When Do You Plant Strawberries In Virginia

If you’re a gardener in Virginia, you likely want to know when do you plant strawberries in virginia. Timing is the most important factor for a successful harvest. Getting it right means your plants establish strong roots before summer heat or winter cold. This guide gives you the clear, practical advice you need for planting at the best time.

Virginia’s climate varies from the mountains to the coast. This means your specific planting window can shift by a few weeks. But the general rule is straightforward. For most of the state, you have two primary planting seasons: spring and fall. Let’s break down which one is best for you and how to do it right.

For most Virginia gardeners, the best time for planting strawberries is in the early spring. This is typically from mid-March through mid-April. The goal is to get your plants in the ground as soon as the soil is workable. You want to do this after the last hard frost date for your area has passed.

Planting in early spring allows the strawberry plants to settle in and grow before the intense summer heat arrives. They will focus on growing leaves and roots during their first year. If you plant June-bearing varieties in spring, you should actually remove any flowers that appear. This encourages the plant to become stronger for a much better harvest the following year.

There is a second, excellent option: fall planting. In Virginia, this is usually from late September to late October. Fall planting is especially advantageous because the soil is still warm from summer. This encourages robust root growth without the stress of hot sun on the leaves.

Understanding Your Virginia Growing Zone

Virginia spans USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 5b through 8a. Your zone dictates your precise frost dates and planting times.

Zones 5b & 6a (Western Mountains): Your last spring frost is later, around mid-to-late April. Aim for late April to early May for spring planting. Fall planting should be done by early October.
Zones 6b & 7a (Piedmont & Central VA): This includes cities like Charlottesville and Richmond. Your last frost is early to mid-April. Target early April for spring planting. Fall planting can go until late October.
Zones 7b & 8a (Coastal & Eastern VA): This includes areas like Virginia Beach. Your last frost is late March to early April. You can start spring planting in late March. Fall planting can often stretch into early November.

Spring vs. Fall Planting: Which is Better?

Both seasons have there merits. Your choice depends on your goals and how much patience you have.

Spring Planting Pros:

Widely available plants at garden centers.
Easier to work with dry, warm soil.
You can see growth quickly.

Spring Planting Cons:

Plants face summer heat stress soon after planting.
You must diligently remove first-year flowers on June-bearers.
You wait over a full year for a harvest from June-bearing types.

Fall Planting Pros:

Plants establish roots in warm soil with cool air.
They are ready to explode with growth the following spring.
You often get a full, robust harvest the very next summer.
Less watering is needed due to cooler temperatures and fall rains.

Fall Planting Cons:

Plant selection at stores may be more limited (order online early).
You must protect new plants from potential early frosts with mulch.

Choosing the Right Strawberry Type for Virginia

Picking a variety suited to Virginia’s climate is crucial. There are three main types, and each has a different fruiting habit.

June-Bearing Strawberries: These produce one large, concentrated harvest over 2-3 weeks in late spring. They are classic, flavorful, and great for preserving. Examples include ‘Allstar’, ‘Chandler’, and ‘Jewel’. Plant these in early spring or fall for a harvest the following year.

Everbearing Strawberries: They produce two to three smaller harvests—one in late spring, one in summer, and sometimes one in fall. They are good for continuous snacks. ‘Ozark Beauty’ and ‘Quinault’ are popular choices.

Day-Neutral Strawberries: These are the most productive for a long season. They flower and fruit continuously from spring until fall frost, as long as temperatures stay between 35°F and 85°F. ‘Albion’, ‘Seascape’, and ‘Tristar’ are excellent day-neutral varieties.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Site Selection: Choose a spot with full sun, at least 6-8 hours daily. Ensure the soil drains well; strawberries hate wet feet. Raised beds are an ideal solution for heavy Virginia clay soil.
Soil Preparation: Test your soil pH. Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil, between 5.5 and 6.8. Amend the soil with 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. Work it into the top 6-8 inches. This improves drainage and fertility.
Planting Technique: Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread the roots out. The crown—where the roots meet the stems—must be level with the soil surface. If it’s buried, it will rot. If it’s too high, the roots will dry out. Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart.
Watering In: Water each plant thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves around the plants. This keeps the soil moist, suppresses weeds, and keeps the berries clean and off the soil.

Essential Care After Planting

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

Watering: Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are best, as they keep leaves dry and prevent disease. Water deeply in the morning.

Fertilizing: Do not fertilize heavily at planting. In spring-planted beds, apply a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) about 6 weeks after planting. For fall-planted beds, wait and fertilize in early spring as growth begins. Always follow label instructions.

Weeding: Keep the area around your strawberries completely weed-free. Weeds compete fiercely for water and nutrients. Hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow strawberry roots.

Renovation (for June-bearing beds): After your harvest in the second year, mow or shear the foliage down to about 1 inch above the crowns. Thin the plants, and remove old debris. This revitalizes the bed for next year’s crop. Many gardeners forget this step, but it’s vital.

Common Problems and Solutions in Virginia

Virginia’s humidity can create some challenges. Here’s how to manage them:

Gray Mold (Botrytis): This fuzzy gray mold rots berries. Prevent it by keeping berries dry, providing good air circulation, and harvesting promptly. Remove any rotten berries immediately.
Slugs and Snails: They love strawberries. Use organic slug baits, beer traps, or diatomaceous earth around your beds. The mulch you use can sometimes harbor them, so monitor closely.
Bird Netting: Birds will find your berries just as they ripen. Cover your patch with bird netting once the berries start to color.
Winter Protection: After a few hard freezes in late fall or early winter, apply an extra 3-4 inches of clean straw mulch over your plants. This prevents heaving from freeze-thaw cycles. Pull the mulch back from the crowns in early spring as new growth starts.

FAQ: Planting Strawberries in Virginia

Can I plant strawberries in the summer in Virginia?

It’s not recommended. Summer heat and drought stress make it very hard for new plants to establish. They will require constant watering and likely struggle to survive.

What month is best to plant strawberries in Virginia?

For spring planting, April is the ideal month for most of the state. For fall planting, aim for October. Adjust slightly for your specific zone as mentioned above.

How long does it take for strawberry plants to bear fruit?

If you plant June-bearing types in spring and remove the first flowers, you will get your first real harvest about 14 months after planting (the following June). Day-neutral and everbearing types may produce a small crop in their first fall if planted in spring.

Can I use store-bought strawberries to plant?

No, the strawberries you buy at the grocery store are often hybrids that don’t reproduce true from seed and are not typically grown for home garden conditions. It’s best to purchase dormant bare-root plants or started transplants from a garden center or reputable nursery.

Do strawberries come back every year in Virginia?

Yes, strawberries are perennials. With proper care, including winter mulching and annual renovation for June-bearers, a strawberry patch can remain productive for 3-4 years before it needs to be replaced.

By following these guidelines for timing and care, you’ll give your Virginia strawberry patch the best possible start. Paying attention to your local conditions and choosing the right planting season sets the stage for many sweet, homegrown harvests to come.