Pruning Strawberry Plants: Complete Guide for June-Bearing and Everbearing Varieties
Quick Facts
- Best Time to Prune: After harvest and early spring. Regular pruning keeps strawberry plants productive and healthy.
- Tools Needed: Hand pruners, scissors, garden shears. Keep tools clean to reduce the risk of spreading diseases.
- Frequency: Seasonal maintenance plus runner control to maintain plant spacing.
- Difficulty Level: Easy. Pruning strawberries is straightforward and essential for plant health.
Types of Strawberry Plants
June-Bearing
- One large crop per year, typically in early summer.
- Heavy runner production that requires regular control.
- Produces larger berries ideal for fresh eating and preserving.
- Traditional favorite for home gardens and farms.
Everbearing/Day-Neutral
- Multiple harvests per season, providing steady yields.
- Fewer runners compared to June-bearing varieties.
- Smaller but consistent berries throughout the growing season.
- Ideal for gardeners seeking an extended harvest period.
Regional Considerations
Northeastern US (Zones 4-6)
- Winter Protection: Apply straw mulch after the ground freezes to insulate plants.
- Timing: Renovate beds after the July harvest to encourage new growth.
- Recommended Varieties:
- June-bearing: 'Earliglow', 'Jewel', 'Allstar'
- Everbearing: 'Seascape', 'Tribute', 'Albion'
- Special Notes:
- Remove mulch gradually in spring to avoid smothering plants.
- Protect flowers from late spring frosts.
- Control runners aggressively to prevent overcrowding.
Upper Midwest (Zones 3-5)
- Winter Protection: Heavy straw mulch is essential for colder zones.
- Timing: Delay renovation to mid-July for optimal regrowth.
- Recommended Varieties:
- June-bearing: 'Cavendish', 'Honeoye', 'AC Wendy'
- Everbearing: 'Fort Laramie', 'Ogallala'
- Special Notes:
- Focus on cold-hardy varieties suited for shorter growing seasons.
- Provide extra winter protection to ensure plant survival.
- Adapt pruning and thinning strategies to fit regional needs.
Visual Guide to Pruning
Plant Parts Identification
Strawberry Plant Anatomy:
[Flower] [Leaf]
↓ ↓
*flower* /‾‾‾\
| / \
-----+--------+------+-----
| | |
[Crown] [Runner] |
\ |
\ |
\ |
\ |
[Daughter Plant]
Renovation Cutting Height
Before: After:
\\\|/// _|_
\\|// |
\|/ |
| |
====+==== ===+===
Matted Row System
Top View:
M = Mother Plant
D = Daughter Plant
- = Runner
M--D--D M--D--D M--D--D
| | | | | |
D--D--D D--D--D D--D--D
| | | | | |
M--D--D M--D--D M--D--D
Seasonal Pruning Calendar
Spring (March-May)
- Remove winter mulch to allow plants to warm up.
- Clean dead foliage to reduce disease risk.
- Remove weak or damaged plants to make room for healthy growth.
Summer (June-July)
- Renovate after harvest by removing old leaves and thinning rows.
- Control runner production to maintain plant spacing.
- Thin overcrowded plants for better light and airflow.
Late Summer (Aug-Sep)
- Continue to manage runners to keep rows tidy.
- Remove weak plants that show signs of disease or poor vigor.
- Prepare the bed for fall growth with light fertilization.
Fall/Winter (Oct-Feb)
- Perform final cleanup by removing debris.
- Apply winter mulch after the ground freezes.
- Check mulch depth regularly to ensure proper insulation.
Renovation Steps
June-Bearing Varieties
- Mow off leaves 1-2" above crowns to stimulate new growth.
- Narrow rows to 12" width for better organization.
- Thin plants to 6" apart to prevent overcrowding.
- Remove weak or old plants to maintain plant health.
- Fertilize and water deeply to support recovery.
Everbearing Varieties
- Remove dead or damaged leaves to promote new growth.
- Thin plants as needed to maintain spacing and airflow.
- Remove most runners to focus energy on fruit production.
- Maintain even spacing for consistent yields.
- Apply light fertilization to encourage healthy growth.
Winter Protection
Proper Mulching Technique
Winter Mulching:
straw
____/\/\/\____
plant
================
ground
- Apply 4-6" of clean straw after several hard frosts.
- Ensure even coverage over the entire bed for insulation.
- Remove mulch gradually in spring to prevent overheating.
- Check for signs of pests or diseases during winter monitoring.
Pro Tips
- Mark mother plants with colored stakes.
- Remove runners before they root for easier management.
- Keep detailed records of renovation timing.
- Consider row covers for early spring protection.