Strawberry Planting Guide
Strawberry type that produces smaller flushes in late spring and again in late summer to fall
Flavor notes: Sweet berry flavor; crop timing varies by type.
Variety notes: Smaller repeat flushes through the season.
Best Time and Place to Plant Strawberry
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to April 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Strawberry in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 75F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
| Zone 2 | Cold-hardy varieties only to Cold-hardy varieties only | Varies |
| Zone 3 | April 20 to May 20 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | April 10 to May 10 | September 15 to October 15 |
| Zone 5 | March 25 to April 25 | October 1 to November 1 |
| Zone 6 | March 15 to April 15 | October 10 to November 10 |
| Zone 7 | March 1 to April 1 | October 20 to November 30 |
| Zone 8 | February 15 to March 20 | November 1 to December 15 |
| Zone 9 | Low-chill varieties only to Low-chill varieties only | Varies |
| Zone 10 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
| Zone 11 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
| Zone 12 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Not recommended to Not recommended | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: Set crowns at soil level in a well-drained bed or container; remove early blossoms on new plants for stronger roots.
- Spacing: 12 inches apart, 36 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 45F to 75F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist, especially in containers and during repeat bloom cycles
- Days to harvest: 30
Fertilization
- Compost organic: Top-dress lightly in spring
- Low-nitrogen berry fertilizer synthetic: Feed lightly after each fruiting flush
- Straw mulch organic: Use a thin layer to keep berries clean and soil cool
Companion Plants
- Borage
- Thyme
- Lettuce
- Spinach
Avoid Planting Near
- Tomatoes
- Potatoes
- Eggplant
- Peppers
Harvest Signs
- Berries are fully colored and glossy
- Fruit detaches easily without tugging
- Ripe berries taste sweet rather than watery
- Harvest regularly to encourage continued flowering
Major Varieties
- June-Bearing Strawberry: One heavy early crop; good for preserves.
FAQs
When should I plant Strawberry?
Strawberry planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to April 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Strawberry?
The best time of year to plant Strawberry is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 45F to 75F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is March 1 to April 1. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Strawberry?
Plant Strawberry in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 45F to 75F, and enough room for 12 inches between plants and 36 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Strawberry?
Plant Strawberry about 12 inches apart, with rows around 36 inches apart.
What grows well with Strawberry?
Strawberry is commonly paired with Borage, Thyme, Lettuce, Spinach.