What are Strawberry Runners?
Strawberry plants produce long stems called runners, which are new plants that grow from the parent plant. These runners will eventually form roots, and once they do, you can transplant them to create new strawberry plants.
When to Remove and Replant Runners
- Ideal Timing: Autumn is the best time to remove and transplant runners, as the plants have finished fruiting. This gives the new plants enough time to establish themselves before spring, ensuring they’re strong enough for the next fruiting season.
- Spring Runners: Any runners that form in spring should be removed immediately. Spring is when strawberries should focus on fruiting, not producing more runners.
How to Prepare the Runners
- Check for Roots: Follow the runner stem to the first set of leaves. Lift the leaves to look underneath for small roots forming. If the roots are present, the runner is ready for transplanting.
- Dig Up the Plant: Gently dig up the strawberry plant, ensuring you retain the roots and leaves. Snip off the long runner stems, leaving just the new plant with its roots and leaves. This is now your new strawberry plant.
Planting the Runners
Choose a Sunny Spot: Select a site with at least six hours of sunlight daily, as strawberries need plenty of light to thrive.
Prepare the Soil: Dig in plenty of compost or a good-quality mix like Oderings Fruit & Veggie Mix to improve the soil quality. Ensure the soil is well-draining, as strawberries don’t like sitting in soggy conditions.
Planting in the Garden:
- Space your plants 15cm apart.
- Ensure the crowns (the part where the leaves meet the roots) are just above the soil level.
- Plant in mounded rows or ridges to help with drainage, prevent root disease, and keep the roots warmer, which boosts growth and fruit production.
Planting in Pots First (Optional):
Some people prefer planting the runners in pots first, letting them establish over the winter, then moving them to the spring garden.
Post-Planting Care
Watering: Keep the new plants well-watered until they have established their roots.
Fertilising: In spring, apply a strawberry fertiliser like Tui Strawberry Fertiliser, which is rich in potash to encourage fruiting.
By using runners to propagate your strawberries, you can maintain a continuous supply of fresh plants without replacing them every couple of years. With a little care, your strawberry patch will thrive year after year, giving you delicious fruit for seasons to come.
