You can’t leave runners with rosettes of leaves on strawberries. The plant produces shoots in the process of vegetative propagation..
This is the easiest way to propagate a favorite variety of berries in a garden bed. But if there is no need for this, then the runners are removed..
Our magazine’s expert Anastasia Kovrizhnykh – a scientist agronomist, landscape designer told why and when to remove runners on strawberries.
Why remove runners
Even if fruiting has ended and there is no need to propagate strawberries, the runners need to be trimmed.
This will help the plant prepare for winter.
If the shoots are not removed, the shoots will take away nutrition from the mother plant.
When to trim
The runners are trimmed several times per season.
At the beginning of the season, during fruiting and after the harvest has been collected. Moreover, they are cut right down to the root.
Along with them, remove old, large leaves and those affected by diseases or pests.
You should not mow the entire bed. It is important to leave young leaves and shoots in the middle, where flower buds will be laid.
