Troubleshooting
Cambridge Favourite Strawberry problems — and how to fix them
Cambridge Favourite Strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa 'Cambridge Favourite') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Grey mould (botrytis)
Fluffy grey rot on ripening berries in wet weather. Mulch with straw to lift fruit off the soil, space plants for airflow and remove infected berries promptly.
Slugs and snails
Chew holes in ripening fruit, especially in damp conditions. Use straw or strawberry mats, copper barriers or wildlife-safe pellets, and pick fruit promptly.
Vine weevil (in containers)
C-shaped larvae eat roots, causing sudden collapse of potted plants. Use biological nematode controls in late summer and check roots when repotting.
Declining vigour and viruses
Plants lose productivity after three to four years and can accumulate virus. Replace beds periodically with fresh certified runners on a new site.
Prevent cambridge favourite strawberry problems before they start
Most cambridge favourite strawberry issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Cambridge Favourite Strawberry watering schedule
- Cambridge Favourite Strawberry light requirements
- Best soil mix for cambridge favourite strawberry
- Cambridge Favourite Strawberry temperature & humidity
- Full cambridge favourite strawberry care guide
Looking for cambridge favourite strawberry in general rather than its problems? Read the full cambridge favourite strawberry care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Cambridge Favourite Strawberry problems — FAQ
Why is my cambridge favourite strawberry grey mould (botrytis)?
Fluffy grey rot on ripening berries in wet weather. Mulch with straw to lift fruit off the soil, space plants for airflow and remove infected berries promptly.
Why is my cambridge favourite strawberry slugs and snails?
Chew holes in ripening fruit, especially in damp conditions. Use straw or strawberry mats, copper barriers or wildlife-safe pellets, and pick fruit promptly.
Why is my cambridge favourite strawberry vine weevil (in containers)?
C-shaped larvae eat roots, causing sudden collapse of potted plants. Use biological nematode controls in late summer and check roots when repotting.
Why is my cambridge favourite strawberry declining vigour and viruses?
Plants lose productivity after three to four years and can accumulate virus. Replace beds periodically with fresh certified runners on a new site.