Hi, I have just planted my fourth batch of bare root strawberries, having had three previous batches die, and I was wondering if anyone had any advice!
I have previously planted two batches of Flamenco (the second after the first died) and one batch of Albion (after the Flamenco died) (both everbearing), mostly in my greenhouse, but with some outside in the soil on my allotment. Those in the greenhouse have mainly been in the ground, but with some in large containers of soil-compost mix. So they've had quite a diverse range of planting conditions. However, all but one of the Flamenco and all of the Albion plants have died within a few weeks. In all cases the same thing happens: any green growth on the tops dies and the tops go soft/weak but not mushy (i.e. not rotten). When I pull them out the roots are all dark brown outside and in. When planting them I've ensured they are watered lightly and when I've pulled them up the roots are moist but definitely not soggy or dry, so seemingly a good balance. Also, the Flamenco are from one supplier and the Albion from another, so it seems unlikely it's just a "bad batch".
I've also previously successfully grown ~30 June-bearing bare root strawberries (planted in January a few years ago) on my allotment in the soil, and I've propagated many plants from those, so I don't understand what the issue is with these bare root strawberries. Luckily I've managed to get replacements each time, but I'm ready to give up and switch to pot-grown plants, although obviously they are much more expensive.
Any thoughts welcome!
