Technical Itinerary for Growing Strawberries from Plug/Pod Plants

Definition of a strawberry plant in a ball or in a pot

Strawberry plants in plugs, also called pot plants, are fresh strawberry plants packaged in plugs. They are harvested between early and mid-July as unrooted cuttings and then potted. During the first few days after potting, the plants are constantly watered to encourage root development. Delivery of these young plants can begin as soon as the pots are fully rooted, usually in late July or early August.

Differences with Tray plants

Unlike Tray plants, which remain in their tray until the winter dormancy period, plug plants are delivered as soon as rooting is complete.

 

Production Calendar - Strawberry Plants Plugs

Technical itinerary for growing strawberries from Motte (or Godet) plants

Strawberry plants in plugs, also called pots, offer a more reliable and easier growing method than bare-root plants. This type of plant, harvested in summer, has increased resistance to dehydration and facilitates the plants' recovery after transplanting. This technical guide guides you through each step, from receiving the plants to harvesting, to ensure a successful crop.

Reception of plants

Upon receiving your strawberry plants in their root balls, it is crucial to plant them as soon as possible. Abundant watering after planting is essential to encourage their recovery. Fresh plants are harvested between early and mid-July, then potted and watered regularly until the roots develop sufficiently.

Plug plants may have difficulty absorbing water immediately after planting. The delicate roots may have been damaged during extraction, which explains this phenomenon. Therefore, regular watering is imperative in the days following planting to ensure good recovery.

Soil preparation

Before planting strawberry plants in clods, it is essential to properly prepare the soil to provide the plants with a favorable environment for their rooting and growth.

• Loosen the soil to a depth of 20 cm.
• Enrich the soil with well-ripened compost to improve its fertility.
• Remove weeds, stones and other obstacles that could hinder plant growth.
• If the soil is wet, create mounds 10 to 20 cm high to prevent excess moisture at root level.

Planting

The ideal time to plant strawberry plants in plugs is between late July and early August. This is when the plants benefit from optimal conditions to establish roots before the arrival of winter.

When planting:

• Space plants 35 cm apart in all directions to allow good air circulation and prevent disease.
• Dig a hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the root ball.
• Place the strawberry plant in the hole, ensuring that the root collar is level with the ground.
• Fill with fine soil and press lightly around the plant to ensure a good hold.

Interview

Watering

After planting, it is essential to water the plants thoroughly and continue watering daily until new leaves appear. This signals that the roots are well established and the plant is actively growing. Maintaining consistent moisture is crucial to avoid water stress, which can negatively affect fruit production.

The use of organic mulch around plants is recommended to retain soil moisture and reduce evaporation, especially during hot periods.

Fertilization

Strawberry plants require balanced fertilization to ensure their growth and optimize fruit production. While specific needs may vary, regular application of fertilizer adapted to the soil type and climatic conditions is recommended to support plant development. Don't hesitate to consult specialized sources to adapt your application to your needs.

Plant protection

Like many fruit crops, strawberries are susceptible to several diseases and pests. Therefore, it's essential to monitor your plants closely and take preventative measures to reduce the risk of infestation. Common diseases to watch out for include:

• Botrytis (gray mold) : This disease affects fruit, causing it to rot. To prevent it, it is recommended to space plants sufficiently to improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and promptly remove infected fruit.
• Powdery Mildew : Powdery mildew appears as white, powdery spots on the leaves. Choosing strawberry varieties that are resistant to powdery mildew is a good preventative strategy.
• Soil-borne diseases : Rotating crops with plants not susceptible to the same diseases can help limit disease pressure in the soil.

In case of infestation, it is advisable to consult an expert to identify the disease and apply the appropriate treatment.

Harvest

Growing from plug plants allows for an early harvest the following year. Harvests vary depending on the variety, but generally occur between mid-May and mid-October. Strawberries are ready to harvest when the fruit is fully red, shiny, and gives off a sweet, intense aroma. To maintain their freshness, it is recommended to pick them early in the morning.

Advantages of root ball plants

Strawberry plants in plugs have several advantages over other types of plants:

• High leaf-to-root ratio : Plug plants are more resistant to dehydration than bare-root plants, thanks to a better balance between leaves and roots.
• Ease of recovery and reduced maintenance : Although they are more expensive to purchase and their transport is more expensive, root ball plants compensate for these costs by easier recovery and reduced maintenance requirements.
• Production Reliability : Plug plants offer more reliable and consistent production than bare-root plants, making them ideal for beginner strawberry growers.

What are the differences with Fresh Bare Root Strawberry Plants? 

Freshly planted plants have a significantly higher leaf-to-root ratio. They are more resistant to dehydration. Although they are more expensive and have higher transport costs, this is offset by ease of recovery and less maintenance.

The yields of this type of plant are not higher than those of optimally planted fresh plants, but the production reliability is greater.

We recommend that you use fresh root ball strawberry plants rather than bare root for summer plantings to ensure greater recovery and to optimize and make yields per plant more reliable.

Conclusion

Growing strawberries from plug plants is a reliable growing method, offering fast results and abundant fruit production. By following a precise technical itinerary, from soil preparation to regular plant maintenance, this method optimizes crop yields. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced strawberry grower, plug plants offer an excellent cost-to-maintenance ratio, facilitating rapid recovery and ensuring successful production from the first year.