Normally, strawberries are the star of the show this time of year. However, this year has been a bit unusual and we are left wanting for those delicious red treats. Due to a freeze in the last week of April, we lost the strawberry blossoms that were open at that time and now we are feeling the effects. Before the flower buds have fully opened (tight bud stage) the buds can survive at temperatures as low as 20° F. Once the blossoms are open, they are damaged at 30° F. The strawberry plants are still healthy and flowering. More berries will arrive eventually, but for now we wait.
Freeze injury on a strawberry blossom:
On the bright side, the weekend heatwave will help to reinvigorate some of the summer crops that were planted weeks ago. Enjoy!
