Has your strawberry plant produced flowers, but the much-awaited juicy strawberries haven’t shown up yet? Fret not, all hope isn’t lost yet – we’re here to tell you the reasons why and how to fix them.
Let’s get started and make those strawberries ready for harvest.
Why don’t strawberry plants produce fruit?
Strawberry plants do not produce fruit because of lack of pollination, plant age, late spring frost, improper soil pH, excessive nitrogen, watering problems, or issues with climate, soil, plant variety, and mold.
Read on, and we’ll guide you to understand these problems and how to fix them.
1. Lack of Pollination
How To Fix:
Option 1: Increase animal pollinators.
Option 2: Protect the plant from harsh weather.
Strawberry plants bear self-pollinating flowers, each containing male and female reproductive organs. However, self-pollination does not guarantee successful pollination; the flowers still require assistance in producing fruit.
Typically, wind and insects provide this necessary aid and enhanced pollination results in more giant strawberries and increased yields.
When bees visit flowers in search of nectar, they hover nearby. The vibration of their wings causes the flower to vibrate.
Wind can also induce this same vibration within the flower. This vibration, in turn, causes the male part of the flower to release pollen onto the female part.
Under favorable conditions, the female part of the flower will be successfully pollinated. The flower will then form fruit, which should develop into a healthy strawberry if provided with adequate water, nutrients, and sunlight.
Option 1: Increase animal pollinators.
| Difficulty | Average ●●○○○ |
| Speed | Slow-acting |
| Things You Need | Flowering plants |
A lack of pollinators will prevent the flowers on a strawberry plant from producing fruit. Conversely, self-pollination and wind only cause 60% to 70% of maximum pollination.
That means you will need pollinators for the best results! They include bees, butterflies, birds, flies, moths, wasps, and other small mammals like bats.
Most of the time, pesticides are to blame for this decrease in the bee population. If you’re using them in your garden, try to cut back.
If you see other plants in your yard producing fruit while your strawberries stay fruitless, one solution is to plant attractive flowers near your strawberries.
Plant some other flowering plants or trees in your garden near your strawberries to attract more bees. That way, the bees have more reasons to stop by and pollinate the strawberries in the area.
Option 2: Protect the plant from harsh weather.
| Difficulty | Average ●●○○○ |
| Speed | Slow-acting |
| Things You Need | Window vents or doors |
Weather can significantly impact the pollination of strawberry plants. Rainy days can deter bees from foraging, resulting in lower pollination rates and reduced fruit yields.
Cold temperatures can also hinder bee activity, as they are less active when the thermometer dips below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. A combination of hard and extended periods of rainy weather can delay the fruiting of strawberry plants.
In addition to weather, wind also plays a role in pollination. A lack of wind can hinder pollen dispersal indoors or in greenhouses without proper ventilation.
To encourage pollination in these environments, slightly open window vents or doors to create a breeze. If growing strawberries indoors, consider using a fan to circulate air and promote pollen movement.
2. Plant Age
How To Fix:
Plant strawberries at the right time.
A strawberry plant in its infancy needs more energy reserves to support significant fruit production. Just as a fledgling bird cannot sustain a heavy wingspan, a young strawberry plant cannot bear the burden of bountiful fruit.
We recommend removing flowers from strawberry plants in their first year. This conservation act allows the plant to channel its energy into growth and running production, laying the foundation for future harvests.
As a strawberry plant ages, its vigor wanes. Just as an aging athlete cannot maintain their peak performance, an older strawberry plant cannot produce fruit with the same abundance.
Many strawberry varieties, particularly June-bearing varieties, do not produce fruit in their first year. Instead, they focus on establishing themselves, expanding their root systems, and sending out runners.
Pinching off strawberry flowers but not the buds during their first year can help them grow larger and more robust for the following year. This is true for June-bearing and everbearing varieties but not day-neutral varieties, which often fruit in their first year.
