Yes, if you didn’t already know, cutting runners off a strawberry plant can drastically boost fruit yield in the coming growing seasons.
In this article, we’re going to discuss why that’s the case and how you can cut these runners the right way to boost overall fruit yield. Let’s dive right into it!
But, Wait, What Are Strawberry Runners?
For all my beginner gardeners reading this, let me briefly explain to you what runners are.
Runners, also called stolons, are just long stems that grow from the parent plant. They typically grow horizontally and begin to create a smaller, identical version of the strawberry plant right next to the parent plant.
Why Do Strawberries Send Out Runners?
The first reason why strawberry plants tend to send out runners is that it’s the plant’s way of reproducing and spreading. It’s completely natural and just how plants like these function.
You can think of runners like baby plants, but they take energy from the parent plant for growth and sustainability.
Should You Cut Strawberry Runners?
Hmm…let me think…YES! You absolutely should cut strawberry runners!
Because runners tend to suck energy away from the parent plant, it typically isn’t able to maintain the same fruit yield and quality. By cutting these runners, the parent plant can focus much better on growing bigger, juicier fruit.
Removing runners from the ground also creates space, reduces crowding, and improves airflow – all the factors that contribute to long-term disease prevention.
The only time you shouldn’t be cutting your strawberry runners is when you want to propagate new plants. In that case, runners can be very helpful. If propagation is a goal for you, I recommend rooting 1-2 runners for the next season.
Pro Tip: Wait for the runner to grow just a few leaves, cut it and plant it directly in soil! It’s perhaps one of the easiest ways to grow new strawberry plants for free.
How To Cut Strawberry Runners? Here’s The Right (Safe) Way
When it comes to cutting strawberry runners, there are mainly 3 questions that should be of your concern!
When To Cut?
The best time to cut strawberry runners is between mid to late summer when the plant is fruiting. Don’t just go off cutting runners whenever you want; that typically never ends well.
Where To Cut?
Something you should never do when it comes to removing runners is being loose and imprecise with your cuts. Snip the runner close to the base with clean scissors or pruners and make sure no part of the runner remains.
What To Do With Healthy Runners?
What I do with healthy runners is pot them up in good, high-quality soil for new strawberry plants next season. This helps me save time, effort, and a little bit of money too, when the next season comes around.
Conclusion
When it comes to growing strawberries, nothing can trouble you more than runners. These tiny plant subsidiaries can drain the parent plant of all energy and lead to smaller, poorly developed berries.
You want to cut these runners off in almost all cases except when you need them for propagation. That’s the only case in which a gardener should have some mercy on them. Happy snipping, fellas!
