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Strawberry Growing Guide
Rosaceae family
Companion Planting
Growth Stages
- Dormant
- Bud Break
- Bloom
- Fruit Development
- Harvest Ready
- Post-Harvest Pruning
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Mar 16 | Apr 20 | — | Jul 19 |
| Zone 1b | Mar 16 | Apr 20 | — | Jul 19 |
| Zone 2a | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | — | Jul 9 |
| Zone 2b | Mar 16 | Apr 20 | — | Jul 19 |
| Zone 3a | Mar 13 | Apr 17 | — | Jul 16 |
| Zone 3b | Mar 6 | Apr 10 | — | Jul 9 |
| Zone 4a | Feb 24 | Mar 31 | — | Jun 29 |
| Zone 4b | Feb 20 | Mar 27 | — | Jun 25 |
| Zone 5a | Feb 17 | Mar 24 | — | Jun 22 |
| Zone 5b | Feb 17 | Mar 24 | — | Jun 22 |
| Zone 6a | Feb 17 | Mar 24 | — | Jun 22 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jun 9 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 4 | Mar 11 | — | Jun 9 |
| Zone 7b | Jan 30 | Mar 6 | — | Jun 4 |
| Zone 8a | Jan 25 | Mar 1 | — | May 30 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 11 | Feb 15 | — | May 16 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 9 | Feb 13 | — | May 14 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 30 | Feb 3 | — | May 4 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 12 | Jan 16 | — | Apr 16 |
| Zone 10b | Nov 19 | Dec 24 | — | Mar 24 |
| Zone 11a | Nov 19 | Dec 24 | — | Mar 24 |
| Zone 11b | Nov 6 | Dec 11 | — | Mar 11 |
| Zone 12a | Oct 23 | Nov 27 | — | Feb 25 |
| Zone 12b | Oct 23 | Nov 27 | — | Feb 25 |
| Zone 13a | Oct 23 | Nov 27 | — | Feb 25 |
| Zone 13b | Oct 23 | Nov 27 | — | Feb 25 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Strawberry?
Strawberry takes approximately 60 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Strawberry need?
Strawberry requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Strawberry?
Plant Strawberry at 4/sqft (6" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Strawberry survive frost?
Strawberry is tolerant of heavy frost and can withstand freezing temperatures.
What are good companion plants for Strawberry?
Good companion plants for Strawberry include Borage, Lettuce, Beans, Onions, Spinach, Garlic. Avoid planting near Broccoli, Cauliflower, Cabbage.
How long does Strawberry take to germinate?
Strawberry seeds germinate in 14-28 days at an optimal temperature of 65°F.
When should I start Strawberry seeds indoors?
Start Strawberry seeds indoors 10 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant -5 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Remove flowers the first year on June-bearers to strengthen plants
- Renovate June-bearing beds after harvest by mowing and thinning runners
- Mulch with straw to keep fruit clean and suppress weeds
Common Pests & Diseases
- Gray mold (Botrytis)
- Slugs
- Tarnished plant bug
- Verticillium wilt
Harvest Notes
Pick when berries are fully red all the way to the cap. Harvest in the morning when cool. Eat or refrigerate immediately; very perishable.
Plan Your Strawberry Garden
Track Strawberry from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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