Strawberries are one of the most popular and delicious berries that people love to grow in their gardens.
But sometimes, instead of juicy and aromatic fruits, empty flowers appear on the bushes - flowers without ovaries that do not yield a harvest. Why does this happen and how to deal with it?
Anastasia Kovrizhnykh, an expert of the online publication Belnovosti, agronomist and landscape designer, explains why barren flowers appear.
Causes of the occurrence of barren flowers
Strawberry barren flowers can form for various reasons, but most often they are associated with a violation of growing conditions or exposure to unfavorable factors. Among the main reasons for barren flowers are the following:
Wrong choice of variety
If you planted dioecious strawberries, you need to ensure their pollination by planting male and female bushes next to each other in a certain proportion. Otherwise, you risk getting a lot of flowers, but not a single berry.
Unfavorable weather
Heavy rains, frosts, heat or drought can damage strawberry flowers or pollen and prevent pollination. To protect against such conditions, you can use a cover made of agrofibre or film, as well as regulate watering and fertilizing.
Pests and diseases
Strawberries are susceptible to attacks by various insects, such as weevils, mites, aphids, nematodes and others, which can damage flowers or leaves. In addition, strawberries can be infected with viruses or fungi, which also cause barren flowers. To combat pests and diseases, it is necessary to carry out timely treatment of plants with special preparations or folk remedies.
Incorrect agricultural technology
Strawberries require certain conditions for good growth and fruiting: suitable soil, a sunny place, regular watering and fertilizing, mulching, trimming runners and leaves, renewing the bushes every 4-5 years. If you do not follow these rules, the strawberries may produce empty flowers.
There are many reasons for the lack of flowers in strawberries, but they all have a solution. The main thing is to carefully monitor the condition of the plants and carry out the necessary care measures in a timely manner. Then you will be able to enjoy the harvest of sweet and aromatic berries.
Previously we talked about an advanced method of growing peppers .
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
