How to propagate strawberries in summer
An article that provides a detailed introduction to how to propagate strawberries in summer and explains the correct propagation methods for strawberries in summer, focusing on green plants and flowers. The following is a detailed explanation by the editor:
In addition to growing flowers and plants, many gardening enthusiasts also like to grow some fruits on their balconies. Strawberries have a sweet and sour taste, are rich in nutrients, and are suitable for people of all ages. Moreover, their compact plant size makes them ideal for potting on balconies, making them the preferred choice for potted fruits on balconies.
Now it is already June, and strawberries will no longer bear fruit, but instead start to produce many stolons. These thin and long stolons adhere to the soil surface and will gradually grow into new seedlings, allowing your strawberry plants to multiply from one pot to ten. Therefore, in summer, we need to take good care of these stolons to ensure a harvest of new seedlings in the second half of the year. In summer, we mainly focus on three things:
1. Pay attention to watering
The root system of strawberries is not very developed to begin with, and planting them in pots further limits the growth of the roots. The space in the pot is limited, and it can only hold a small amount of soil. In the hot summer weather, the water in the pot quickly evaporates. If the potting soil completely dries out, the roots cannot absorb enough water to supply the stolons, and the stolons will quickly wither.
In summer, you cannot neglect watering strawberries and should keep the soil slightly moist. Always observe the potting soil, and as soon as you see the surface of the soil turn white and dry, you need to water the strawberries immediately. During the dog days of summer, you basically need to water them every day, sometimes even twice a day, in the morning and evening.
How to propagate strawberries in summer
2. Avoid strong sunlight
Those who have grown strawberries know that strawberry leaves are delicate and easily affected by the environment. The ultraviolet rays in the summer sun are particularly strong, and if strawberries are exposed to sunlight, their leaves will quickly get sunburned. Over time, the stolons will also become scorched and dry.
When the temperature rises in summer, place the strawberry pots in a semi-shaded area, such as a north-facing balcony or windowsill, which is bright but not exposed to direct sunlight. In summer, only provide scattered light for the strawberries.
3. Propagate seedlings using stolons
Since strawberries do not bear fruit in summer, the plants will allocate most of their nutrients to growth, causing the stolons to grow very fast. When the strawberry stolons grow to half a meter or more, we can use them to propagate new seedlings.
Prepare some small pots, fill them with nutrient-rich soil, and then bury these stolons in the soil of the pots as shown in the picture. The burial does not need to be too deep, just enough to cover the stems with soil.