Bought a strawberry crown - what do I do with it?

[daisy01]

I bought a strawberry crown from Poundstretcher today. What do I do with it? I know I need to plant it, can it go outside now or should I wait until after the last frost date? The instructions are rather lacking.

[Can the Man]

I would put it in a pot of compost for now and keep it in a green house or poly tunnel if you have one, if not keep it in the shed for a few weeks yet until the frosts are past.

[daisy01]

Thanks. I have a conservatory I can put it in. Will it fruit this year?

[Can the Man]

Thanks. I have a conservatory I can put it in. Will it fruit this year?

Yes it should, if your putting it in a conservatory keep an eye on watering it as it can dry out from the heat.

[Mark_Riga]

Hello Daisy, is it a strawberry plant you have bought or rhubarb or a squash as there is a rhubarb called strawberry crown and also a squash?
I usually associate crown with rhubarb which, if it was, and it now being officially spring, I would plant out.

[daisy01]

Hello Daisy, is it a strawberry plant you have bought or rhubarb or a squash as there is a rhubarb called strawberry crown and also a squash?
I usually associate crown with rhubarb which, if it was, and it now being officially spring, I would plant out.

The package said strawberry and the instructions described it as a crown. It was a bundle of 4 bare root plants. Poundstretcher were also selling rhubarb in the same range though.

[bikermike]

strawbs are pretty tough once they are established. Don't over water them (they don't like sitting in soggy soil). I'd put them in soil and put them in a sheltered spot. If you have greenhouse space, it won't hurt, but if you are planning to plant them outside then, don't leave them in the greenhouse too much - if you can get them outside for the daytime (and then back in before it gets too cold, so much the better.

Mine live in old supermarket meat tubs (The deep ones that roasts come in) on top of my shedlet. They don't get a huge amount of sun at this time of year, but as it's against the house, the warmth keeps the frost off them.

[Mark_Riga]

The package said strawberry and the instructions described it as a crown. It was a bundle of 4 bare root plants. Poundstretcher were also selling rhubarb in the same range though.

Ah, so it wasn't an it - it was a them. They want putting in now wherever you want them to grow and hopefully fruit, as long as it isn't too wet. I've got mine in a bed outside but last year a squirrel and some mice helped themselves to most of them so I am still thinking what to do. I might leave some in the bed and pot a few up to hang in a polytunnel and I need to do it soon. The only drawback with that is needing to water them.
One thing they will do if they are any good is produce runners. these are small plants that can be rooted. The stronger ones can be used to increase your stock.