Strawberry runners - what to do

[janzbro]

Hi, a very nice lady has gave me a load of runners to pot up but I am a little unsure what to do with them.

Should I pot up and leave inside on a windowsill or put them outside, also they havent got very many roots, about 5 to 7mm worth, is this enough?

[Aberdeenplotter]

Give them a good soak and then pot them up. Doesn't sound like much root but if you don't plant them up, you won't find out.Strawberries are very hardy and don't need to come inside, in fact I'm almost certain they need a period of vernalisation to produce next years flowers

[skeggijon]

If they don't have much in the way of roots you can alway put them in water for a few days until the root system has improved before potting up.
I always keep some of my runners in the greenhouse or polytunnel over winter so that I can get an extra early crop.

[vixylix]

If you have lots - hedge your bets and put some inside and some outside?

I bought 5 runners last year and put 3 out and 2 in - only one of the indoors ones survived (and only then with some intensive care) - but is now going great guns!

I think I'd planted them too deep though - make sure the crown is just on the surface

[janzbro]

Thanks, I will pot up the longer rooted ones and put the rest in water to grow on a bit. Should the pots be put on a tray to hold the water as I imagine its going to be very wet for the next few months and dont want them to rot.

PS Ive put them all in a tray of water now on the windowsill, the very longest roots were 5 to 7mm but most a lot smaller or should they go back outside

[Jay22]

I have put my strawberry plants in a temporary spot in the garden...it doesn't get much sun, even in the summer now that next door have built their new extension. Just wondered can they overwinter there and be moved in the spring?

[lottie dolly]

I have dug up several runners,they are currently sitting in a container of water outside,just waiting for me to get some new beds in place,they will be just fine,when i go the lottie empty out most of the water,
JAY they should be fine

[Jay22]

Thanks lottie!

[janzbro]

that answers my question as well, cheers

[janzbro]

one last question on this matter - are they better in the water in the shade north side of house or south side or am I just being to fussy LOL

[lottie dolly]

do not leave them in the water if going to be frosty,you do not want to turn water into ice,in that case i would put the in a green house/wrap them in something warm,the idea is only for temporary measures say a few weeks,to keep them alive and not dry out,you also need to be mindefull of the fact,that being in water for to long they will rot,and the water will stink,so keep a watch on things,they better of long term,in pots if you cannot get them in the ground before frost arrives,i should have made things clearer for you before,anything else ask away,i am no expert,just a GYO'ner