The Reproduction of Strawberry Plants

Strawberry Plant Types

• There are three basic strawberry plant types, which vary considerably concerning optimal plant reproduction as well as when, how often and how much fruit is produced annually. June-bearing strawberries produce one large crop annually in the late spring. Everbearing strawberries produce two crops, each about half as large as a single June-bearing crop --- one in late spring and one in early fall. Day neutral strawberries generate small quantities of fruit throughout much of the growing season. June-bearing strawberries produce a significant amount of runners. Everbearing and day neutral strawberries produce very few runners. As a result, runner reproduction is most common in June-bearing strawberry plants.

Runner Plants Reproduction

• Strawberry plants grow horizontally using runners. Runners produce roots at each node. Whenever these roots contact the soil, they grow and establish a clone daughter plant. Once the new plant is well established, the runner plant shrivels, separating mother and daughter plants. Propagate strawberry plants by transferring rooted daughter plants to a new planting bed. This is the easiest and fastest reproduction method. It is also primary means of reproducing strawberry plants within commercial operations.

Crown Division Reproduction

• Everbearing and day-neutral strawberry plants produce few runners, even when grown under ideal conditions. The energy of these plant types focuses on fruit production rather than vegetative growth. Growers of these strawberries may consider increasing plant stock by crown division. It is a relatively simple form of reproduction producing good results when properly done. Plant candidates should be at least 1 year in age and ½ inch or more in diameter. Split plant crowns with a knife into two equal parts. For best results, divide crowns just before planting.

Seed Reproduction

• Growing strawberries from seed is more difficult and time-consuming than any other form of strawberry reproduction. In addition, hybrid varieties, such as the very prevalent garden strawberry variety, do not reproduce true to form from seed. Many varieties require cold treatment to induce germination. Keep these seeds in below freezing temperatures for at least two weeks. After cold treatment, lightly bury seeds in moist, rich soil under full sunlight. Expect seeds to germinate after about a couple of weeks.