When To Plant Strawberries In Idaho

If you’re planning a strawberry patch in the Gem State, knowing exactly when to plant strawberries in Idaho is your first step to a sweet harvest. Getting the timing right is crucial for helping your plants establish strong roots before the intense summer heat or the deep winter cold.

Idaho’s climate varies greatly, from the milder winters of the southwest to the harsher, longer cold of the northern panhandle. This means your planting window depends heavily on where you live. This guide will walk you through the best times and methods for success.

The best planting times for strawberries in Idaho are split between two main seasons: spring and late summer to early fall.

For most gardeners, spring planting is the most common approach. You should aim to plant your strawberries as soon as the ground can be worked. This is typically from late March through mid-May, depending on your elevation and that year’s weather patterns. The soil should be thawed and not too soggy.

Fall planting, from late August to mid-September, is actually highly recommended for many areas. Planting in early fall gives the plants time to settle in and develop a robust root system before going dormant for the winter. They’ll then hit the ground running the following spring, often leading to a better first harvest.

Understanding Your Idaho Growing Zone

Idaho spans USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 4 through 7. Your specific zone is the most important factor in fine-tuning your planting date.

Zones 6 & 7 (Southwestern Idaho – Boise, Nampa, Twin Falls): You have the longest growing season. Spring planting can begin in early to mid-April. Fall planting is excellent here, with a window from late August into September.
Zone 5 (Central Idaho – Idaho Falls, Pocatello, much of the Snake River Plain): Aim for late April to mid-May for spring planting. For fall, target late August, ensuring plants have at least 6 weeks before the first hard frost.
Zone 4 (Northern Idaho – Coeur d’Alene, Bonners Ferry, higher elevations): Wait until mid to late May for spring planting to avoid late frosts. Fall planting is riskier here due to early frosts; if you attempt it, plant by very early August and be prepared to provide winter protection.

Types of Strawberries and Their Timing

The type of strawberry you choose also influences your planting and care schedule.

June-Bearing: These produce one large crop over 2-3 weeks in late spring or early summer. They are very popular in Idaho. Planting in early fall often gives the best yield for the first fruiting season.
Everbearing: They yield two to three smaller harvests throughout the season—usually in early summer, midsummer, and early fall. They can be planted in either spring or fall.
Day-Neutral: Similar to everbearing, they produce fruit continuously from spring until fall, as long as temperatures stay between 35°F and 85°F. Spring planting is ideal to maximize the long harvest.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you’ve chosen your date, follow these steps for getting your strawberries in the ground.

Choose a Sunny Site: Select a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Good air circulation helps prevent disease, but avoid overly windy spots.
Prepare the Soil: Strawberries prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.8). Work in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage. Raised beds are a great option if you have heavy clay soil.
Plant Correctly: Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread the roots out. Place the plant so the crown (where the roots meet the stems) is right at soil level. Burying the crown will cause it to rot; planting it to high will dry out the roots.
Spacing is Key: Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. This gives the runners room to spread and form a matted row if you’re growing June-bearers.
Water Thoroughly: Water deeply immediately after planting. Continue to keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) for the first few weeks as they establish.

Essential Care After Planting

Your work isn’t done once the plants are in the ground. Proper aftercare ensures they thrive.

Mulching: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves around plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps the developing fruit clean. For fall plantings, a thicker mulch layer applied after the ground first freezes will protect the crowns over winter.
Fertilizing: At planting time, use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer or more compost. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers later in the season, as they promote leaf growth over fruit production.
Renovation (for June-Bearers): After the harvest is complete, mow or shear the foliage down to about 2 inches, thin out old plants, and fertilize to encourage healthy growth for next year’s crop.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these pitfalls that many new Idaho strawberry growers encounter.

Planting Too Deep: This is the number one cause of plant failure. Always keep the crown above the soil.
Ignoring the Frost Date: A late spring frost can damage blossoms. Be prepared to cover plants with row cover or frost cloth if a frost is forcasted after growth has begun.
Overcrowding: Giving plants enough space improves air circulation and reduces the risk of fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
Letting New Plants Fruit: For spring-planted strawberries, it’s best to pinch off the blossoms in the first year. This directs energy to root and plant development, leading to a much stronger plant the following year.

FAQ: Growing Strawberries in Idaho

Q: Can I grow strawberries from seed in Idaho?
A: While possible, it’s much less common and requires starting seeds indoors very early (10-12 weeks before last frost). Most gardeners find greater success with bare-root plants or starter plants from a nursery, which give you a head start.

Q: What are the best strawberry varieties for Idaho climates?
A: For June-Bearing, ‘Honeoye’, ‘Allstar’, and ‘Sparkle’ are reliable. For Everbearing/Day-Neutral, ‘Ozark Beauty’, ‘Seascape’, and ‘Tristar’ perform well across the state’s different zones.

Q: How do I protect my strawberries over Idaho’s winter?
A> After the first hard freeze, apply a 4-6 inch layer of clean straw or pine boughs over the plants. Remove the mulch gradually in the spring as new growth begins and temperatures stabilize.

Q: When can I expect my first harvest?
A: For spring-planted June-bearers, you’ll typically get your first real harvest the following spring. Fall-planted June-bearers and everbearing/day-neutral plants (if you let them fruit) may give you a modest harvest in their first summer.

By aligning your planting time with Idaho’s unique climate and following these pratical steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying homegrown strawberries. The key is patience and proper timing, giving your plants the best possible foundation for productive growth.