As a gardening and landscaping expert, I understand the importance of properly caring for strawberry plants to ensure a successful harvest. When it comes to everbearing strawberries, there is some debate about whether or not to pinch off the flowers. Let me provide you with a detailed answer to help you make an informed decision.
1. Understanding Everbearing Strawberries: Everbearing strawberries, as the name suggests, have the ability to produce multiple crops throughout the growing season. They typically produce a smaller initial harvest in early summer, followed by smaller crops in late summer and sometimes even into fall. This continuous fruiting sets them apart from June-bearing strawberries, which produce one large crop in early summer.
2. The Purpose of Pinching Off Flowers: Pinching off or removing the flowers on everbearing strawberries is often recommended to redirect the plant’s energy towards establishing strong roots and foliage growth. By removing the flowers, you prevent the plant from putting energy into fruit production during its early stages, allowing it to focus on establishing a strong root system and healthy foliage.
3. Factors to Consider: While it may seem counterintuitive to remove the flowers and potentially sacrifice some fruit, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, everbearing strawberries tend to produce smaller fruits compared to June-bearing varieties. By removing the flowers, you may encourage the plant to redirect its energy towards producing larger fruits later in the season. Additionally, if you have just planted new strawberry plants, pinching off the flowers can help promote stronger root growth and overall plant health.
4. Personal Experience: In my own experience, I have found that pinching off the flowers on everbearing strawberries can lead to healthier plants and larger fruits later in the season. By allowing the plants to focus on establishing a strong root system and foliage, they are better able to support the later fruit production. However, it is important to note that this is not a universal rule and individual results may vary depending on growing conditions and personal preferences.
Considering these factors, my recommendation would be to pinch off the flowers on everbearing strawberry plants early in the season, allowing them to establish strong roots and foliage. This can lead to healthier plants and potentially larger fruits later in the season. However, if you are eager for an initial harvest or prefer a continuous supply of smaller fruits, you can allow the flowers to remain. Ultimately, the decision to pinch off everbearing strawberry flowers should be based on your personal preferences and goals for your garden.
Pinching off the flowers on everbearing strawberries is a personal choice that depends on your gardening goals and preferences. By understanding the purpose of removing the flowers and considering factors such as fruit size and plant health, you can make an informed decision that suits your needs.
