When To Plant Strawberries In California

Knowing when to plant strawberries in California is the first step to a successful harvest. This guide will walk you through the optimal planting seasons for different regions, ensuring your plants get the best possible start.

California’s diverse climates mean there isn’t a single perfect planting day. Your timing depends heavily on whether you live along the cool coast, in the hot inland valleys, or somewhere in between. Getting the season right helps your plants establish strong roots before the demanding growing season begins.

The best time to plant strawberries in California is typically from late summer through early fall, or in late winter to early spring. For most gardeners, an autumn planting is ideal. This schedule lets the plants settle in during the cooler, wetter months and produce a robust crop the following spring and summer.

Understanding California’s Strawberry Seasons

Strawberries are categorized by their fruit production habits. The two main types grown in California are June-bearing and day-neutral (sometimes called everbearing).

June-bearing: These produce one large, concentrated harvest in late spring to early summer. They send out many runners.
Day-neutral: These produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season, from spring until fall, as long as temperatures stay between 35°F and 85°F. They produce fewer runners.

The type you choose influences your planting and care routine, but the fundamental planting windows remain similar.

Regional Planting Windows Across California

Your microclimate is the biggest factor in choosing your planting date. Here’s a breakdown by region.

Northern California & Coastal Areas

Cool coastal fog and milder temperatures define these areas. The optimal planting window is broad here.

Primary Window: Late August through October. Planting in early fall allows roots to establish over the winter for a spring harvest.
Secondary Window: January to March. A late winter planting is also very effective, especially if fall rains were too heavy or you missed the autumn window.

The goal is to avoid planting during the peak rainy period where soil can become waterlogged.

Central Valley & Inland Southern California

These regions experience hotter, drier summers and colder winters. Timing is more critical.

Best Window: Late September to early November. The intense summer heat has passed, giving plants a long, cool establishment period.
Spring Option: February to early March. This is a good alternative, but plants may produce a smaller first-year yeild as they face the quick transition to summer heat.

Avoid summer planting in these areas; the heat will stress young plants too much.

Southern California Coastal & Low Desert

With very mild winters and long growing seasons, gardeners here have unique flexibility.

Optimal Window: October through January. This is the prime time, leveraging the cool season for root growth.
Special Note for Day-Neutral: In these climates, day-neutral varieties can be planted almost year-round, except during the very hottest weeks of summer.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you’ve chosen your date, proper planting technique is key.

1. Selecting Your Plants

You can start with bare-root crowns or potted transplants. Bare-root plants are dormant and are typically available in nurseries from late fall to early spring. They are economical and establish quickly if planted during the cool season. Potted plants offer more flexibility and can be planted whenever you find them, though sticking to the optimal windows is still best.

2. Preparing the Planting Site

Strawberries demand full sun—at least 6-8 hours daily. They also need well-draining soil. If you have heavy clay, you must amend it.

Choose a sunny, well-drained spot or prepare raised beds.
Work the soil to a depth of 12 inches, removing weeds and rocks.
Mix in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. A balanced organic fertilizer can be added at this stage too.

3. The Planting Process

Soak bare-root plants in water for an hour before planting. Water potted plants thoroughly.
Dig a hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the roots without bending them.
For bare-root plants, create a small mound in the hole. Spread the roots over the mound. The crown (where the roots meet the stems) must be level with the soil surface. Planting too deep will rot the crown; too shallow will dry out the roots.
Backfill the hole, firming the soil gently around the roots.
Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart.

Immediately after planting, water deeply to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.

Essential Aftercare for Success

Getting the plants in the ground is just the beginning. Consistent care ensures they thrive.

Watering and Mulching

Consistent moisture is vital, especially during the first few weeks and when fruit is developing. Water at the base of plants to keep leaves dry and prevent disease. A drip irrigation system is highly recommended. After planting, apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw or pine needle mulch. This keeps the fruit clean, conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and regulates soil temperature.

Fertilizing for Growth

Feed your strawberries regularly for best production. Use a balanced fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) or one formulated for berries. Apply a light feeding at planting, then again when growth begins in spring, and a third time after the first major harvest. Avoid over-fertilizing, which leads to leafy growth at the expense of fruit.

Managing Runners and Renovation

June-bearing plants produce many runners (long stems with baby plants). For a productive mother plant, it’s often best to clip most of these off in the first year. If you want new plants, select a few strong runners to root. After your June-bearing plants finish their main harvest, they need renovation: mow or shear the foliage, thin the plants, and fertilize to prepare them for next year.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with perfect timing, you might face a few challenges.

Birds/Squirrels: Use bird netting once fruit begins to ripen. Secure it well at the edges.
Slugs and Snails: These love strawberries. Use organic bait, traps, or diatomaceous earth around plants.
Gray Mold (Botrytis): This fungal disease thrives in damp conditions. Ensure good air circulation, use mulch, and remove any moldy fruit immediately.
Poor Fruit Set: This can be caused by inadequate pollination or extreme heat. Encourage bees by planting flowers nearby. Provide afternoon shade in very hot inland areas.

FAQ: Your California Strawberry Questions Answered

Can I plant strawberries in spring in California?

Yes, a late winter to early spring planting (Feb-March) works, especially in coastal and northern areas. However, fall-planted strawberries often yield more in their first fruiting season because they have a larger, established root system.

What is the best strawberry variety for my area?

For coastal areas: ‘Albion’, ‘Seascape’ (day-neutral). For hot inland valleys: ‘Chandler’, ‘Camarosa’ (June-bearing). ‘Sequoia’ is a popular early-season berry for many regions. Check with your local nursery for their top recommendations; they know your microclimate best.

How long do strawberry plants last in California?

Strawberry plants are most productive for about 3-4 years. After that, yeilds often decline. It’s a good practice to start new beds every few years from runner plants or new purchases to maintain a vigorous harvest.

Do strawberries grow well in pots in California?

Absolutely. Container growing is excellent for strawberries, especially in areas with poor soil. Use a pot at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes, a quality potting mix, and be diligent about watering and feeding. Day-neutral varieties are often the best choice for containers.

Should I pinch off the first flowers?

For fall-planted strawberries, yes. Pinching off blossoms for the first 4-6 weeks encourages the plant to put energy into root and leaf development, leading to a much stronger plant and larger harvest later. For spring-planted berries, you can allow the flowers to set fruit, though the berries may be smaller.

By aligning your planting time with California’s regional rhythms and following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying sweet, homegrown strawberries. Remember, the effort you put in during the planting season sets the foundation for everything that follows. With a little patience and care, your garden will provide a plentiful reward.