Root Rot in Strawberry
Strawberries are compact, productive plants that fruit in their first year
Strawberry care requirements
These care conditions are most relevant to root rot in Strawberry. Check each one as a potential cause.
Symptoms to look for in Strawberry
Leaves yellow and wilt despite moist soil, with roots turning brown to black and mushy when checked, and stunted or absent fruiting.
Common causes in Strawberry
Strawberry's shallow root system is sensitive to waterlogged conditions — root rot here almost always traces back to poor drainage or overwatering, especially in heavier soils.
How to diagnose root rot in Strawberry
Remove plant from pot. Healthy roots are white/tan and firm. Rotted roots are brown/black and mushy.
How to treat root rot in Strawberry
Remove the plant, trim away all rotted roots, and replant into fresh, well-draining, slightly acidic soil, ideally in a raised bed if garden soil is heavy.
Preventing root rot in Strawberry
Plant in well-draining, slightly acidic soil (raised beds work well in heavy-soil gardens), and water at the base rather than overhead.