Solution: Plant strawberries at the right time.
| Difficulty | Average ●●○○○ |
| Speed | Slow-acting |
| Things You Need | Strawberry seeds |
In strawberry cultivation, there are three categories: June-bearers, ever-bearers, and day-neutral varieties. Each type adheres to its unique fruiting schedule, gracing gardeners with their delectable offerings at varying intervals throughout the year.
As their name implies, June-bearers commence their bountiful reign in late May or early June, showering the world with their strawberries for 4 to 6 weeks. On the other hand, ever-bearers produce fruits throughout the summer.
But arguably, the most productive are day-neutral strawberries, which produce a continuous stream of berries from spring to late summer or early fall.
You don’t need to worry if you tend to June-bearing strawberries in August and are met with a flowering plant without fruits.
Having expended their energy on a bountiful spring harvest, June-bearers may still produce flowers but lack the reserves necessary to bring additional fruit.
Additionally, June-bearers are known for producing flower buds in late summer or early fall. These buds patiently endure the winter months, awakening in early spring into a dazzling display of blossoms.
So, if you observe buds that refuse to open, rest assured that they are merely biding their time, preparing to unveil their beauty in the coming months.
3. Late Spring Frost
How To Fix:
Protect the plant from frost.
Extreme cold can emerge as an unwelcome intruder, disrupting the blossoming of strawberry plants. Their reproductive potential can be negatively affected if flowers appear prematurely.
A late-season frost descending upon the blossoms can inflict irreparable damage. Even if some flowers survive the harsh season, the resulting berries may be deformed and undersized.
This unfortunate phenomenon is common, as strawberry plants are often eager to flower before the last frost date has passed. While seeing frost-damaged blossoms can be disheartening, remember that these setbacks are a part of the natural cycle.
As the seasons shift, strawberry plants will gather their strength again, preparing to produce bountiful harvests in the warmer months.
Solution: Protect the plant from frost.
| Difficulty | Easy ●●○○○ |
| Speed | Slow-acting |
| Things You Need | Cloche Mulch |
There are ways to shield your strawberry plants from the icy clutches of winter. One effective method is to swaddle your strawberry plants in mulch.
Straw, a natural insulator, is a good choice for this as it naturally traps heat, creating a cozy haven for your plant that defies the chill of the air.
Another means of safeguarding strawberry plants from the cold is to use cloche or row covers. These lightweight, flexible fabrics act as miniature greenhouses, trapping warmth and shielding plants from harsh elements.
By combining the insulating properties of straw mulch with the protective barrier of row covers, you can create a microclimate that allows strawberry flowers to thrive and withstand temperatures that would otherwise spell their doom.
4. Improper Soil pH
How To Fix:
Maintain ideal soil pH.
Strawberry plants need acidic soil to grow well. While most flora thrive in soils that lean towards neutrality, these plants prefer a slightly more acidic environment, with a pH ranging from 5.8 to 6.2.
To determine the pH of your soil, you can use a soil test kit readily available at most garden centers or online retailers.
With the soil test result, you can make informed decisions regarding how to adjust your soil to create an environment that is not only conducive to strawberry cultivation but also optimal for the growth of other plants in your garden.
Solution: Maintain ideal soil pH.
| Difficulty | Average ●●○○○ |
| Speed | Slow-acting |
| Things You Need | Soil test kit Fertilizer Lime Sulfur |
Balance is key. Too high, and your strawberry plants will pout and refuse to thrive, while if it’s too low, they’ll sulk and wither away.
If your soil’s pH level is alkaline, you can adjust this using elemental sulfur to make the soil more acidic gradually. Make sure not to use too much to ensure you don’t make your soil excessively acidic, which can harm even the most demanding plants.
On the other hand, if your soil pH has plummeted to the depths of acidity, there are ways to lift it back up to make it more neutral. Lime, which has alkaline properties, can be added to the soil to counteract the effects of excess acidity.
All these elements work quickly and can dramatically impact your soil pH. So, once again, caution is advised; measure carefully and apply sparingly.
5. Excessive Nitrogen
How To Fix:
Amend the soil.
Nitrogen, a vital nutrient for green growth, can be a double-edged sword. It encourages the development of lush foliage, providing a sturdy foundation for fruit production, but it can divert resources from flower and fruit development.
