Strawberries Not Blossoming

Question

I have successfully grown strawberries for years, but not in recent years. About six years ago when production had slowed down with my plants, I replaced them with new – 1/2 June and 1/2 Everbearing. These plants did not blossom-ever.  Two years ago I built a raised bed over the site, brought in new dirt (which grew other veggies very well) and put in new strawberries, also 1/2 and 1/2. I picked off most of the blossoms (there weren’t many) the first year, but last summer (2nd year) I still only had a few blossoms and berries. This is the same sunny site that produced bumper crops for years. What could be wrong? Should I start over with new plants again this year? I have not done much with fertilizer, fearing it would just produce more leaves (which look great! – the plants appear healthy and vigorous). I miss my berries! Any suggestions?

Answer 1

The plants depleted the phosphorus in the soil. This helps with flowering and fruiting. Bone meal is a good organic ammendment to fix this. You can also use a high phosphorus fertilizer (typically sold as a “bloom booster” fertilizer).