How to encourage strawberries to fruit?

[Kapster]

 

 

My strawberry plants are all struggling. I have them in pots, they are planted in organic premium Osmocote which has slow release fertiliser included in it. They were struggling out in the yard so I’ve brought them into the pool area which is covered by clear polycarbonate over top but really is very sunny and humid. Maybe it is still too hot for them. I’m keeping them watered and free of pests and gave them some potash a few days ago. The leaves look fairly healthy but the fruit not happening. They were purchased from Bunnings the type is Fragaria x ananassa, it’s a hybrid. Maybe they’ll come good now I’ve used the potash and maybe I need to keep this up and give them more shade on these 32+ degree days?? 

[robchin]

Hi @Kapster 

Be patient. Your plants look pretty good to me. They will always do better when they are in the ground and not in little pots. 

So it depends is the answer. There are different types of strawberries and flowering and fruiting will vary depending on the type you have. The 3 main types: 

1) Flower once a year - followed by fruit (summer) 

2) Perennial fruiting - flower for extended period

3) Daylength Neutral - Which should start flowering through summer

Most strawberries need say 12 hours of daylight for best crops. 

I think you are on the right track with the potash though. To promote flowering and fruiting - you need Potassium. Hence the potash. I would be suggesting a liquid form as it is taken up faster through the plants roots. I work at Bunnings and we sell a range of these - like this one: Richgro 1L Black Marvel Fruit And Citrus Food Concentrate Liquid Fertiliser - Bunnings Australia

The other point is keeping the water up to plants in pots. Might want to consider putting a tray under the pot. 

[Kapster]

Thank you for your reply. Yes I have been using a liquid potash and the strawberry variety is a year - round one. I do think the heat has been a bit too much for them - I’ll keep up with the potash every two weeks from now on. They get plenty of watering, one of them actually had root rot from over watering so I repotted it and it’s come good again! Well fingers crossed! Thks again 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Kapster,

You've got some great advice from @robchin. As he has said, they actually look to be quite healthy, you just have to be patient. 

I don't have much else I can add, but you might like to have a look at How To Plant And Grow Strawberries for some further guidance.

Jacob