Strawberry runners

I have a strawberry planter ( big plastic jobbie which holds almost 30 plants ) and I bought Elsanta and Cambridge Favourite, new plants from Homebase. The plants are doing exceptionally well, with loads of flowers and fruit forming brilliantly. I keep it well watered and turn it regularly to get the sun on all sides. My questions are ....

There are already some long runners coming from the plants, ( about 6 ) and although I know these can be used to make more young plants, is this the right time for them to be forming? Not a bit early? Do they normally form before the fruit has formed and ripened? Should I leave them be or nip them off? Will they be using up valuable energy better used for the fruit? I did plan to get some going but not sure about when is the right time?

Thank you :thumb:

 

I shall be interested in any replies you get to this too.

 

Anyone ?

 

Nip out the runners you don't need and peg the ones you want for new plants into pots. Later in the season when the potted runners have developed good roots you then snip them from the main plant.