Do I need to pinch off the first crop of strawberries

It is usually recommended to pinch off the first batch of flowers in strawberries, which helps the plant accumulate nutrients and promote the improvement of fruit quality in the later stage. The main factors to consider include plant growth, cultivation objectives, variety characteristics, climatic conditions, and nutrient supply. In the early stage of plant growth, the development of roots and leaves is not yet complete, and retaining the first batch of flowers will consume a large amount of nutrients, leading to poor development of subsequent flowers and fruits. Especially for newly planted strawberries, removing the first crop of flowers can allow the plant to concentrate energy and develop strong roots and leaves, laying the foundation for subsequent high yields. Growers who cultivate in greenhouses or wish to extend the harvest period often adjust the rhythm of the results by pinching flowers.

Some early maturing strawberry varieties or robust mother plants can still bear fruit normally by retaining the first crop of flowers when nutrients are sufficient. If the growth period is short in open field cultivation in the north, early flowers can be preserved to strive for harvest opportunities. The modern cultivation mode that uses virus-free seedlings and fine water and fertilizer management results in minimal differences in the quality of flowers and fruits between the first and later stages.

Strawberry cultivation requires flexible handling of the first crop flowers based on their actual growth status. After pinching flowers, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be replenished in a timely manner to promote flower bud differentiation, keep the soil moist but avoid waterlogging. Regularly remove diseased old leaves to improve ventilation, and increase calcium fertilizer application to prevent malformed fruits. Special attention should be paid to nutrient balance in potted strawberries to avoid excessive plant growth caused by flower picking.