Propagating new strawberry plants from runners is a way to expand an existing patch or replace aging plants. The parent strawberry plant produces these horizontal stems, called stolons, as a form of asexual reproduction. Each runner develops a small plantlet, which is a genetic clone of the mother plant, ensuring consistency in the desired fruit variety. This natural process allows a gardener to rejuvenate their strawberry bed without purchasing new stock.
Identifying and Preparing Runners for Planting
A runner is ready for detachment and planting once the small plantlet at its end has developed a visible cluster of roots and at least a few healthy leaves. These new plants must first establish their own root system to ensure survival once separated from the parent plant. It is generally better to select the first few plantlets closest to the mother plant, as these primary runners are often the strongest and most vigorous.
Before separating the new plant, ensure that the mother plant itself is healthy and free of disease, as any issues will be passed on genetically to the clone. Once the daughter plant has established roots, use a pair of clean, sterilized shears to sever the stolon about an inch from both the mother plant and the new plantlet. Leaving a short segment of the runner attached to the plantlet can provide a small handle for anchoring the delicate new plant during the planting process. Severing the connection forces the young plant to become fully self-sufficient and ready for its new location.
Soil Preparation and Site Selection
Strawberries grow best in a location that receives full sun and possesses excellent drainage. A site with a slight slope can also be advantageous, as this allows cold air to drain away, reducing the risk of frost damage to early blooms. Before planting, the soil should be prepared by tilling and amending it with organic matter, such as well-rotted compost, to create a loose, fertile, and well-aerated medium.
Strawberries favor a slightly acidic soil environment, with a target pH range between 5.5 and 6.8. Testing the soil and adjusting the pH level prior to planting is recommended to ensure the plants can efficiently absorb nutrients. Proper spacing is also a factor in long-term health, as it promotes good air circulation and reduces the likelihood of fungal diseases. The specific distance varies by planting method, but generally, new plants should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart in the row.
Step-by-Step Planting Technique
Planting the runner requires attention to the depth of the crown, which is the thick part of the plant where the leaves and roots meet. Dig a hole wide enough to comfortably accommodate the roots without bending or crowding them together. If the roots are excessively long, they can be trimmed slightly to about four to five inches to encourage new root growth.
Place the runner plant into the hole, gently spreading the roots downward and outward to maximize contact with the soil. Ensure the crown is positioned precisely at the soil line; the crown must not be buried, as this can lead to rot, nor should it sit too high, which would cause the roots to dry out. Backfill the hole with soil, lightly tamping down the earth around the plant to remove any air pockets that could impede root establishment. The small segment of the runner stem left attached can be used as a temporary anchor to keep the plant stable until the roots take hold.
Post-Planting Care for Establishment
Immediately after planting, new runners require watering to settle the soil around the roots and minimize transplant shock. Maintaining consistent moisture is important during the initial establishment period, but the soil should never be allowed to become waterlogged.
Applying a layer of organic mulch, such as straw, around the newly planted runners helps to conserve soil moisture and moderates temperature fluctuations. Mulch also helps keep the ripening fruit clean and suppresses weed competition. Finally, any flowers that emerge on the new plants during the first year should be pinched off. Removing these early blooms directs the plant’s energy away from fruit production and toward developing a robust root system and a strong crown.