Strawberry Weed Management

Managing weeds in small fruit can be a challenge! With these perennial crops, certain weeds tend to become established in fields over time. Many problems can be avoided by good site selection. Raised beds might help but it's best to avoid poor sites or drain them. You should also avoid sites with established perennial weeds—pastureland is not a good place to plant strawberries! If you have established perennials, get rid of them before planting. Effective management also requires weed identification, knowledge of herbicide options, and appropriate timing of applications. 

We have identified 10 common weeds that growers have challenges controlling, in particular:

Common Chickweed (Stellaria media) Annual Broadleaf

• Low-growing, mat-forming weed with small, white, star-shaped flowers. The leaves are opposite, with a distinct fine line of hairs running down one side. Germinates in late summer or fall, overwinters as small plants under the mulch, then puts on more growth during the cool months of spring. Renovation does not affect these weeds as they generally produce seeds by July.
• An application of a pre-emergent like Devrinol in late August can provide some control. Follow up with a dormant application of Chateau, before laying straw mulch down. We do not recommend spring applications of Chateau due to the potential for plant damage. Dow Formula 40, Weedar, and Sinbar are not effective on Chickweed.

Field Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) Perennial Broadleaf

• A climbing weed with twining vines and trumpet-shaped white or pink flowers, Morning Glory (Ipomoea species) is similar. Known for its extensive root system and ability to regrow from both seeds and deep creeping roots. Challenging to control due to its perennial nature and its ability to twine other plants and structures.
• Seedlings are easy to control with cultivation, but only for about three or four weeks after germination. After that, perennial buds are formed, and successful control is more difficult.
• Dow Formula 40 or Weedar 64, both 2,4-D when applied at renovation and again in late fall, can provide control. At renovation, if there are many large weeds standing above the strawberry, apply before mowing. To achieve good control, apply in late October or early November while perennial weeds are green and growing. Do not tank mix with other herbicides.

Nutsedge (Cyperus species) Sedge

• Not grass or broadleaf in the traditional sense. Sedges are often referred to as “sedge weeds.” Nutsedge is known for its grass-like appearance and characteristics, with YellowNutsedge (Cyperus esculentas) as the most common.
• Nutsedge is perennial, and reproduces through both underground tubers and seed. It can be very challenging to control due to its ability to regrow from these tubers, even after top growth is removed. As noted earlier, site selection is key for prevention.

Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) Perennial Broadleaf

• Easily recognizable by its bright yellow flowers and distinctive puffball seed heads. Leaves form a basal rosette and are deeply lobed. Plant has a long, deep taproot which makes it challenging to completely remove.
• In some states, Stinger is labeled for use in the planting year for post-emergent control. Begin application after July 1, once plants are established. Some cupping of the leaves may occur after use.
• Similar to field bindweed, Dow Formula 40 or Weedar 64, both 2,4-D when applied at renovation and again in late fall can provide control. At renovation, if there are many large weeds standing above the strawberry, apply before mowing. To achieve good control, apply in late October or early November while perennial weeds are green and growing. Do not tank mix with other herbicides.

Clover (Trifolium species) Perennial Broadleaf

• White Clover and Red Clover have trifoliate leaves and produce small, globe-shaped flower heads. Clover spreads rapidly, thanks to its ability to produce seeds and stolons(above-ground runners).
• Stinger is an effective herbicide for control of clover. Similar to the application timing of Formula 40, it may be applied in late October or early November when plants are in the early dormant stage. But perennial weeds are green and growing. In some states, Stinger is labeled for use in the planting year, with application after July 1 when plants are established. Some cupping of leaves may occur after use.

Oxalis (Oxalis species)

• Also known as wood sorrel or sour grass, refers to several species within the Oxalis genus and can be found in various forms and colors. Oxalis species can be annual, perennials or bulb forming plants. Perennial oxalis often regrows from bulbs or rhizomes year after year.
• Controlling oxalis may involve different strategies depending on its life cycle and growth habit. For annual species, herbicides that target broadleaf weeds can be effective. In most states, Spartan is labeled for use for wood sorrel control prior to planting. Spartan applied after crop emergence may cause severe injury. Preventing oxalis from spreading by mowing before it sets seeds can also help infestations. Dacthal also may suppress wood sorrel from seed.
• For perennial species, Spartan can be applied in the fall once plants have achieved dormancy and also at renovation. Chateau is another option as a late fall dormant application.

Common Purslane (Portulaca oleracea) Annual Broadleaf

• Known for its thick, fleshy, paddle-shaped leaves and small yellow flowers. It can grow flat to the ground or slightly upright, forming dense mats. It is well adapted to sunny, warm conditions and can tolerate drought.
• Spartan is an effective herbicide that is best for controlling Purslane. Many of our customers are reporting good control using Spartan. It can be applied once plants have achieved dormancy and is also popular to use at renovation.

Red Sorrel (Rumex acetosella) Perennial Broadleaf

• Red Sorrel, also known as sheep sorrel, is known for its distinct arrow-shaped leaves and reddish stems. The plant forms dense mats and can vary in height from a few inches to a foot, primarily reproducing by seed. Preventing the formation and dispersal of seeds by removing plants before they flower and produce seed is essential for long-term control.
• In some states, Stinger is labeled for use in the planting year for post-emergent control. Application can begin after July 1, once plants are established. Some cupping of the leaves may occur after use.
• Similar to field bindweed, Dow Formula 40, or Weedar 64, both 2,4-D when applied at renovation and again in late fall can provide control. At renovation, if there are many large weeds standing above the strawberry, apply before mowing. To achieve good control, apply in late October or early November while perennial weeds are green and growing. Do not tank mix with other herbicides.

White Campion (Silene latifolia) Perennial Broadleaf

• White Campion is a broadleaf weed with lance-shaped leaves and white or pink flowers. It’s also known as “Cockle.” White Campion is a short-lived perennial or a biennial, depending on environmental conditions. White Campion reproduces both by seed and vegetatively. It produces small, bladder-like capsules containing numerous seeds. These capsules are a distinctive feature of the plant and can help with its identification.
• In most states, Spartan is labeled for use on White Campion, as a pre-emergent herbicide before planting. Spartan applied after crop emergence may cause severe injury. For perennial species, Spartan can be applied in the fall once plants have achieved dormancy and is also popular at renovation.

Canada Thistle (Cirsium arvense) Perennial Broadleaf

• Canada thistle is a perennial thistle that spreads through an extensive root system. Thistles are known for their spiky, prickly leaves and distinctive, often brightly colored, flower heads. They produce primarily by seed, producing distinctive, fluffy seed heads that are carried by the wind. These seeds can remain viable in the soil for several years.In some states, Stinger is labeled for use in the planting year for post-emergent control. Application can begin after July 1, once plants are established. Some cupping of the leaves may occur after use.
• Similar to field bindweed, Dow Formula 40, or Weedar 64, both 2,4-D when applied at renovation and again in late fall can provide control. At renovation, if there are many large weeds standing above the strawberry, apply before mowing. To achieve good control, apply in late October or early November while perennial weeds are green and growing. Do not tank mix with other herbicides.

PLEASE NOTE – Not all of these herbicides are labeled in every state. Consult your state recommendations for labeling and the weeds controlled.