideal. Soil must be rich in nutrients. Cow manure and compost are good soil amendments. Strawberry plants do not like sogginess in soils, nor do they handle dry conditions. Soil must be loamy and well-irrigated to prevent either extreme. A good mulch of straw, shredded leaves, pine needles or compost improves soil temperature, maintains moisture levels, improves soil and prevents berries from laying in the dirt. To fertilize organically, use blood meal to increase nitrogen and bone meal to increase phosphates. Fertilize monthly during the growing season, June through September.

Seed Propagation

• When propagating by seed, it's best to use the seed from an heirloom plant. Often seed from nonheirloom stock creates a plant different from the mother plant. One easy method for obtaining the tiny strawberry seed is to place the strawberry in a sieve. Push the strawberry through. Seeds should remain on the edge of the sieve. Dry these and use for planting.

Runner Propagation

• Most strawberry plants grow runners or horizontal stems. Strawberry plants create new growth along runners at a node. Propagation by utilizing runners is one of the easiest methods. Move the runner and its new growth where you would like to propagate another strawberry plant. If interested in potting the new plant, place a container filled with loamy soil at ground level. Move the crown of the new plant into the pot. When roots form, clip the runner. Provide care and the new plant will soon bear fruit.

Division Propagation

• Propagation by divisions involves the cutting of lateral crowns at the base of the strawberry plant. Whether an additional crown grows by natural circumstance or by the cutting of runners, lateral crown division takes cuts off a segment of new growth to create a new plant. Cuts must be precise to prevent loss of the mother plant.