Strawberry Frost

Published on by Catherine

Friday 24th November was a still, sunny day and the overnight forecast of -3C had me thinking that we might wake up to a frosty Saturday morning. I wasn’t wrong. Saturday was glistening white in the garden and over the fields behind us.

The sun was rising as I ate my breakfast and looked for the warmest clothes I owned. By the time I finally got myself together, (I’ve been battling a nasty chest infection for five weeks, so I’m not exactly the fastest mover) the sunbeams were hitting the plants in the back of my garden. I knew it wouldn’t be long before those rays started thawing out the frosty leaves. Luckily, the paths were clear and dry, which was a relief because I’m always cautious around slippery surfaces. Eventually, I was ready to step outside to snap a few photos.

Frosted Strawberries

Many things are written online about why strawberry leaves turn yellow or red. Some say it’s due to viruses, lack of nutrients, or the wrong soil pH or more. However, I’ve never found the leaf colour to be a problem. The leaves naturally die back in winter and are trimmed off in early spring when new shoots start to grow. So far, these beautiful colours haven’t affected the health or vigour of the plants or the flavour of the summer berries.

Mmm…don’t these look good enough to eat
Just look at that fabulous frost

During September, my two youngest grandchildren found some runners in the strawberry patch and pinned them them into small 9cm pots with compost. My grandsons from the US did the same when they came in August; their plants have been moved to bigger pots and we’ll have lots of new strawberry plants to share or find a space for next summer! The potted plants below are those planted by the two youngest grandchildren.

Morning sun skims across the plants adding glow to the colour.

I’d be interested to hear if your strawberries also produce red & yellow leaves in late autumn/early winter. Do you feel it’s a problem or do you simply appreciate that colour in the fruit beds is something to be enjoyed?

Have a good weekend everyone!

19 thoughts on “Strawberry Frost”

  1. Very pretty with the frost on them. Yes, mine change colour too. I never know whether to cut them back or not, but this year I just thinned them out a bit to give the plants a bit of air.

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    1. I cut back very old leaves in early autumn, but leave the rest alone, Cathy. As you mentioned, it improves the airflow. Good to hear that your leaves change colour too. The intensity of the colour this year made me question if this was normal.

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  2. I only have two plants bought for my birthday from my two Aussie grandsons. I will have to go and see if the leaves are turning colour. Your frosty ones look very pretty. And I hope the chest hurries up and gets better.

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    1. Thanks, Jude. I’m fine now – all symptoms have gone, just need to work on getting some strength back. 💪🏻 You’ll have lovely memories of your grandsons while you’re munching on your delicious strawberries next year.

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    1. Thanks, Mitzy. I just hope in future years when each has a home & garden of their own, they’ll remember the feeling of working in gran & grandad’s garden. Hopefully, it might motivate them to create one of their own.

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  6. It’s very interesting we both featured strawberries at the opposite end of the season! 🌸🍓🍓 I love their lovely winter leaves just as much, you captured the frosty leaves so elegantly! Sending you healing angels for your chest. Wishing you a speedy recovery. 💞

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    1. I’m kind of envious of your juicy strawberries right now though! 😁
      I’m feeling fine now, Sarah, and if our current blanket of snow thaws, I’ll hopefully be able to finally get my tulips potted up.

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    1. Thank you, Pauline. I’m feeling fine now – it’s just the snow that’s delaying garden plans! I have way too many tulip bulbs waiting to be planted. 🌷

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  9. My strawberry foliage has flaunted autumnal shades in the past Catherine but I haven’t noticed any strong colouring this autumn. Your plants look happy enough and hopefully will flourish next year. I think that strawberries and raspberries must be my all time favourite soft fruit crops 😂 So sorry to hear that you have been under the weather. Take care.

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    1. They’re my favourites too, Anna. I love that sweet scent of freshly picked strawberries! Thanks for your concern. I’m fine now, the weekend snow has just about melted away and at last, I might get my tulip bulbs planted! 🌷

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