Strawberry crowns are dormant, bare-root plants that offer an economical and efficient way to start a new patch. The crown is the compressed stem structure located between the roots and the emerging foliage, which serves as the central hub for all new growth. Successfully planting these crowns provides the foundation for a healthy and productive strawberry patch for years to come. The process requires specific attention to preparation, timing, and planting depth to ensure the plant transitions smoothly from dormancy to active growth.
Preparing the Crowns for Planting
Upon receiving your shipment, inspect the bare-root crowns immediately to ensure they are firm and free from mold or excessive damage. If immediate planting is not possible, store the crowns in a cool, dark location, such as a refrigerator. Their roots should be wrapped in slightly damp material to maintain moisture and keep the plants dormant until planting conditions are right.
Before planting, rehydrate the roots by soaking them in cool water for 30 minutes to a few hours. This allows the dry crowns to absorb moisture necessary to break dormancy and begin active growth. If the roots are excessively long or bent, trim them slightly with clean shears to about four to six inches to encourage new fibrous root growth.
Timing and Site Preparation
Planting is best done in early spring, as soon as the soil is workable and the threat of hard frost has passed. This timing allows the roots to establish themselves in cool, moist soil before the stress of summer heat. Fall planting can also be an option for certain varieties in regions with mild winters.
The chosen site must receive full sun exposure, ideally a minimum of six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. Insufficient light will severely limit fruit production. Strawberries require well-draining soil to prevent root rot and prefer a slightly acidic to neutral pH level, typically between 5.5 and 7.0.
Prepare the bed by removing all perennial weeds and loosening the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches for proper root development. Organic matter, such as well-aged compost, should be thoroughly worked into the soil to enhance nutrient retention and drainage.
Mastering the Planting Depth
The physical act of planting must focus on placing the crown precisely at the soil line, which is the most critical step for the plant’s survival. Dig a hole wide and deep enough to allow the roots to hang down straight, avoiding any bending or curling into a “J” shape. Creating a small mound of soil in the center of the hole assists in spreading the roots evenly as you set the plant in place.
Position the crown so the point where the roots meet the stem is perfectly level with the surrounding soil surface. If the crown is buried too deeply, the central growing point will rot and fail to produce leaves. Planting too shallowly leaves the upper roots exposed, causing them to dry out quickly and preventing establishment.
Once the crown is correctly positioned, backfill the hole with soil. Gently firm the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets, ensuring the entire root mass is covered while the top of the crown remains visible.
Immediate Post-Planting Care
Immediately following planting, a thorough watering is necessary to settle the soil firmly around the roots and eliminate air pockets. Maintaining consistent soil moisture is important during the first few weeks as the plant establishes its root system. After the initial watering, apply a layer of mulch, such as clean straw or pine needles, around the plants to a depth of approximately four inches.
This layer of mulch helps the soil retain moisture and suppresses competing weeds. Newly planted crowns will often attempt to produce flowers, but these should be promptly pinched off. Removing these early blossoms directs the plant’s energy toward developing a robust root system and healthy leaf canopy, ensuring a stronger harvest in subsequent years.