Gardeners are constantly looking for effective methods of strawberry propagation to obtain a rich harvest.
Propagation by dividing a bush is one of the most affordable ways to increase the number of plants on a plot without resorting to purchasing expensive planting material.
Advantages of propagation by division of the bush
The method of dividing the bush allows to obtain seedlings that are completely identical to the mother plant, emphasizes the expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", scientist-agronomist and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh.
Young bushes retain all varietal characteristics and begin to bear fruit much earlier than plants grown from seeds. The method is simple to implement and highly effective.
Choosing the Right Plant for Division
The correct choice of the mother bush determines the success of propagation. The plant must be healthy, without signs of disease and pest damage.
The optimal age of the mother bush is 2-3 years. Strong, well-developed plants produce more viable offspring.
Optimal timing for division
The best time to divide strawberry bushes is early spring or late August - early September.
In spring, the procedure is carried out after the soil has thawed, but before active growth begins. In autumn, division is carried out a month before the onset of frost, so that the plants have time to take root.
Preparing for the division procedure
Before dividing the bush, it is necessary to carry out preparatory work. The mother plant is watered several hours before digging.
Tools are disinfected to prevent infection. New planting sites are prepared, adding the necessary fertilizers.
Correct division technique
The bush is carefully dug out, trying to preserve as much of the root system as possible. The soil is carefully shaken off, the roots are washed.
Using a sharp, disinfected knife, divide the plant into parts, each of which should have a developed root system and several leaves. Sprinkle the cuts with wood ash.
Planting of divided parts
Young plants are planted in prepared beds. The planting depth should correspond to the location of the root collar at soil level.
After planting, water abundantly. The distance between the bushes is maintained at least 30 centimeters to ensure sufficient space for development.
Caring for young plants
The first weeks after dividing the plant require increased attention. Regular watering helps the root system recover faster.
If necessary, provide shading from the bright sun. Timely removal of weeds and loosening of the soil contribute to better survival.
Possible problems and their solutions
Cases of unsuccessful division are most often associated with the wrong choice of time or violation of technology.
Drying out of roots, planting too deep, and insufficient watering can lead to the death of plants. Careful adherence to recommendations allows you to avoid most problems.
Signs of successful rooting
Two to three weeks after planting, you can evaluate the success of the division. The appearance of new leaves and the intense green color of the existing foliage indicate successful rooting.
The plants begin to grow actively, forming a strong bush capable of producing a good harvest next season.
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
