When To Plant Strawberries In Oregon

Knowing when to plant strawberries in Oregon is the first step to a successful harvest. Our unique climate, with its wet winters and varied growing zones, requires perfect timing. Get it right, and you’ll be rewarded with sweet, homegrown berries for seasons to come.

This guide will walk you through the best planting dates for your region. We’ll cover everything from choosing the right varieties to the simple steps for planting. Let’s get your strawberry patch started.

The best time to plant strawberries in Oregon depends on your location and the type of plant. For most of the state, you have two primary planting windows: spring and fall.

Spring planting is the most common. You aim to get plants in the ground after the danger of a hard frost has passed but before summer heat arrives. This typically means:

Western Valleys (Portland, Salem, Eugene): Late March through early May.
Southern Oregon: Mid-March to early April.
Central and Eastern Oregon: Late April through May, as the soil warms.
Coastal Areas: April to May, taking advantage of the milder summers.

Fall planting is an excellent option, especially for June-bearing varieties. Planting in fall allows the roots to establish before winter. The plants then hit the ground running in spring for a better first harvest. Target early September to mid-October. This gives plants about 6-8 weeks to settle in before colder weather.

Understanding Oregon’s Growing Zones

Oregon’s climate ranges from cool, wet coastal areas to dry, cold high deserts. The USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map is your best friend here. Most western population centers are in zones 8a or 8b. The coast is often zone 9a. Central and Eastern Oregon can range from zone 6a to 7b.

Check your specific zone online. This will help you understand your first and last frost dates. It also helps when selecting strawberry varieties labeled for certain zones.

Types of Strawberries and Their Schedules

Not all strawberries follow the same calender. The type you choose influences your planting and care.

June-Bearing: These produce one large, concentrated harvest in late spring or early summer. They are ideal for preserving. Plant these in early fall or early spring.
Everbearing: They yield two to three smaller harvests: one in early summer, one in late summer, and sometimes a third in early fall. Plant in spring.
Day-Neutral: Similar to everbearing, but they produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season as long as temperatures stay between 35°F and 85°F. Spring planting is best.

How to Plant Strawberries in Oregon Soil

Oregon soils can be heavy with clay, especially in the Willamette Valley. Strawberries prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5 to 6.8). A little prep goes a long way.

Choose a Sunny Site: Select a spot that gets at least 6-8 hours of full sun each day.
Test and Amend Soil: It’s wise to test your soil pH. To improve drainage and fertility, mix in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the top 6-8 inches of soil.
Plant Correctly: Dig a hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the roots without bending them. The crown (where the leaves meet the roots) must be level with the soil surface. Planting too deep can rot the crown; too shallow can dry out the roots.
Spacing is Key: Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. This allows for good air circulation, which prevents disease.
Water and Mulch: Water deeply immediately after planting. Apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw or pine needle mulch around plants. This keeps weeds down, conserves moisture, and keeps berries clean and off the soil.

Essential Care Through the Seasons

Your care after planting ensures healthy plants and a good yield.

Watering

Strawberries need consistent moisture, especially during fruit development and in Oregon’s dry summers. Aim for 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal. They deliver water to the roots and keep leaves dry, preventing fungal diseases.

Fertilizing

Feed your plants at planting time with a balanced organic fertilizer. For June-bearing types, fertilize again after the summer harvest. Everbearing and day-neutral types benefit from light feeding every few weeks during the growing season. Always follow label instructions to avoid over-fertilizing, which leads to leafy growth instead of fruit.

Renovation (For June-Bearing Beds)

After your June-bearing harvest is complete, it’s time to renovate. This keeps your bed productive for another year. Mow or shear the foliage down to about 1 inch above the crowns. Thin plants to about 5 inches apart, removing the oldest ones. Fertilize and water well to encourage new growth.

Common Problems and Solutions in Oregon

Our cool, wet springs can create some challenges. Here’s how to manage them.

Slugs and Snails: They love strawberries. Use iron phosphate-based baits, beer traps, or copper tape. Hand-picking at night with a flashlight is also effective.
Gray Mold (Botrytis): This fuzzy gray mold thrives in damp conditions. Prevent it by using mulch, providing good spacing for air flow, and picking fruit promptly. Remove any infected berries immediately.
Birds: They will find your ripe berries before you do. Cover plants with bird netting as fruit starts to color.
Root Rot: Caused by poorly draining soil. Ensure your planting site has excellent drainage and avoid overwatering.

Choosing the Best Varieties for Oregon

Selecting varieties suited to our climate is half the battle. Here are some reliable performers:

Hood: A classic June-bearing berry famous for its incredible flavor in the Willamette Valley. It’s a must-grow for taste but can be susceptible to disease.
Seascape: A popular day-neutral variety that produces well throughout our long season. It’s disease-resistant and performs well across the state.
Totem: A June-bearing type known for its excellent, rich flavor and good disease resistance. It’s a consistent producer.
Quinault: An everbearing strawberry that’s great for beginners. It’s productive and does well in raised beds or containers.
Shuksan: Another excellent June-bearer, known for its winter hardiness, making it a good choice for areas with colder winters.

FAQ: Planting Strawberries in Oregon

Can I plant strawberries from seed in Oregon?

You can, but it’s not recommended for beginners. Growing from seed adds a full year before you get a harvest. It’s much faster and easier to start with bare-root crowns or potted plants from a nursery.

Is it better to plant strawberries in fall or spring here?

Both work, but fall planting often gives June-bearing varieties a head start. The plants develop strong roots over the winter. For everbearing and day-neutral, spring planting is usually best.

How long do strawberry plants last in Oregon?

A well-maintained strawberry bed can be productive for 3-4 years. After that, yields often decline. That’s why renovation of June-bearing beds is so important to extend there life.

Can I grow strawberries in pots on my Oregon patio?

Absolutely. Use a large container with drainage holes and a quality potting mix. Day-neutral and everbearing varieties are best for containers. Remember, potted plants dry out faster and may need daily watering in summer.

Should I remove the first flowers?

Yes, for most new plants. Pinching off blossoms for the first 4-6 weeks after spring planting encourages the plant to put energy into root and leaf development. This leads to a stronger plant and a better harvest in the long run. For fall-planted strawberries, you should remove all blossoms the following spring to allow full establishment.

Timing is everything in gardening, and that’s especially true for strawberries in our state. By planting at the right time for your region and following these simple steps, you’ll set the stage for a bountiful harvest. With a little care, you can enjoy the sweet taste of Oregon-grown strawberries right from your own backyard.