Strawberry Fruit Bud Development – Facts for Fancy Fruit

Strawberry Fruit Bud Development

June bearing strawberries are “short day” plants that initiate flower buds in response to short days (less than 14 hours day length). Day length for Indianapolis drops below 14 hours about August 10.  As we get into late summer, strawberry plants respond to shorter days by setting the flower buds that will result in the crop next spring. It is important to maintain appropriate nutrition and soil water status during this time. General recommendations are to fertilize strawberry fields with 20 to 50 pounds of actual nitrogen per acre per during late summer.  Nitrogen rates depend upon amount supplied at renovation and plant vigor. New fields with high vigor may not need additional nitrogen now, but older fields should benefit. Irrigation during this time is also extremely important if rainfall has not been sufficient in your area. We suggest about 1 inch per week. Continue to irrigate strawberries through fall to assure a good crop next year.

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