If you suspect your strawberry plants suffer from excess nitrogen, their appearance will provide clues. Their leaves may grow large and green, but these plants might neglect their reproductive duties.
To rectify this imbalance, it is crucial to curb the nitrogen flow. Avoid adding additional fertilizer and instead focus on removing excess nitrogen from the soil.
One effective method is to flood the soil with water, allowing it to drain freely. This process helps to leach away excess nutrients, restoring balance to the soil.
Solution: Amend the soil.
| Difficulty | Average ●●○○○ |
| Speed | Slow-acting |
| Things You Need | Soil test Compost Fertilizer |
A soil test can provide valuable insights into the nutrient levels present in your soil. Armed with this information, you can make informed decisions regarding how to amend your soil to create an environment conducive to optimal strawberry production.
Compost, a rich source of organic matter and nutrients, can be a valuable addition to your soil. When added in moderation, it helps to improve soil structure and fertility, providing a balanced blend of nutrients that support healthy plant growth.
If you choose fertilizer, choose a balanced formula containing equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This will help ensure your plants receive the necessary nutrients without creating an imbalance.
6. Watering Problems
How To Fix:
Water consistently.
Strawberry plants, unlike most plants, are more prone to underwatering than overwatering. This is due to their shallow root systems, which typically only extend a few inches into the soil.
The top few inches of soil tend to dry out quickly, necessitating more frequent watering than other plants, especially if grown in pots or warm locations. The top few inches of soil should only dry out partially.
Solution: Water consistently.
| Difficulty | Average ●●○○○ |
| Speed | Slow-acting |
| Things You Need | Watering can |
While overwatering can still occur, avoiding flooding the plants or allowing the soil to become waterlogged is essential. Excessive water can lead to root rot, which can also severely damage the crown of the strawberry plant.
Water deeply but infrequently ensures that the water reaches the roots without causing overwatering. It’s best to water the soil around the base of the plant, not the leaves, as watering the leaves can encourage fungal diseases.
You can water early in the morning or late evening to reduce evaporation. During the growing season, strawberry plants will need about 1 inch of water per week.
6. Wrong Climate
How To Fix:
Check the plant variety.
Strawberries are adaptable plants that can thrive in a variety of climates. To ensure optimal growth and yield, it is essential to select strawberry varieties that are suited to your local climate.
Still, they require specific growing conditions that cater to their unique needs to flourish. The ideal temperature range for strawberry cultivation falls between 60-80°F (15-26°C) during the day.
While exact temperatures may vary depending on the variety, strawberries prefer moderate climates where extreme heat or cold are rare.
To maximize their growth potential, strawberries benefit from a daily temperature pattern, with warmer days giving way to cooler nights. This fluctuation allows them to utilize their stored energy and promote fruit production.
When temperatures stray too far from the ideal range, strawberries can encounter problems. Excessive heat can stress the plants, hindering their ability to flower and set fruit, while cold snaps can damage blossoms and develop berries.
Solution: Check the plant variety.
| Difficulty | Average ●●○○○ |
| Speed | Slow-acting |
| Things You Need | Strawberry seeds Soil thermometer |
Temperature reigns supreme. While these versatile plants can adapt to various conditions, they flourish in environments catering to their unique thermal preferences.
For strawberry plants to thrive, they must have an environment where days are warm and nights are cool. This daily dance of temperatures allows strawberries to fully utilize their energy reserves, promoting vigorous growth and prolific fruit production.
When temperatures soar beyond moderation, strawberries can become stressed, their reproductive potential hindered by the unrelenting heat.
Conversely, when the chill of winter lingers too long, delicate blossoms can be damaged, and their dreams of bearing fruit are dashed instantly.
Knowing all this now, selecting strawberry varieties that are well-suited to your local climate is essential. By providing them with the ideal balance of warmth and coolness, you can create a sanctuary where they can thrive, especially during its harvest season.
7. Wrong Soil
How To Fix:
Plant strawberries in the right type of soil.
