At the end of June, we can already estimate how many strawberries will be produced this year. If the berries are small, or even absent, this raises a legitimate question: why do our favorite garden berries bear so little fruit and why don't strawberries bloom? There are several possible reasons for this: failure to maintain a ratio of different pollinator varieties, strawberries being subject to temperature fluctuations, choosing the wrong place to grow strawberries, introducing unnecessary fertilization, etc. You will learn more about 8 Reasons Why Strawberries Do Not Bloom by Bubgo article.
Garden strawberries have different biological characteristics than regular strawberries or strawberry hybrids. The flowers of most strawberry varieties are oviparous and can be self-pollinated.
For strawberries, the sex of the flowers is separated and another cross-pollinated variety is needed. For cultivars with female flowers, pollinated cultivars should be planted. Cross-pollination will result in a significant increase in yield.
Most strawberry cultivars are susceptible to sudden fluctuations in winter temperatures and accompanying thaw. Younger cultivars are more resistant to frost than older ones. Flowers, buds, and ovaries are very sensitive to frost and can be damaged at temperatures as low as 30 °F (-1 °C). Strawberry roots and bushes can be damaged when winter temperatures drop to 5 °F (-15°C), even under a layer of snow of about 4 inches (10 cm). A layer of snow over 10 inches (25 cm) or additional mulch (with burlap, reed mats, or other mulching materials) will provide reliable protection.
The sunny orientation (exposure) of the strawberry plot must be taken into account for the active growth of asexual organs and the establishment of flower buds necessary for the formation of the crop. The best place to plant strawberries is a gentle slope without depressions and saucers with standing water (up to 50 of them). Strawberry plots must allow cold air and excess water to drain away in spring.
Females prefer organic matter-rich, well-textured soils with a slightly acidic or nearly neutral pH (2.3-5.6).
Poor yields may also depend on the characteristics of the variety. For example, do not expect an abundance of fruit from a variety of strawberries that do not grow vigorously: its berries are large but few in number.
Another reason for low yields and the formation of empty flowers may be damage to flower buds by filamentous insects. To prevent this, strawberries should be controlled for pests and diseases in the spring. Weevils can only be controlled mechanically on the berries.
It can also be assumed that strawberry bushes become fat due to excessive manure or mineral fertilizers. Over-fertilization is just as harmful to the plant as a lack of nutrients - especially if the fertilizer is rich in nitrogen. Strawberries then develop large leafy areas, which causes the plant to become dehydrated. When fertilizing berry orchards, it is important to consider how to properly fertilize strawberries.
In order to produce a good strawberry crop, it needs to have a strong root system, but with moderately healthy leaves. The most suitable soils for this crop are loess and sandy soils.
It is better to plant strawberries after another well-fertilized crop. But they should not be preceded by potatoes, tomatoes, cucumbers, cabbage, raspberries, or currants. Taking into account the principles of crop rotation, you can help yourself to grow your favorite berries.
