How to Prune Strawberry?

(Fragaria ananassa)

Strawberry, also known as Strawberry

This perennial berry cultivar is cherished for its sweet fruit and is cultivated worldwide. For strawberry, remove runners and dead leaves to promote air circulation and reduce disease risk. Prune foliage after fruiting to rejuvenate. Optimal pruning occurs from early spring to late fall to encourage large, healthy berries. Benefits include enhanced fruit quality and yield. Specific to strawberry, timely pruning minimizes energy diversion to unwanted growth, maximizing fruit production.

What Are the Benefits of Pruning Strawberry?

Pruning strawberry encourages a more abundant harvest by focusing the plant's energy on fruit production. It also promotes vigorous growth and maintains desired shape, which is essential for optimal plant health and yield.

What Is the Best Time for Pruning Strawberry?

Spring

Summer

Autumn

Pruning strawberry in early spring aligns with the end of its dormancy period, allowing gardeners to remove dead or damaged foliage without affecting the plant's energy reserves crucial for new growth. This timing also prevents the spread of diseases prevalent in more humid conditions, which are typically less widespread in spring. Late fall pruning is ideal after the strawberry have completed their fruiting cycle. At this time, removing old and fructified leaves helps rejuvenate the plant and encourages better yield for the next season. This timing also reduces pest and disease pressure during winter dormancy, preparing strawberry for a healthy start in the subsequent growing season.

Identify plants and enhance your pruning skills

Want your plants to thrive? Check out expert tips on pruning timing, techniques, and care to confidently tackle any gardening challenge!

Download the App for Free

What Tools Do I Need to Prune Strawberry?

Hand Pruners

Ideal for making clean cuts on strawberry without causing unnecessary damage to the plants. They allow precise control necessary for the delicate nature of strawberry.

Scissors

They can be useful for snipping off dead or overripe berries and thinning out smaller, crowded areas. Their small blades are well-suited for the intricate work involved with strawberry.

Precision Pruning Snips

These are designed for fine trimming and provide a high level of accuracy, which can be very useful when removing runners and unwanted foliage from strawberry.

Gloves

Protect hands when handling strawberry, as the texture of the plant and the close work involved in pruning can be hard on the skin.

How to Prune Strawberry

Step1: Timing Pruning Post-Fruition

Identify the appropriate time for pruning strawberry, which is typically after they have finished fruiting, usually in late summer or early fall. This timing helps prepare the plants for the next year's growth.

Step2: Sanitizing Pruning Tools

Sanitize pruning tools before starting to minimize the risk of spreading disease. Use alcohol or a 10% bleach solution to wipe down shears and snips.

Step3: Trimming Plant Runners

Start by trimming runners, which are long shoots coming off the main plant. Locate the point where runners connect to the mother plant, and snip them cleanly without damaging the crown of strawberry.

Step4: Pruning Discolored Leaves

Inspect strawberry for yellow or discolored leaves which can be a sign of age, disease, or nutrient deficiency. Prune these leaves by cutting them at the base where they meet the stem or crown.

Step5: Removing Dead Branches

Remove any withered or dead branches from strawberry. Make cuts at a junction where healthy, green growth begins or all the way back to the plant's central crown if the entire branch is dead.

Step6: Thinning Crowded Plants

Thin out the strawberry plants if they are crowded, allowing for air circulation and light penetration, which are essential for healthy growth. Retain the most vigorous plants and remove some of the older, less productive ones.

Step7: Disposing of Plant Debris

After pruning, dispose of the removed plant parts properly to prevent pests and diseases from spreading. Do not compost diseased material.

Step8: Watering Post-Pruning

Water strawberry immediately after pruning to help them recover from the stress of cutting. This also helps to settle the soil around the roots.

Step9: Fertilizing After Pruning

Apply a balanced fertilizer to provide strawberry with the necessary nutrients to recover from pruning and support new growth.

Step10: Monitoring Plants Post-Pruning

Monitor strawberry regularly after pruning for any signs of pest or disease, and intervene promptly if any issues arise.

Discover your plant's ideal water intake

Use our calculator to find out how much water your plants need for optimal health.

Download the App for Free

Post-Pruning Care for Strawberry

Immediately after pruning strawberry, irrigate the soil without wetting leaves to minimize stress. Position strawberry in a location with bright, indirect light and maintain a stable temperature of 65-75°F with moderate humidity. Feed strawberry with balanced fertilizer to aid recovery. Monitor strawberry for discolored leaves or wilt, indicating stress or infection. At signs of distress, review care conditions, and consult a horticultural expert for targeted treatment.

Common Pruning Mistakes with Strawberry

Excessive Pruning Stress

Pruning too much can stress strawberry, leading to reduced yields or plant weakness. It's important not to remove more foliage than necessary.

Ignoring Diseased Leaves

Not removing old and diseased leaves can invite pests and diseases. Failing to clear away these leaves during pruning compromises strawberry's health.

Over-pruning Healthy Runners

Cutting back healthy runners excessively can limit plant propagation and future berry production. Selective pruning of runners is vital for strawberry's productivity.

Common Pruning Tips for Strawberry

Remove Old Leaves for Plant Health

Remove old and yellowing leaves to improve air circulation and light exposure, promoting healthier strawberry plants.

Selective Runner Pruning for Vigor

Prune out runners that are not needed for propagation or that crowd the plants, focusing on leaving the most vigorous ones for best production.

Precise Cuts with Clean Tools

Use clean, sharp tools for pruning to make precise cuts and prevent infection. Ensure tools are disinfected if strawberry shows signs of disease.