Guide for multiplying strawberries using their runners
In a short, informative video clip, renowned gardener Monty Don shares his expertise on how to raise new strawberry plants from runners. Here's a simplified guide to help you successfully propagate your own strawberry plants.
Step 1: Selecting Runners
Choose healthy runners that have started developing small plantlets at their tips. These will be your new plants.
Step 2: Planting Runners
Position the runner plantlet in moist soil or a container, ensuring the plantlet’s roots (if any) are in contact with the soil. You can either pin the runner down on the soil of the mother plant or cut it and plant it separately. For those who prefer propagating in water, clip the runner with the plantlet and place it in water until roots develop, then transplant it to soil.
Tip: Don't snip off the stem linking the new plant to its parent - keep this until the new plant has developed strong roots.
Step 3: Maintaining Moisture
Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged to encourage root growth. If propagating directly in soil, make sure the soil is well-draining and retain moisture around the base of the plantlet.
Step 4: Rooting Process Assistance
Gently press the runner plantlet into the soil and use a small pin or stone to hold it in place. If propagating in water, once roots are about an inch long, transplant the plantlet into soil.
Tip: Keep the new plants in a sheltered spot with indirect sunlight until they establish strong roots.
Step 5: Separation and Transplanting
Once the runner plantlet has a well-established root system (usually a few weeks), sever the runner connecting it to the mother plant. Transplant the new strawberry plant to its permanent location, spacing properly for growth.
By following these steps, you can easily multiply your strawberry plants, creating a new strawberry bed or strawberry planter. Remember, maintaining moisture and gentle fixing of runners are key to successful rooting. Propagating in water first can be an easier way for beginners to visually confirm root development.
Happy gardening!
Expand your home-and-garden lifestyle by incorporating gardening techniques to propagate strawberry plants using runners. In Step 3, maintain the soil's moisture level to encourage root growth for the newly planted runner plantlets.
