Propagate Strawberries from Runners: A Beginner's Guide

Strawberries are a delicious fruit that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, such as in pies, jams, or simply on their own. If you're a strawberry lover, you may want to learn how to propagate them from runners. This is a simple and cost-effective way to expand your strawberry patch without having to purchase new plants every year. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps of propagating strawberries from runners so that you can enjoy an abundance of sweet, juicy berries.

What are runners?

Before we get started with the process of propagating strawberries, it's important to understand what runners are. Runners, also known as stolons, are stems that grow horizontally from the mother plant. These stems produce new plants at each node, which can then take root and grow into independent plants. Runners are particularly common in June-bearing and day-neutral varieties of strawberries, and are a reliable method of propagation for these types of strawberries.

When to propagate strawberries from runners?

The best time to propagate strawberries from runners is in late spring or early summer when the plants are actively growing. At this time, the runners will be producing new plants, and the weather is warm enough to encourage rapid growth. Avoid propagating strawberries during the hot summer months or during the winter when the plants are dormant, as these conditions can make it more difficult for the new plants to establish themselves.

How to propagate strawberries from runners?

The process of propagating strawberries from runners is relatively straightforward. Here's what you need to do:

Step 1: Choose healthy runners

The first step in propagating strawberries from runners is to choose healthy runners. Look for runners that are long and thin, with several healthy leaves and no signs of disease or damage. Healthy runners are more likely to produce strong, healthy plants.

A healthy strawberry runner.

Step 2: Prepare the soil

Prepare the area where you want to plant the new strawberry plants by clearing away any weeds or debris. Loosen the soil to a depth of about six inches and add compost or other organic matter to improve drainage and fertility. Make sure that the soil is well-draining, as strawberries do not tolerate standing water.

Loose soil is important for successful strawberry planting.

Step 3: Plant the runners

Once you have chosen your runners and prepared the soil, it's time to plant the new strawberry plants. Gently press the end of each runner into the soil, making sure that the nodes (where the new plants will emerge) are in contact with the soil. Water the newly planted runners thoroughly and keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. The new plants should begin to develop roots within a few days.

New strawberry plants emerging from the runners.

Step 4: Care for the new plants

Once the new plants have developed roots, they will begin to grow into independent plants. It's important to care for these plants carefully to ensure that they thrive. Water the plants regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Mulch around the base of the plants to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Fertilize the plants with a balanced fertilizer every four to six weeks, following the manufacturer's instructions.

Propagating strawberries from runners is a simple and cost-effective way to expand your strawberry patch. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can successfully propagate new strawberry plants and enjoy an abundance of sweet, juicy berries.

strawberry propagation, growing strawberries, stolons, runners, gardening tips