Q.
Hi, I have a prolific crop of strawberries but nearly all are quite small and malformed with points and what appear to be their seeds sprouting on the fruit before it is ripe. This has not happened in other years. Help please. Thanks, Jocelyn.
A.
Malformed fruit is usually caused by bees not pollinating the flowers properly, which can be caused by unfavourable pollination conditions such as rain. This often happens early in the season. Remove the malformed fruit, keep plants well fed using Tui Strawberry Food and apply Seasol once a week to promote strong root growth and increase flowering and fruiting capacity.
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Why are my strawberries small and malformed? Comments
Thank you I have the same problem. Rather disappointing. I shall follow your advice.
Jenny Hall
I've had a marvellous strawberry season which I attribute to the season up here and and the strawberry food. I am using worm pooh to feed which is well watered down.
jean johnston
Hi there, we currently keep our strawberry plants in the conservatory with no way the bees can come in - do we need to put them in the garden for them to start to fruit? Thanks, Mike
Michael
thanks for that advise, I needed that answer also!
June Abbott
Hi Mike, strawberries are self fertile, so this means that they will pollinate themselves, but to do this they need either wind of insects to move the pollen about. If you would prefer to leave your plants in the conservatory, you could use a paint brush and move pollen from one flower to another. Or leave the windows and doors open and let the breeze do it for you. Thanks, Jenna - Tui Team
jenna