If your strawberry plants are gracing you with an abundance of blossoms but failing to produce fruit, the culprit may lie beneath the surface, concealed within the soil.
For strawberries to thrive, their roots must be able to breathe freely. Soil that is too dense or retains too much moisture can suffocate the roots, hindering their ability to absorb essential nutrients and transport them to the rest of the plant.
Solution: Plant strawberries in the right type of soil.
| Difficulty | Average ●●○○○ |
| Speed | Slow-acting |
| Things You Need | Well-drained soil Compost |
It’s crucial to provide strawberries with well-draining soil that allows excess water to flow freely away from the roots. While this may necessitate more frequent watering, paying for the bountiful harvests that await is a small price.
In addition to drainage, nutrient availability is also of paramount importance. Strawberries are heavy feeders, and they require a rich soil that can provide them with the nourishment they need to produce an abundance of fruit.
If your soil lacks nutrients, it is advisable to amend it with organic compost and a balanced fertilizer formulated explicitly for berries. These will help to replenish the soil’s nutrient reserves, providing strawberries with the sustenance they need to thrive.
8. Mold
How To Fix:
Remove infected plants and improve air circulation.
Mold, an insidious foe that lurks in the shadows, can strike at the heart of your strawberry patch, robbing you of the sweet rewards of your labor.
Botrytis cinerea, the culprit behind this infection, targets your plants’ fruit and flowers, wreaking havoc on your possible yields.
As it is more commonly known, gray mold thrives in prolonged wet and cool weather periods, particularly during the blooming and harvesting seasons. Under these conditions, the fungus flourishes, spreading rapidly and mercilessly.
Infected berries become covered in a dusty gray coating, the fungus spores poised to strike again. As the disease progresses, the berries develop a soft, light brown rot, rendering them unfit for consumption.
Solution: Remove infected plants and improve air circulation.
| Difficulty | Average ●●○○○ |
| Speed | Fast-acting |
| Things You Need | Gardening tools Alcohol |
First, remove all infected plant parts, including leaves, flowers, or fruit covered in mold. Make sure to dispose of the infected plant parts away from your strawberry patch.
Then, improve air circulation around the plants since mold thrives in humid conditions. Ensure that your strawberry plants have good air circulation by spacing the plants out evenly and thinning out any excess foliage.
FAQs
Strawberry plants bloom in the spring between April and June, depending on the variety and climate.
June-bearing strawberries, as their name implies, adhere to a strict schedule, and produce fruits during the month of June. Their blossoms emerge in early spring, adorning the plants with a dazzling display of white petals.
On the other hand, everbearing strawberries produce three distinct flushes of blossoms throughout the growing season, showering gardeners with their delectable offerings in spring, summer, and fall.
Their blossoms appear similar to those of June-bearing strawberries, but their staggered blooming habit ensures a continuous supply of berries throughout the warmer months.
Strawberry flowers cover a wide range of colors from dark green, yellow, light pink, and white.
The most common color of the strawberry flower is a white flower with a bright yellow stigma in the center. This yellow center is to attract pollinating insects such as bees.
Each strain of plant produces similar-looking fruit, but there are differences in the way they taste, size, and color of the fruit.
Not all strawberry flowers become strawberries. If the plant flowers prematurely, it produces small fruits, while those grown from bare roots or crowns need more time to establish themselves before they can devote energy to fruit production.
To ensure optimal yields, strawberry farmers often remove premature blossoms before they have a chance to develop into fruit. This practice allows the plant to focus its resources on developing a strong root system and foliage.
Once the plant has reached maturity, typically between April and June, it will be better equipped to produce healthy and abundant fruit.
The appearance of white, five-petaled flowers is a sign that fruiting is about to commence. External factors such as temperature, light, soil nutrition, and water can all impact the fruiting process.
For example, harsh heat or cold can limit the number of flowers or fruit produced by a plant. Additionally, some strawberry varieties are naturally more prolific than others.
Strawberry flowers are edible, featuring a sweet and slightly tart flavor. They can be eaten raw or cooked.
Strawberry flowers are a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamins C, A, and potassium.
