How to grow strawberry

Set the crown level with the soil surface. Pinch first-year flowers on June-bearers for bigger crops later.

Spacing4 per square foot
Plant out3 weeks before your last spring frost
Days to harvest60–90
FrostFrost-hardy
HowPlant crowns, tubers or sets
Family Perennials

Rotation and family

Strawberry belongs to the perennials (various). Stay put for years; keep them out of the rotation.

As a perennial it stays in one place, outside your rotation.

Plan strawberry in your garden

When to plant strawberry by zone

ZoneSow / plant out
3Apr 29 – May 20
4Apr 21 – May 12
5Apr 9 – Apr 30
6Mar 30 – Apr 20
7Mar 18 – Apr 8
8Mar 5 – Mar 26
9Feb 1 – Feb 22
10Jan 11 – Feb 1

Based on typical frost dates for each zone; b half-zones run about a week earlier in spring. Zones 11–13 are frost-free in most years.

Strawberry questions

When should I plant strawberry?

Plant strawberry outdoors 3 weeks before your last spring frost.

How far apart should I plant strawberry?

About 12 inches apart, or 4 per square foot in a square foot garden.

What grows well with strawberry?

Traditional companions include chives, garlic, lettuce, onion, spinach. Keep it away from arugula, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, kohlrabi.

How long does strawberry take to grow?

Strawberry is a perennial. Set the crown level with the soil surface. Pinch first-year flowers on June-bearers for bigger crops later.