Did you just thin, or did you actually divide them? Any tips for dividing if that’s the way you went? I’ve had the same plant in a pot for three years and it’s grown substantially since the first year (I can see four separate shoots coming out of the soil), but the yield seems to have reduced, and I think dividing it would help it. Just not sure when/how to go about it.
I removed all the runners (the shoots you’re seeing), and al the smaller plants leaving only the largest plants with about 12-18 inches between each plant. The mature plants can produce well for 3-5 years, at which point I will let the runners grow and replace the older plants (after next summer for me). Did you buy the plant like that? When I bought mine I divided it right away into 10 plants, and removed the flowers the first year to force them to grow bigger roots first.
Here’s what I would recommend. Separate your runners. If they have roots already I would cut them from the mother and give them their own space. Next summer they will produce for you and don’t worry about removing the flowers. For the main mother plant: divide it as soon as it stops producing this summer.
Is yours a June bearing or ever bearing variety?
I honestly can’t remember if it’s June-bearing. It is producing at the moment. Will have to see if it fruits at the end of summer. Either way I’ll divide it later this summer. It’s got more than extra runners, these are basically fully grown plants grown from the main plant. Thanks for the advice!
My wife wants to grow these, but I think I heard they’re invasive and hard to control, is that true?
Ya slugs can get out of control fast. I’d stick with plants if I were you
Pretty generous slugs!
Fantastic haul, well done.
