You planted too late last year and didn't get enough "Daughter" plants formed from that intended planting. You could pinch off the blossoms but that will mean you get no crop this year rather than delay the crop a few weeks.

I'd base my decision on what other things you have done. Did you mulch the bed? Have you planted those plants close enough that runner formation is a lesser issue? In either case you will have a smaller yield that next year but you have many choices. I'd tend to harvest the "Firstfruits" and then if the crop doesn't look real promising snap off all the remaining green fruit and blossoms and stimulate earlier runner development for the remainder of the summer/fall.

bmoser,

thanks for the reply. I did plant them closely... they are in a sfg with 4 per square. So, runner formation is prob not an issue. After planting, I let them take root and grow for about a month, then mulched them over for the winter. I removed the mulch about a month and a half ago as we have had a very mild winter and spring.

I was thinking I would just let them set fruit and see what I get, I just dont want to ruin,any potential for a nice big crop next season...

Thanks again!

bump... any other thoughts?

Id leave them alone.. Mine have are flowering nicely.

Leave the buds and flowers and provide frost protection if cold temperatures come. Removing flowers now will remove this year's crop. June bearers will not kick in with more flowers a few weeks later.

I have several hundred plants I started several years ago. I never picked off blooms but got almost nothing the first year but the second year was awesome. As far as fall planting it has been my experience that spring is the best way to establish a nice bed for year 2 . Good luck your second year will make it all seem worth it.