If you’re gardening in Northern California, knowing when to plant strawberries is the first step to a great harvest. Getting the timing right means your plants will establish strong roots and produce plenty of sweet berries for seasons to come.
Our unique climate, with its mild coastal zones and hotter inland valleys, offers two excellent planting windows. This guide will walk you through the optimal schedule for your specific area and give you the simple steps for success.
When To Plant Strawberries In Northern California
For most of Northern California, the prime planting times are in the fall and early spring. Fall planting, from late September through November, is often considered the best. Spring planting happens from late January through March.
The choice between fall and spring depends largely on your local microclimate. Let’s break down the benefits of each season.
The Case for Fall Planting (Late Sept – Nov)
Planting in the fall is highly recommended for many gardeners. The soil is still warm from summer, which encourages root growth. Cooler air temperatures, however, put less stress on the young plants.
This gives them a head start. They’ll establish a robust root system over the winter. When spring arrives, they’re ready to explode with growth and produce an earlier, often larger, first harvest. Fall planting is especially succesful in milder coastal and Bay Area climates.
The Case for Spring Planting (Late Jan – March)
Spring planting is a fantastic option, particularly for inland areas that experience harder frosts. By planting in early spring, you avoid the risk of young plants being damaged by severe winter cold.
You wait until the danger of a hard freeze has passed and the soil is workable. The plants will grow quickly as the days get longer and warmer. While your first summer harvest might be a bit smaller than from fall-planted berries, you’ll still get a good crop.
Understanding Your Climate Zone
Northern California isn’t one single climate. Your specific location is the biggest factor in choosing your planting date.
- Coastal & Bay Area (Zones 9-10): Mild winters make fall planting ideal. Aim for October to early November. You can also plant in early spring, like February.
- Inland Valleys (Zones 8-9): You have both options. If your winters are moderate, try fall planting. If you get consistent frost, spring planting after the last frost date is safer.
- Mountain & Foothill Areas (Zones 7-8): Spring planting is usually best here. Wait until the ground has thawed and the last spring frost date has safely passed, typically from April to May.
How to Plant Your Strawberries: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you’ve picked your time, proper planting ensures your strawberries thrive. Follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Choose Your Plants
You can start with bare-root crowns or potted plants. Bare-root are common in early spring and are economical. Potted plants give you more flexibility and a quicker start. Select healthy, disease-resistant varieties suited for California like ‘Chandler’, ‘Seascape’, or ‘Albion’.
Step 2: Pick the Perfect Spot
Strawberries need full sun, at least 6-8 hours daily. The soil must drain well; they hate soggy roots. If you have heavy clay soil, plant in raised beds or mounds. Ensure the site hasn’t grown tomatoes, peppers, or eggplants recently to avoid verticillium wilt.
Step 3: Prepare the Soil
This is the most important step. Strawberries love rich, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.8-6.5).
- Work the soil to a depth of about 12 inches.
- Mix in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure.
- Add a balanced organic fertilizer according to package directions.
Step 4: Planting Correctly
Proper depth is critical. Plant them too deep, and the crown rots; too shallow, and the roots dry out.
- Dig a hole wide enough for the roots to spread.
- For bare-root plants, create a small mound in the hole. Spread the roots over the mound.
- Position the plant so the crown is exactly at soil level. The crown is the short, thick stem where the leaves meet the roots.
- Backfill the hole and firm the soil gently.
Step 5: Spacing and Watering
Space plants about 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. Water them in thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged as they establish.
Essential Care After Planting
Your job isn’t done after planting. A little ongoing care leads to a big payoff.
Mulching is a Must
Spread a 2-3 inch layer of straw, pine needles, or wood chips around your plants. This mulch keeps weeds down, conserves moisture, and keeps the berries clean and off the damp soil. It also helps regulate soil temperature.
Watering Wisely
Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to water at the soil level. This keeps leaves dry and prevents disease. Water deeply 1-2 times per week, more often during hot, dry spells. Consistent moisture is key for plump berries.
Feeding for Success
Feed your plants with a balanced fertilizer after the first harvest for June-bearing types, or every 6 weeks for day-neutral varieties. Avoid over-fertilizing, which leads to more leaves than fruit. A side dressing of compost in early spring is always beneficial.
Renovating Your Patch
For June-bearing strawberries, renovate the bed right after harvest. Mow or shear the leaves, thin the plants, and remove old mulch. Then fertilize and water to encourage new growth for next year. This keeps your patch productive for 3-4 years.
Common Problems and Simple Solutions
Watch out for a few typical issues. Birds love berries—use netting to protect your crop. Slugs and snails are common; handpick or use pet-safe bait. To prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew, ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Rotate your strawberry patch to a new location every few years.
FAQ: Planting Strawberries in Northern California
What month is best to plant strawberries in Northern California?
For coastal areas, October is the ideal month. For inland valleys, aim for early March. This aligns with the fall and spring windows discussed.
Can I plant strawberries in early summer?
It’s not recommended. The heat stresses new plants, and they’ll struggle to establish. It’s better to wait for the next fall or spring planting window for the best results.
How long until I get strawberries after planting?
If you plant in fall, you can expect a harvest the following spring/summer. For spring planting, you’ll typically get your first berries about 3-4 months later, in early to mid-summer.
Do strawberries come back every year in our climate?
Yes, strawberries are perennials in Northern California. With proper care and renovation, a strawberry plant can remain productive for several years before needing replacement.
By choosing the right time for your area and following these straightforward steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying homegrown strawberries. There’s nothing quite like picking a sun-warmed berry straight from your own garden.