Fruit

When to Plant Strawberries

A garden-fresh strawberry is a completely different experience from a grocery store berry. Nothing compares.

Sun

Full sun (6-8 hours)

Water

1-2 inches per week

Days to Harvest

365+

Difficulty

intermediate

Spacing

18"

Frost Tolerance

moderate

The Short Answer

Strawberries are typically planted from bare-root stock or nursery plants in early spring, 2 weeks before your last frost date. Enter your zip code on our homepage tool for exact dates.

How to Grow Strawberries

Strawberries are the most popular home fruit crop in America, and for good reason — homegrown strawberries are a completely different fruit than the firm, pale things in grocery stores. June-bearers produce one massive harvest; everbearers produce smaller amounts throughout the season; day-neutrals produce steadily regardless of day length. Remove all flowers the first year (painful but essential) to build the root system that produces larger harvests in subsequent years. The runner/daughter plant system means one year's plants become next year's expanded patch.

Starting Seeds Indoors

Begin strawberries seeds indoors 10 weeks before your average last frost date. Seeds need soil temperatures of at least 50°F to germinate, which typically takes 14-28 days. Provide 12 hours of light per day using a south-facing window or grow lights.

Transplanting

Move seedlings outside 2 weeks before your last frost date, once soil temperatures reach 50°F. Harden off seedlings for 7 days before transplanting by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions.

Growing Tips

Plant bare-root crowns in early spring. Remove flowers the first year (June-bearers) to build strong root systems. Mulch with straw to keep berries clean.

Companion Planting

Good companions:

Spinach Lettuce Thyme Borage

Keep away from:

Brassicas Fennel

Strawberries Planting Dates by State

Click your state for strawberries planting dates specific to your location:

Note: Planting dates are based on average frost dates from NOAA Climate Normals (30-year averages). Actual conditions vary year to year. Always check your local forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026