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Strawberry plants dying....why? #763213

Asked July 22, 2021, 11:26 AM EDT

Hi- I planted Seascape strawberry plants last year. They did really well. I mulched with straw last winter, and I noted that some of them didn't seem to start growing, so I pulled them out. Now into the summer, some of the plants are not doing well, but some are doing just fine. Not sure what's going on. I live in Bemidji (now zone 3b) and Seascape are rated for zone 4+. Wonder if winter got to them - it was generally mild, but we had a snap of -30 nights/day temps not much above -15. Wonder if that was stressful for them. Or, wonder if this summer's drought (we're in extreme drought, but I have watered every 3-4 days). Or, is this fungal??? Wonder if I should remove and switch to a hardier/disease resistant variety? I really do like the idea of day neutral strawberries..... First photo is of a plant that is not doing well. Eventually, it will turn brown and die (if it's like the others). Second photo is a closeup of the leaves and withered blossoms/fruit.

Beltrami County Minnesota

Expert Response

Since this variety is not rated for Zone 3, you are probably right about the cold. This variety is not particularly heat tolerant either.  One option is to cover them heavily with straw for winter protection.

You might be more successful with “Albion” which is rated for Zone 3 and tolerates both heat and cold better.

See:  https://homeguides.sfgate.com/seascape-strawberries-vs-albion-85399.html

MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied July 23, 2021, 10:40 AM EDT
Hi Mary,
Thanks for looking at this and suggesting "Albion". I'll find some to order for next year!
Diana

On Fri, Jul 23, 2021 at 9:40 AM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2021, 11:46 AM EDT

Oops, I forgot to add day neutral strawberries are not really expected to be perennial in Minnesota.  They are sold in Minnesota as annuals.  See: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-news/day-neutral-strawberries

MaryKay, Master Gardener, Tree Care Advisor Replied July 23, 2021, 1:03 PM EDT
Oh, I did not know this! Thanks for the info...I would not have planted those Seascape if I knew they were to be treated as annuals -  not worth the effort!
On Fri, Jul 23, 2021 at 12:03 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied July 23, 2021, 1:11 PM EDT

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