How to Cold Store Strawberry Runners: A Comprehensive Guide

Cold storing strawberry runners is a crucial technique for preserving the viability of these plant parts, which play a vital role in the reproduction and propagation of strawberry plants. By understanding the process of cold storage and following proper techniques, growers can ensure the successful establishment and growth of healthy strawberry plants.

What are Strawberry Runners?

Strawberry runners are slender, above-ground stems that emerge from the base of strawberry plants. These runners are responsible for the vegetative reproduction of strawberries, as they develop new plantlets, also known as daughter plants, along their length. The daughter plants eventually form roots and establish themselves as independent plants, expanding the strawberry patch.

Why Cold Store Strawberry Runners?

Cold storing strawberry runners offers several benefits:

Preservation of Viability: Cold storage helps maintain the viability of strawberry runners by slowing down their metabolic processes. This allows growers to store the runners for an extended period, ensuring their availability for planting at the desired time.
Healthy Plant Growth: Properly stored strawberry runners are more likely to produce healthy and vigorous plants when planted. Cold storage helps prevent the development of diseases and pests, which can compromise plant growth and productivity.

Preparing Strawberry Runners for Cold Storage

Harvesting: Choose healthy and disease-free strawberry runners for storage. Harvest the runners carefully, ensuring that they have a portion of the parent plant’s crown attached.
Cleaning: Remove any soil or debris from the runners. Gently rinse the runners with water to remove any dirt or pests.
Trimming: Trim the leaves and excess roots from the runners, leaving approximately 2-3 inches of leaf petioles and 1-2 inches of roots.

Choosing the Right Storage Conditions

Temperature: The ideal temperature for cold storing strawberry runners is between 32°F and 36°F (0°C to 2°C). This temperature range helps maintain dormancy and prevents premature growth.
Humidity: High humidity levels are essential for preventing desiccation and maintaining the viability of strawberry runners during storage. Aim for a relative humidity of around 90-95%.
Storage Options: Strawberry runners can be stored in various ways, including:

Refrigeration: Place the runners in a sealed container or plastic bag with moistened paper towels to maintain humidity. Store them in the refrigerator’s coldest section.
Freezer: For long-term storage, strawberry runners can be frozen. Place the runners in a sealed container or bag and freeze them at 0°F (-18°C) or below.

Packaging and Labeling

Packaging: Use breathable containers or bags to allow for air circulation and prevent the accumulation of moisture.
Labeling: Clearly label each container or bag with the variety of strawberry runner, the date of storage, and any other relevant information.

Storing Strawberry Runners

Placement: Place the containers or bags of strawberry runners in the chosen storage environment, ensuring they are not exposed to direct sunlight or excessive heat.
Monitoring: Regularly check the strawberry runners during storage. Inspect them for signs of disease or deterioration, and remove any affected runners promptly.

Length of Storage

The recommended duration for cold storing strawberry runners is typically 2-3 months. However, the viability of the runners may vary depending on the storage conditions and the variety of strawberry.

Reviving Strawberry Runners

Thawing: For runners stored in the freezer, thaw them gradually by placing them in a refrigerator for a few days before planting.
Rehydration: Soak the runners in water for several hours or overnight before planting to rehydrate them.

Conclusion

Cold storing strawberry runners is a valuable technique for preserving the viability of these plant parts and ensuring successful strawberry plant propagation. By following proper storage methods and maintaining ideal conditions, growers can extend the availability of strawberry runners and promote healthy plant growth.

Additional Tips and Precautions

Avoid exposing strawberry runners to ethylene gas, as it can accelerate ripening and deteriorate the runners.
Keep the storage area clean and free of pests to prevent infestations.
Monitor the temperature and humidity levels regularly to ensure they remain within the optimal range.

Sources

FAQs

What are strawberry runners?

Strawberry runners are slender, above-ground stems that emerge from the base of strawberry plants. They are responsible for the vegetative reproduction of strawberries, as they develop new plantlets, also known as daughter plants, along their length.

Why cold store strawberry runners?

Cold storing strawberry runners helps maintain their viability by slowing down their metabolic processes. This allows growers to store the runners for an extended period, ensuring their availability for planting at the desired time. Properly stored strawberry runners are also more likely to produce healthy and vigorous plants when planted.

How to prepare strawberry runners for cold storage?

To prepare strawberry runners for cold storage:

Harvest healthy and disease-free runners with a portion of the parent plant’s crown attached.
Clean the runners by gently rinsing them with water to remove soil or debris.
Trim the leaves and excess roots, leaving approximately 2-3 inches of leaf petioles and 1-2 inches of roots.

What are the ideal storage conditions for strawberry runners?

The ideal temperature for cold storing strawberry runners is between 32°F and 36°F (0°C to 2°C). Aim for a relative humidity of around 90-95%. Strawberry runners can be stored in sealed containers or bags in a refrigerator or freezer.

How to package and label strawberry runners for cold storage?

Use breathable containers or bags to allow for air circulation and prevent moisture accumulation. Clearly label each container or bag with the variety of strawberry runner, the date of storage, and any other relevant information.

How long can strawberry runners be stored?