Climbing strawberries rarely require a kneel down, as is constantly the case with their counterparts. The following instructions show you how to plant this most convenient variant of a strawberry in the bed and on the balcony.
How do you plant climbing strawberries correctly?
To plant climbing strawberries, choose a sunny to partially shaded location with nutrient-rich, humus-rich and well-drained soil. The soil in the bed should be dug up 14 days in advance and young plants should be planted at a distance of 25-30 cm. Drainage and water drainage are important in the planter, as well as a climbing aid.
Which location conditions are considered ideal?
Almost every strawberry variety is suitable for cultivation as a climbing strawberry due to its long tendrils. As a result, the following classic lighting and floor conditions apply here:
- sunny to partially shaded location
- protected from pelting rain and strong wind
- nutrient-rich, humus-rich, permeable soil
- minimally acidic pH value of 6 to 7
- no strawberry cultivation in the previous 3-4 years
- Option for attaching the vines to a climbing aid, such as a fence or trellis
High-quality potted plant soil (€18.00 on Amazon) based on compost is ideal as a substrate for pots and flower boxes. It has a slightly acidic character by adding peat or ericaceous soil.
Effortless planting in the bed
At the chosen location, the soil is prepared a few weeks before the actual planting, as climbing strawberries have difficulty in freshly dug soil. Dig up the bed soil in time so that it can settle over a period of at least 14 days. On this occasion, use around 5 liters of compost per square meter of cultivation area as starter fertilizer or an alternative organic or mineral berry fertilizer.
Two planting dates in March/April or July/August are recommended. After the root balls of the young plants have been soaked with water, they are placed in the soil at a distance of 25-30 centimeters. The heart bud has yet to be seen. If there are already long tendrils, they are attached to the climbing aid. Finally, pour in plenty of water.
Planting climbing strawberries easily on the balcony
Choose a sufficiently large planter that offers enough volume for the roots. A planter with an integrated trellis, a pot with an obelisk or pyramid is ideal. A water drain in the bottom of the vessel is also essential. With the following steps you can plant the climbing strawberries in no time:
- create a drainage over the floor opening made of pottery shards
- fill the substrate halfway and insert the young strawberry
- distribute the remaining soil around the root ball so that the heart bud remains free
- press the substrate repeatedly with your fist to avoid cavities
- consider a planting distance of approx. 25 centimeters
- finally pour well
Now attach the first tendrils to the climbing aid in order to direct them away from the start in the desired direction.
Tips & Tricks
Climbing strawberries like a slightly acidic substrate. Ice-cold, hard water from the tap is therefore extremely unsuitable for watering sensitive plants. Use collected rainwater instead. Alternatively, fill a 10 liter watering can with tap water and hang a cotton bag with 1 liter of peat moss in it. After 2-3 days the lime content has reduced significantly.