Strawberry Roots, White Pineberry Hybrid

Strawberry plants are shipped as dormant bare-root divisions and it is very important that they be planted promptly upon arrival.

• The roots will be entangled and should be carefully separated into individual roots. It is a good idea to soak the root(s) an hour. Soaking will hydrate the plants and reduces the stress associated with the drying of soil around the roots after planting.
• Plant strawberries in a location that receives 8 to 10 hours of direct sun in fertile, well-drained soil that is rich in organic material. Avoid low lying areas that can get water logged.
• Dig a trench 15-20 cm (6-8”) deep. The bottom of the crown (where the roots meet the shoots) must be at the soil line and roots need to be below ground for better growing success. Do not trim or bend the roots. If necessary dig the trench deeper. Each root will have several strands that should be fanned out when placing in the trench to provide air circulation.
• Plants should be placed 30-45 cm (12-18”) apart within the row and 1-1.2 m (3-4’) apart between the rows. Overcrowding will result in a smaller berry and fewer runners
• With plants in place, back fill the trench with soil and press firmly around the crowns. Do not hard pack and do not cover the crowns as they will rot. Water thoroughly after planting. After a week or so, the soil will have settled. If any roots are exposed, cover with soil but do not cover the crowns.
• Strawberries require plenty of moisture during their growing season, especially during blooming time through to harvest.
• A 10-10-10 water soluble fertilizer can be applied about 6 weeks after planting. Fertilize every 2 weeks to maintain growth and encourge fruit production.
• Remove runners and flowers the first season after planting. This will allow the plants to become well established.
• Mulch between plants after planting to keep the soil temperature cool, deter weeds and slugs and to keep the fruit off the soil. Straw is a traditional strawberry mulch.
• Do not use black plastic since it will raise the soil temperature and optimal fruit production requires cool soil.
• Water needs: If plants are not receiving water from rain, provide your plants with 2.5-5 cm (1-2”) of water per week. Strawberries do poorly in drought conditions.

**Not ready to plant? If you are not able to plant the root(s) upon arrival, open the package and check if the peat moss, or other packing material is moist. If it is barely damp, or dry, add a little room temperature water and close the package and place in a cool (not freezing), dark location. If longer than a few days, remove the root(s) and plant in a container with moistened potting mix and place in a cool (not freezing), dark location. Storing the roots for an extended period of time will reduce their viability.

• Do not plant strawberries in the same location where you have recently grown potatoes, raspberries, roses, tomatoes, melons, mint, peppers or eggplants in the past 4 or 5 years. They are of the same plant family and this safety measure will safe-guard against soil borne fungal diseases such as Verticillium wilt.
• Pick strawberries with their stems attached (when berries are ripe).
• Strawberries have a shallow root system. Meaning the plants will become withered and dry out faster because the plants get too hot and cannot retain moisture. Maintaining a consistent watering system is essential for healthy plants.
• Multiple harvests are exhausting on plants and ever-bearing varieties should be replaced about every 3 years or whenever they seem to slow in vigor. It is recommended to plant a new crop during the second year of production.

Fall Maintenance

• Mulching over the strawberry plants before winter will prevent injury to the crowns. Quick freezing and thawing can cause serious crown damage which may not only affect yield but also plant survival. An adequate layer of mulch mitigates fluctuating temperatures.
• Wait until the temperature drops to approximately -5°C (23°F) and cover with 10 cm (4") of straw. Uncover the plants in Spring before growth starts. The straw can be moved to the side to keep weeds and slugs away and soil from splashing onto the fruit.