As a gardening and landscaping expert, I can confidently say that removing runners from hanging strawberry plants is indeed beneficial. Runners, also known as stolons, are long stems that emerge from the mother plant and eventually develop new plants. While these runners may seem like a natural way for strawberries to propagate, they actually divert a significant amount of the plant’s energy away from fruit production.
In the first two years of a strawberry plant’s life, it is crucial to remove runners. By doing so, you are directing the plant’s energy towards fruit production rather than runner development. This means that the plant can focus on producing larger and more bountiful strawberries, resulting in a more satisfying harvest.
I have personally witnessed the difference in strawberry plant health and productivity when runners were removed versus when they were allowed to grow freely. In instances where runners were left untouched, the plants appeared weak and produced smaller fruits. However, by cutting off the runners, the plants thrived, producing larger and juicier strawberries.
Once the strawberry plant reaches its third year of life, you can start selectively allowing some runners to propagate new plants. This is because by this stage, the mother plant has matured and established strong roots, allowing it to handle the energy diversion caused by runner production.
To propagate new plants from runners, simply choose healthy and vigorous runners that have developed their own set of leaves, roots, and a small cluster of strawberry buds. Gently detach the runner from the mother plant and transplant it into a new location or a suitable container. Ensure that the runner’s roots are well-established in the soil or growing medium, and provide it with proper care and watering.
By selectively propagating new plants from runners, you can expand your strawberry patch without compromising the fruit production of the mother plant. This method allows you to maintain a balance between strawberry yield and plant propagation.
Removing runners from hanging strawberry plants is highly recommended, especially in the first two years of the plant’s life. This practice ensures that the plant’s energy is focused on fruit production, resulting in larger and more flavorful strawberries. However, from the third year onwards, you can selectively use runners to propagate new plants while maintaining the overall health and productivity of your strawberry patch.
