Every gardener has a good idea of what strawberry whiskers are, but not everyone knows what to do with them.
Here you should understand that there are two options - getting a rich harvest of berries or propagating the variety you like. These are two important points that need to be taken into account before trimming the runners.
Let's figure out whether it is necessary to trim the shoots on strawberry bushes, and if so, when is the best time to do it.
Experienced gardeners recommend doing this twice during the entire season.
First pruning
It is done in early spring to help the bushes save their strength and direct it to the formation of the future harvest. If the runners are not cut, the berries will still grow, but they will not be as large and tasty.
Second pruning
It is carried out after fruiting has finished and is performed at the base.
Leave the mustache
Considering that strawberries tend to lose their varietal qualities, it would not hurt to leave the runners for breeding your favorite variety.
Planting material can be obtained again after fruiting. The shoots from the most lush and strong bushes with large and tasty berries are used.
For propagation, take the longest tendril with several rosettes. It needs to be rooted in the garden bed together with the shoot. The rosette that is closer to the mother bush is used.
The remaining whiskers are no longer suitable for reproduction.
