Pristine conditions, premium strawberry runners

Harnessing Tasmania’s Cool Climate for Superior Strawberry Propagation

Sunray Berry Plant Propagators, located in Ouse, Tasmania (latitude 42.48°S, longitude 146.71°E), exemplify how regional climate can be harnessed to produce high-quality strawberry runners. The area's cool temperate climate, characterized by cold winters and mild summers, provides ideal conditions for strawberry cultivation.

During winter, Ouse experiences average minimum temperatures around 4°C, with frequent frosts. These cold conditions are beneficial for strawberry plants, as they require a certain amount of chilling to break dormancy and promote vigorous growth in the spring. Research indicates that extended exposure to low temperatures enhances runner production in strawberries.

The region's daylight hours vary significantly throughout the year, from approximately 9 hours in winter to over 15 hours in summer . This variation aligns well with the photoperiodic needs of strawberry plants, supporting their growth cycles and runner development.

Ouse's relatively low annual rainfall, averaging around 600mm, combined with its inland location, results in a drier climate that reduces the prevalence of fungal diseases common in more humid environments . This contributes to healthier plants and higher-quality runners.

The combination of these climatic factors—adequate chilling periods, favorable daylight variations, and a drier environment—positions Sunray Berry Plant Propagators to produce robust, disease-resistant strawberry runners well-suited for both local and interstate markets.