Growing strawberries in Florida can feel like a special challenge, but with the right approach, you can enjoy a sweet harvest. This guide gives you the Florida-friendly strawberry gardening tips you need to succeed in our unique climate.
Our warm weather and sandy soil just need a different strategy. Forget what works up north; here, we work with the Florida seasons, not against them. Let’s get started with the basics for a productive patch.
How to Grow Strawberries in Florida – Florida-Friendly Strawberry Gardening Tips
The key is choosing the right plants and planting them at the perfect time. Florida’s strawberry season is backwards compared to most of the country. We plant in the fall to harvest through the winter and into spring.
Choosing the Right Strawberry Varieties for Florida
Not all strawberries will thrive here. You need varieties bred for our mild winters and that resist local diseases. The wrong choice will lead to disappointment.
* ‘Florida Brilliance’: This is a top choice, developed right at the University of Florida. It produces early, has great flavor, and resists common diseases.
* ‘Sweet Sensation®’: Another excellent Florida-bred berry known for its large size, shiny red color, and consistently good taste.
* ‘Camarosa’: A reliable commercial variety that does well here. It yields heavily of firm, flavorful berries.
* ‘Festival’: A longtime favorite for Florida gardens, offering good disease resistance and a steady supply of fruit.
Always buy certified disease-free plants from a reputable nursery. Avoid varieties meant for northern climates, as they require winter chilling we don’t get.
The Best Time to Plant in Florida
Timing is everything. Planting too early exposes young plants to heat and pests. Planting too late means they won’t have time to establish before cooler weather.
For most of Florida, the ideal planting window is early October through mid-November. This gives plants time to grow strong roots and leaves before the cooler, drier winter sets in, which is when they will flower and fruit. In North Florida, aim for early October. In Central and South Florida, you can plant into late November.
Finding the Perfect Spot & Preparing Soil
Strawberries demand full sun—at least 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Less sun means fewer berries and more disease. Good air circulation is also crucial to prevent fungal issues.
Florida soil is often sandy and lacks organic matter. You’ll need to amend it generously.
1. Raised Beds or Containers: These are highly recommended. They provide excellent drainage, prevent soil-borne diseases, and make care easier. If planting in ground, form raised mounds or rows.
2. Soil Mix: For containers or beds, use a high-quality potting mix. For in-ground planting, work in 3 to 4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the top 6-8 inches of soil.
3. pH Level: Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil, with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8. A simple soil test can tell you if you need to adjust it; garden sulfur can lower pH if needed.
Planting Your Strawberries Correctly
Proper planting technique prevents crown rot, a common killer. The crown is the short, thick stem where the leaves meet the roots.
* Space plants about 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are 3 to 4 feet apart.
* Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots out.
* Place the plant so the crown sits exactly at soil level. Never bury the crown, and don’t leave roots exposed.
* Water them in thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil.
Mulching is Non-Negotiable
Mulch keeps weeds down, conserves moisture, and keeps berries clean and off the soil. After planting, apply a 2-3 inch layer of pine straw or clean wheat straw. Avoid using heavy wood mulches that can mat down.
Watering and Feeding Your Plants
Consistent moisture is vital, especially during establishment and fruiting. Sandy soil dries out fast.
* Watering: Water deeply right after planting. Thereafter, provide 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Use drip irrigation or a soaker hose if possible to keep leaves dry and prevent disease. Water early in the day.
* Fertilizing: Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting time. A month after planting, apply a light side-dressing of a balanced fertilizer or one slightly higher in potassium to promote flowering and fruiting. Always follow label instructions—over-fertilizing leads to leafy plants with no fruit.
Managing Pests and Diseases the Florida-Friendly Way
Our humidity invites problems. Prevention is your best tool.
* Birds & Squirrels: Use bird netting once berries start to ripen. Secure it well.
* Aphids & Spider Mites: A strong spray of water from the hose can dislodge them. Insecticidal soap is an effective treatment if infestations are severe.
* Slugs & Snails: Diatomaceous earth or iron phosphate baits placed around plants work well.
* Fungal Diseases (Leaf Spot, Powdery Mildew): Space plants for air flow, water at the base, and remove any diseased leaves promptly. A fungicide labeled for edible plants can be used as a last resort.
Choosing resistant varieties and keeping your garden clean of debris are the first lines of defense.
Harvesting and Enjoying Your Berries
The moment you’ve waited for! Berries ripen about 30 days after flowering. They won’t continue to ripen after picking, so timing is key.
* Harvest when berries are fully red, with no white or green tips.
* Pinch or snip the stem about half an inch above the berry. Don’t pull the berry itself.
* Pick every other day during peak season to keep plants producing.
* Harvest in the cool of the morning and refrigerate berries immediately.
What to Do After the Season Ends
Strawberries in Florida are typically grown as annuals. By late March or April, production slows and plants decline in the heat. It’s usually best to remove old plants to prevent disease buildup.
You can compost the old plants if they were healthy. Then, replenish your beds with fresh compost to prepare for planting new strawberries again next fall. Some gardeners in North Florida have success keeping plants for a second year, but yields are often lower.
FAQ: Your Florida Strawberry Questions Answered
Q: Can I grow strawberries from seed in Florida?
A: It’s not practical. It takes much longer, and results are unpredictable. Starting with certified nursery plants (plugs or bare-root) in fall is the reliable method.
Q: Why are my strawberry plants flowering but not producing fruit?
A: Poor pollination is a common cause. Encourage bees by planting flowers nearby. Also, if temperatures are too high (above 80°F) or too low (below 32°F) during flowering, fruit can fail to set.
Q: Can I grow strawberries in pots on my Florida patio?
A: Absolutely! Use a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide with drainage holes. A quality potting mix and consistent watering are even more critical in containers. It’s a great option for small spaces.
Q: What are the main mistakes to avoid for Florida strawberry gardening?
A: The big three are: planting the wrong variety, planting at the wrong time (especially too late), and burying the crown during planting. Getting these right sets you up for success.
Q: How often should I check for ripe strawberries?
A: During the main harvest season (usually January to March), check your plants every two days. Berries can ripen and become overripe surprisingly fast in our climate.
Growing strawberries in Florida is a rewarding winter activity. By selecting the right plants, timing your planting for the fall, and managing water and pests carefully, you’ll be well on your way to a succesful harvest. The taste of a sun-warmed, home-grown strawberry is worth the extra effort our unique environment requires.