Grow Your Own Magazine

I bought some baby strawberry plants from a garden centre last week anticipating some lovely strawberries and cream in the summer. However I read in a gardening magazine this week that I shouldn't let them flower or fruit the first year - is this right? Can I buy older plants that will?

Chris

It depends what type they are. If they are perpetual then taking off the first flush of flowers will give you less but better quality fruits in the summer. Summer fruiting strawberries will produce a better crop next year if the flowers are removed.

Post the cultivar name and I will look it up for you

Sandra

Hi Sandra

It is called Elan, was going to put them into hanging baskets, is this a good idea?
Chris

Hi Chris,

all i can find is that they are an èver bearer`or perpetual and my book says!!!! that they produce fruit in irregular flushes through the summer until autumn frosts. You can put them under glass to extend the season . It says its best to grow for 1 year only as the crop size and weight deteriorate in the secound year. So remove first flush of flowers to ensure a better crop later on.

Remeber to take runners then you wont need to buy new plants next year and will have a good crop again next season.

Hope that helps,

Sandra