Strawberry plants information is plentiful on the internet. Lots of useful nuggets are already prominent and readily available on this site. I get many questions, however, about the strawberry plant itself. So, it may be helpful to revisit some of the general characteristics about the strawberry plant.
Basic Strawberry Plants Information
Habit: Strawberry plants are non-woody. They are classified as forbs. Since they have no woody tissue to support tall growth, they are short. The four major anatomical features of strawberry plants include the crown, leaves, roots, and runners. The plants typically reach a maximum height of around one foot (12 inches) in height, but can be a bit taller or a bit smaller.
Leaves: The leaves of strawberry plants are produced optimally during long days when daytime temperatures are below 86 degrees Fahrenheit and above 32 degrees. Leaf production ceases if temperatures drop below freezing. Production also drops dramatically when temperatures rise above 86 degrees. Old leaves die in winter and are replaced each spring by new ones. The leaves are constantly being produced throughout the growing season. A healthy canopy of leaves is important in order to realize the highest possible yield. Consequently, it is not a good idea to cut leaves unless there is evidence of disease. The size of the leaves varies. New leaves will usually have a brighter green color. The older leaves on strawberry plants will be darker and a deeper shade of green.
Crowns: any repository of strawberry plants information wouldn't be complete without a discussion of the strawberry crown. Each plant has a crown that should reside at the junction of the roots and the leaves. The crown is the hub of a strawberry plant. Leaves and flowers are produced there, and roots extend downward beneath the crown. Runner plants also originate in the crown, and branch crowns often extend horizontally and increase the productive capacity of the plant. Branch crowns can form in spring, but are most optimally produced in the shorter and cooler days of fall.
Roots: Roots are vitally important for the strawberry plant. Like the strawberry plants information above, however, strawberry plants information regarding the roots is important to know in order to best care for your plants and see them produce well. Roots are primarily produced in both spring and fall. Root growth is active from the time the plants exit dormancy in the spring until the ground freezes and prevents further root development.
Runners: Runner plants are one of the ways strawberry plants propagate themselves. A runner is a vegetative shoot (officially called a “stolon”) that is sent out from the crown. As the runner progresses, a node will develop that has an adventitious root tip. When the root tip contacts soil, it will develop into a primary root and secondary roots that anchor the runner to the ground, and new leaves will sprout from the top of the node as a new crown develops. The daughter plant will be identical to the mother plant. When the new roots and anchored and developed, the runner itself will become useless, whither, and die off. A new plant will be left rooted by itself, genetically identical but completely separate from the originating plant.
Strawberry Plants Information: Conclusion
This very brief overview just touches upon the four main components that make up the basic strawberry plants information to understand the anatomical layout of the humble strawberry. For more strawberry plants information, see: the strawberry plant, strawberry varieties, growing strawberries, strawberry runners, how fast do strawberry plants grow, or the FAQ. If you have a particular question, leave a comment! Good luck!