In warm climates, plant strawberries in late autumn. In climates where the ground freezes, plant in spring.
Strawberries (Frageria ananassa), members of the rose family (Rosaceae), are some of the easiest and most popular fruit in the garden.
They are also good for you. A cup of strawberries provides more than the adult daily requirement for Vitamin C, and has only 55 calories.
How They Grow
First, strawberries are shallow plants. That means that 90 percent of the root system is in the top six inches of soil.
A strawberry plant has three major parts: leaves, roots and crown.
- Crown. The strawberry crown grows right at the soil line. The leaves and buds of the small fruit begin here at the crown. In addition, the crown stores food for the plant and provides support for it. Therefore a strong strawberry plant needs a the crown to be strong for good leaf production.
- Leaves. Strawberry leaves are the site of photosynthesis, which is how plants produce food. Not only are they necessary for berries to develop, they help insure plant survival during times of stress.
- Roots. Strawberry roots must develop quickly. They should be at full growth within two to three months after planting. There are two types of roots: large roots and smaller fibrous roots. Development of the fibrous root system is important.
The delicious fruit is the reason most people plant strawberries. There are some interesting facts about them.
- Not Really Fruit. Strawberries, despite their name, are not really fruit. They are actually enlarged ends of the plants’ stamens.
- Seeds. Unlike most plants, strawberry seeds are on the outside, not on the inside.
- Runners. Instead of reproducing by seed, most strawberry plants actually reproduce by runners.
- Ripe Fruit. The fruit at first ranges from white to green (and many shades in between) which eventually turns a rich red when it matures.
- Flowers. The flowers are small, and resemble miniature wild rose blooms. The petals begin to fall as the fruit ripens.
Soil types for strawberries.
- Draining. Strawberries do not tolerate poorly-drained soil. Nor do they like waterlogged soil. If the soil is caliche or heavy clay, build a bed above with good humus-rich topsoil.
- Acidic. Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soils, but some varieties have been known to do well in slightly alkaline soil.
Planting Strawberries.
- Ordering. First order plants in early fall.
- Time to Plant. For warmer climates (those areas where the soil does not freeze in winter), plant in mid- to late fall. In colder climates, plant as soon as danger of last frost has passed.
- Preparing Beds. Prepare beds in advance of the scheduled plant date.
- Dormancy. Plants should be dormant and healthy when they arrive. Check the crowns especially. They should be solid with light-colored roots emanating from them.
- Early Arrival.If the plants arrive early, store at 20 to 30F, in high humidity. Gardeners can also “heal” the plants in the garden. Place the plants in a shallow trench, cover the roots with soil then water.
- Keep Roots Moistened. It’s important to keep the roots moist while planting. Immerse the roots in water for a half-hour before planting. Keeping the plants in a shaded area will also help reduce evaporation and drying out.
- Trim Roots and Leaves. Strawberry roots need to be trimmed to four to six inches long. Cut off old, damaged or dried out leaves. Make sure, however, that one or two leaves remain on the plant. They are necessary to produce food, which will then promote root growth and assist the plant become established.
- Planting. Make a hole in the planting bed. Spread the roots evenly in the hole. The crown should be even with the top of the hole (and above the top of the soil). If the roots are too shallow, they will dry out . If too deep, they will rot. “Firm” the soil around the roots to eliminate air pockets. Water immediately after planting. Use an organic fertilizer along with the water.
Related articles:
Strawberry Types and Cultivars
The copyright of the article Strawberries are Easy to Grow in Desert/Water-wise Gardens is owned by Robert Dailey. Permission to republish Strawberries are Easy to Grow in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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