

I have a few containers of strawberries waiting to set outside until it warms up a bit since they've already started to lead out (zone 5).
Some of them are doing fine, but we some start to grow and then just flop over and die. Second pic shows dead ones better. Soil is well draining. Using a grow light. Let soil dry between waterings. Not seeing any mold. Soil is damp in the photo because I had watered recently.
Any ideas on why some live and some put out a leaf then die?
by Practical_House_7414

6 Comments
They want more light. Strawberries require full outdoor blazing sun for hours to survive. Most are pretty hardy also. Check your specific variety. They may be able to go outside now.
Probably lots of issues. Light, moisture, nutrients, possibly soil.
looks like you berried the crown on some of them
Did you start these from seed? I recently started some Alpine strawberries and the package said to fertilize them with half strength liquid fertilizer two weeks after they sprouted. Also, are you watering deep enough? It looks like you are just watering a little right at the plants.
It looks like the crown is buried on a few. There are some good pictures in this blog showing the crown: https://kats-garden.nz/blog/growing-strawberries
You should be able to see the bit that the leaves are coming out of above the soil. Otherwise they’ll die.
Need a complete picture. If they’re inside, thats your main issue.
If they’re outside, not enough light and looks dry. Water the whole pot, not just near the plants.
If they were bare roots, a presoak before planting really really helps…
Good Luck!