Everbearing strawberry plants often prompt gardeners to consider if and how pruning plays a role in their care. Unlike June-bearing varieties that produce a single large crop, everbearing types yield fruit throughout the growing season, typically with two to three flushes from spring until the first fall frosts. This extended production cycle means their maintenance, including pruning, differs significantly from their single-harvest counterparts. Understanding these differences is essential for maximizing fruit yield and plant health.
Understanding Everbearing Strawberry Plants
Everbearing strawberries are distinct from June-bearing varieties due to their fruiting habit. They produce berries in multiple flushes throughout the growing season, from late spring until autumn. These plants tend to be more compact and produce fewer runners, also known as stolons, compared to June-bearing types. While they still generate runners, their focus is more on fruit production. This growth habit influences the specific pruning strategies beneficial for everbearing varieties.
Benefits of Pruning Everbearing Strawberries
Pruning everbearing strawberries offers several advantages, directly contributing to plant health and productivity. It promotes plant vigor and encourages larger, more abundant fruit production. By removing unwanted growth, the plant redirects energy towards developing berries rather than creating new foliage or additional plants.
Improved air circulation around the plants is another benefit of pruning. Removing dense or old leaves helps prevent humidity buildup within the plant canopy, reducing the risk of fungal diseases. This practice also makes harvesting easier by ensuring fruits are more accessible and less likely to rot in hidden, damp areas. Pruning can also help manage the overall size and shape of the plant, contributing to a tidier and more productive strawberry patch.
When to Prune Everbearing Strawberries
The timing of pruning for everbearing strawberries is less about a single annual event and more about ongoing maintenance throughout their extended growing season. Unlike June-bearing varieties that undergo a significant renovation after their single harvest, everbearing plants require attention as they continuously produce. Pruning generally occurs after main fruiting flushes or as needed when specific growth appears.
During the first year, it is recommended to remove the initial flower stalks until mid-June. This practice encourages the plant to establish a stronger root system and develop more robust foliage, leading to increased yields in subsequent harvests. Throughout the season, runners and old or diseased leaves should be removed promptly to maintain plant health and direct energy toward fruit development.
How to Prune Everbearing Strawberries
Pruning everbearing strawberries involves specific techniques to optimize fruit production and plant health. Using clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors is important to make precise cuts and minimize disease risk.
Removing runners is a key task for everbearing varieties, as they divert energy from fruit development. Snip runners as close to the mother plant as possible without damaging the main crown or leaves. This continuous removal helps the plant focus resources on producing larger, higher-quality berries.
Old, yellowed, or diseased leaves should also be regularly removed. These leaves can hinder air circulation, harbor pests, and become sources of disease. Identify them by their discolored appearance, often yellow or spotted, and snip them off at the base. Removing spent flower stalks or small, misshapen fruits can also help redirect the plant’s energy towards developing healthier fruits.
Post-Pruning Care for Everbearing Strawberries
After pruning, proper care helps everbearing strawberry plants recover and continue their productive cycle. Adequate watering is important, especially after removing significant foliage. Ensure the soil remains consistently moist, but avoid overwatering, which can lead to root issues.
Light fertilization supports new growth and ongoing fruit production, especially for everbearing varieties with their longer fruiting period. A balanced granular fertilizer applied in early spring and again in mid-summer after a flush of fruit is beneficial. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which can promote leafy growth at the expense of fruit.
Applying a layer of clean straw mulch around the plants helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and keep developing berries clean by preventing direct contact with the soil. Mulching also provides insulation, useful in areas with fluctuating temperatures. Regular observation for any signs of stress, pests, or diseases allows for timely intervention, contributing to overall plant health and yield.