Growing strawberries from clippings, also known as runners, is a popular method of propagating these delicious fruits. This method allows you to create an exact replica of the cultivar of your existing plants, ensuring that you can continue to enjoy the same tasty strawberries year after year.
To propagate strawberries from clippings, you will first need to identify a healthy and vigorous strawberry plant in your garden. Look for a plant that is producing plenty of runners, as these are the stems that will be used for propagation. Ideally, choose a plant that is disease-free and producing high-quality fruit.
Once you have selected a suitable plant, you can begin the process of propagating strawberries from clippings. Here’s how:
1. Prepare the soil: Before you take any clippings, prepare the soil where you plan to transplant the new strawberry plants. Ensure that the soil is well-draining and has been enriched with organic matter, such as compost or well-rotted manure.
2. Select the runners: Identify the runners on the strawberry plant that you wish to propagate. These are long, slender stems that grow out from the main plant and develop small plantlets at their tips. Choose runners that are healthy and have well-developed plantlets.
3. Position the plantlets: Once you have selected a runner, gently position the plantlet into a small pot filled with potting soil. Ensure that the plantlet is in contact with the soil and that the roots are covered. You may need to use small clips or pins to hold the plantlet in place until it establishes roots.
4. Water and care for the plantlets: After planting the plantlets in pots, water them thoroughly to settle the soil and encourage root development. Place the pots in a sunny location, ensuring that the plantlets receive at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Water the plantlets regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged.
5. Transplanting the new plants: Once the plantlets have developed a strong root system, usually after a few weeks, they can be transplanted into the garden. Choose a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole large enough to accommodate the roots of the plantlet, and gently place the plantlet into the hole. Backfill the hole with soil, ensuring that the plantlet is at the same depth as it was in the pot. Water the newly transplanted plants thoroughly.
6. Maintain and care for the new plants: After transplanting, continue to care for the new strawberry plants by providing regular water, especially during dry periods. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Additionally, remove any runners that may develop on the new plants to encourage them to focus on establishing strong root systems and producing fruit.
Propagation through runners can be an effective and rewarding way to grow strawberries. It allows you to expand your strawberry patch without the need to purchase new plants, and ensures that you can continue to enjoy the same delicious strawberries year after year.
