Strawberrys

[jimfin]

I want to grow some strawberry plants. When should I start? I would like to grow from seed. When should I start and with what variety?

[sarraceniac]

Growing strawberries from seed (technically not seeds but achenes) is not easy. That is why most people grow from runners which is very easy. If you want to grow from seed you should really have started at the height of the strawberry season about July. Seeds require cold stratification (possibly several periods) or permanent misting in a special mist chamber. They also, for reasonable germination rates need pre-soaking in Ethrel then surface 'planting' (scattering?) on a peat based compost. So you can see it is quite specialist.

The one exception is alpine strawberries which you can plant about now. The cool winter weather is enough stratification so just leave them outside. But if you do want to try full blooded strawberries then good luck. You are a better man than me Gungadin.

[jimfin]

Thanks for the advice. I only have a GH so maybe I'll wait and buy some runners in the new year. Given that I only have a GH, when should I buy?

[sarraceniac]

The usual way of starting is to buy plants (which are rooted runners) in late winter or early spring. There are loads of varieties so get some advice. My own favourite is Cambridge Favourite which is of course what I grow. Once you have bought some plants then, over the first year, they will produce some fruit but not at their peak of production. At the end of the season they will put out runners which should be 'pegged' into the soil if you want some young plants. Once they have rooted they are cut off from the mummy plant and become a plant in their own right for the next year. Mummy will continue to fruit doing better in year 2 and 3 and then becoming weaker. Simples.

Actually it sounds difficult but it isn't. Once you have seen it in action you will see how easy it is.

So you want to buy plants (rooted runners) not runners, which are no good for shipping. Then the following year you will be able to take your own runners.

You could start a new thread in 'Fruits' if you want advice on what to grow. Everybody has their own choice as they do with rasps. Us oldies all think our own choice is the best for everybody but you have to make up your own mind.

[northepaul]

I recently bought some marshmallo from ebay 5 for £2.99 free postage, they are lovely little plants, really healthy and strong. The seller was malky1771.

Also Mr Forthergill Seeds have 12 Cambridge favourite plants for £2.95!!
Mr. Fothergills
Dont know what they are like though.

[jimfin]

Thanks for all the advice. Think I will stick to buying plants.