Strawberry plant problem - Ask Extension
This is my plant's second year. I noticed it seemed like it had a nutrient deficiency, I thought it was potassium based on the browning edges of the l...
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Strawberry plant problem #872524
Asked June 10, 2024, 9:36 PM EDT
This is my plant's second year. I noticed it seemed like it had a nutrient deficiency, I thought it was potassium based on the browning edges of the leaves from some research. So I added a 11-11-11 granular fertilizer to the soil in the pot a couple days ago. But now this is happening :( Could this yellowing be a result of fertilizer burn, did I add too much? Was i just too late on the addition of fertilizer to save these leaves and this is a normal leaf death situation? I can send more pictures if needed. The plant just had its first big crop of strawberries come in. I've harvested maybe 15 to 20 berries (it's one mother plant, and the one runner it put out last year before overwintering in my garage) over the last week; its first berries :) bc I pinched off the flowers last year to let it get established. So I figure that could be what is leading to a deficiency. I think I noticed the leaf edges browning maybe 3 or 4 weeks ago. I have some memory problems so I can't remember if I added any fertilizer when I brought it out from the garage after last frost. Any help would be appreciated. I'd really like to keep this my plant baby alive!
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Teagen,
Thank you for using Ask extension.
Do you know the variety of strawberry? that will help to diagnose as most strawberries don't need to be overwintered in a garage even if they are in containers, but I understand wanting to protect the container from freeze/thaw damage.
I found this publication that you will find instructive
Growing Strawberries in Your Home Garden | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu)
I think you are right about the lower leaves and you may want to just cut them out and focus on what the new growth looks like. Most June-bearing varieties should be fertilized after harvest. For day-neutral or everbearing, I prefer to use half- or third-strength fertilizer based on the directions. this is assuming you are using a fertilizer that is put in water. In the case of granular application, you have to water it in but you need to read the directions as how much to apply in a container is harder to estimate.
Thank you for using Ask extension.
Do you know the variety of strawberry? that will help to diagnose as most strawberries don't need to be overwintered in a garage even if they are in containers, but I understand wanting to protect the container from freeze/thaw damage.
I found this publication that you will find instructive
Growing Strawberries in Your Home Garden | OSU Extension Service (oregonstate.edu)
I think you are right about the lower leaves and you may want to just cut them out and focus on what the new growth looks like. Most June-bearing varieties should be fertilized after harvest. For day-neutral or everbearing, I prefer to use half- or third-strength fertilizer based on the directions. this is assuming you are using a fertilizer that is put in water. In the case of granular application, you have to water it in but you need to read the directions as how much to apply in a container is harder to estimate.
They are seascape everbearing variety, and it was a granular fertilizer. Should I try to remove some of the fertilizer granules I sprinkled in in case it is damage from that? I honestly didn't even bother trying to calculate it because it gives it in lbs per 25 ft of row and that's too complicated to convert for my 1 cubic foot planter pot I think. I just kinda sprinkled some in.
The granular fertilizer will dissolve as you water, especially if it's 'slow-release'. I think this is one of the challenges with home gardeners and how fertilizers are documented.
With containers, I prefer to use 'dissolvable' fertilizers (those you dissolve or dilute with water.) I also dilute the mfg's recommended strength because plants will only use what they can take up. Extra simply gets washed away. I take a gallon container, mix to directions and then I divide that solution into two to three other gallon containers and use that solution for regular watering.
With containers, I prefer to use 'dissolvable' fertilizers (those you dissolve or dilute with water.) I also dilute the mfg's recommended strength because plants will only use what they can take up. Extra simply gets washed away. I take a gallon container, mix to directions and then I divide that solution into two to three other gallon containers and use that solution for regular watering.
