Hanging strawberry plants

How to plant climbing strawberries in the garden?

The first important step is choosing the right location. It should be well-sunlit and sheltered from the wind, which hanging strawberries particularly dislike.
The soil should be prepared in advance by adding compost or peat to humus-rich soil until achieving a slightly acidic pH of 5.5–6.5.

• The success of the entire process depends on following four rules:
• The plants must be planted at the correct depth. If placed too deep, they will rot; if too shallow, they will dry out.
• The crown of the plant (base and bud) should be positioned at soil level.
• Do not allow the roots to bend or break.
• After planting, water the seedling. Lack of moisture is the most common cause of transplant failure.

Where should climbing strawberries be planted?

Climbing strawberries prefer warmth and require relatively intense sunlight. They thrive when planted near south- or west-facing walls. Such locations offer an additional benefit—buildings act as protective barriers, shielding the plants from strong winds.

Proper support is also essential. Stakes or trellises should be prepared beforehand. A popular and effective method is growing climbing strawberries in a PVC pipe. Drainage pipes with holes drilled along their length allow strawberry runners to grow outward. Other good options include pergola walls or lattice panels.

What to plant climbing strawberries in?

These plants tolerate planting directly in the ground very well. As long as precautions related to spring frosts are taken, further cultivation should pose no difficulties. An additional advantage is that hanging strawberry plants are often sold in small pots. This allows beginner growers to gradually acclimate the seedlings to outdoor conditions and to bring them indoors in case of sudden cold spells.

Planting from a pot is also easier, as it involves placing the entire root ball into the planting hole without disturbing the delicate root system.

When should climbing strawberries be planted?

Climbing strawberry plants are placed in the ground in early spring. The planting process requires care. Accidentally covering the crown with soil may lead to disease or rot. Spring frosts must also be taken into account—climbing strawberries are sensitive to low temperatures, so young seedlings should be protected with a light mulch.

If you have purchased hanging strawberry plants in pots, you may leave them in their containers for a short period to allow acclimatization.

Climbing strawberries – overwintering

Climbing strawberries grown outdoors may remain in the garden for winter, provided they are protected with mulch such as sawdust, straw or leaves. With winters becoming milder, the plants generally survive without major issues.
Potted strawberries can be stored inside a cardboard box filled with insulating material such as broken styrofoam, crumpled paper or sawdust. The material should allow airflow.
Another option is overwintering in a cool room (cellar, attic, garage). In this case, watering must not be forgotten—plants should be watered approximately every two weeks.

Should hanging strawberries be pruned?

Yes—this is a necessary procedure. Runners that have already produced fruit become useless. Pruning should take place in autumn, after the final harvest.
Pruning also improves the plant’s appearance, helps shape it and encourages more vigorous growth the following season.

Climbing strawberry varieties

The number of climbing strawberry varieties is steadily increasing.

• The most popular include:
• Selva
• Everest
• Ostara
• Evie II
• Temptation
• Albion strawberry

The last one in particular deserves special attention. The ‘Albion’ strawberry is suitable for growing both in the garden and in containers on the balcony. It can grow as a climbing or hanging plant. Regardless of form, it produces abundant yields and brings growers great satisfaction.
The variety ‘Pink Panda’ offers slightly smaller fruits, but its beautiful and abundant blossoms make it a wonderful decorative plant for gardens, balconies and terraces.