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Strawberry plant has reddish purple leaves

Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 8:24 pm
by smeiste
I've got a couple strawberry plants that have leaves that are turning a reddish purple color. It doesn't appear to be disease though. Any thoughts?

See pictures:
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Re: Strawberry plant has reddish purple leaves

Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 8:34 pm
by AnnaIkona
What variety is your strawberry plant? Some varieties do have red leaves, but those varieties are quite rare.
It's also very interesting how part of the leaves are normal green and the other are dark red :?
Anyway, if your strawberry plant variety is not one that is supposed to have red leaves, then the problem might be red stele root rot. This is generaly caused by poor drainage and way too sandy soil.

Re: Strawberry plant has reddish purple leaves

Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 8:46 pm
by smeiste
These are tuscana strawberries.

I don't think the soil is too sandy. It's just regular garden soil mixed with peat moss. It seems to hold the moisture pretty well, but it's a raised bed so drainage isn't an issue.

I've also got other strawberries in that bed that don't have red leaves.

Re: Strawberry plant has reddish purple leaves

Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 10:59 pm
by imafan26
I get that sometimes when the new leaves come out in the sun. During the cooler months of the year the sun is weaker and strawberries can take full sun. When it comes to summer, the intensity of the sun increases and I move the plants to morning sun or partial shade. If the bed is out in the sun in summer I cover it with a light mulch like dried grass mulch or straw.

Re: Strawberry plant has reddish purple leaves

Posted: Fri May 13, 2016 11:35 pm
by AnnaIkona
Yes, as Imafan26 said, it is probably normal, as the leaves look healthy and strong.
I doubt it's something needed to be worried about. Unless they begin to have some fungusie stuff starting to grow on it.
Although this never happened to any of my strawberries, I have seen red leaves on strawberry plants in fields at u-pick berry farms that get more sunlight than at my garden bed. I guess imafan26 is right; it is just the sun.

Re: Strawberry plant has reddish purple leaves

Posted: Sat May 14, 2016 2:49 am
by JONA
I think they are just old worn out leaves . Fresh young leaf is growing well in the centre of the plant .....I would trim those leaves off as they can become the source of botrytis as they rot.

Re: Strawberry plant has reddish purple leaves

Posted: Sat May 14, 2016 8:24 am
by smeiste
Thanks for the help! Sounds like I need to just let the plants be and maybe trim the old leaves.

Thanks!