Branch crowns and runners crowd each other and the mother plant, reducing productivity over a 3-year period. The primary root of a strawberry plant lives for one year. New roots form higher on the crown, making the plant look like it is growing out of the ground. These roots are more exposed and easily damaged by winter weather. At the base of each leaf is an axillary bud that can form runners, flowers or another crown.
Roots form at the base of new leaves on runners.
A runner can be cut and used as a new plant. Strawberry flower clusters develop in stages. The earliest flowers produce the biggest berries. Each successive set of flowers produces smaller berries. If frost damages the first flowers, secondary and later flower clusters will still produce, although fruit will be smaller.