I removed all the runners (the shoots you’re seeing), and al the smaller plants leaving only the largest plants with about 12-18 inches between each plant. The mature plants can produce well for 3-5 years, at which point I will let the runners grow and replace the older plants (after next summer for me). Did you buy the plant like that? When I bought mine I divided it right away into 10 plants, and removed the flowers the first year to force them to grow bigger roots first.

Here’s what I would recommend. Separate your runners. If they have roots already I would cut them from the mother and give them their own space. Next summer they will produce for you and don’t worry about removing the flowers. For the main mother plant: divide it as soon as it stops producing this summer.

Is yours a June bearing or ever bearing variety?

Thank you thank you. I doubled my yield this year by thinning out the patch. Last year we had too many plants crowded together. It was also breeding so many more slugs like that.

Ya slugs can get out of control fast. I’d stick with plants if I were you