When To Plant Strawberries In Mississippi

If you’re planning your garden in the Magnolia State, knowing when to plant strawberries in Mississippi is the first step to a succesful harvest. Getting the timing right ensures your plants establish strong roots before the heat of summer and are ready to produce plenty of sweet berries.

For most of Mississippi, the optimal planting window is in the fall. This might seem counterintuitive, but it gives the plants a crucial head start. The ideal time is from late September through mid-November.

Fall planting allows the strawberry crowns to develop a robust root system during the cooler, wetter months. When spring arrives, these well-established plants can focus all their energy on flowering and fruiting, leading to an earlier and often larger harvest. Missing this window and planting in spring usually means a very small crop or none at all in the first year.

Why Fall Planting Works Best

The climate in Mississippi presents unique challenges for strawberries. Our summers are long, hot, and humid, which strawberries don’t tolerate well. By planting in fall, you avoid the stress of summer establishment.

Root Development: Cool soil temperatures are perfect for root growth without the demand for top growth.
Less Disease Pressure: Fungal diseases thrive in humidity; fall’s drier air (compared to summer) helps young plants stay healthy.
Vernalization: Many strawberry varieties need a period of chill to initiate strong flowering. A Mississippi winter provides this perfectly.
Ready for Spring: Come February or March, your plants are already settled and ready to explode with growth.

Regional Variations Across the State

Mississippi has two primary USDA plant hardiness zones: 7b in the north and 8a/8b in the south. This slight difference affects your best planting dates.

North Mississippi (Zone 7b)

Aim for early to mid-October. This gives plants enough time to settle in before the first hard frost, which can occur earlier here. The slightly longer winter chill is beneficial for many June-bearing varieties.

South & Coastal Mississippi (Zones 8a & 8b)

You can plant from late October into November. Winters are milder, so the ground stays workable longer. Be mindful that warmer fall temperatures can sometimes encourage too much leaf growth; pinch off early flowers to direct energy to the roots.

Choosing the Right Strawberry Type

Selecting a variety adapted to the South is as important as timing. There are three main types, and your choice influences care and harvest time.

June-Bearing: These produce one large, concentrated harvest in late spring. They are classic, often very flavorful, and great for preserving. Examples: ‘Chandler’, ‘Camarosa’.
Everbearing: They yield two to three smaller harvests—in spring, summer, and fall. They work well in containers. Examples: ‘Ozark Beauty’, ‘Quinault’.
Day-Neutral: Similar to everbearing, they produce fruit continously throughout the season as long as temperatures stay between 35-85°F. They require excellent soil. Example: ‘Sweet Charlie’.

For beginners, June-bearing varieties are often the most reliable and productive in Mississippi’s climate.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps to ensure your strawberry plants get the best possible start.

Site Selection: Choose a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of full sun daily. Ensure the site has excellent drainage—raised beds are ideal in our often-heavy soil.
Soil Preparation: Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil (pH 5.8-6.5). Work in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve texture and fertility. A balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer can be mixed in at this stage too.
Planting Technique: Dig holes wide enough for the roots to spread. Place the plant so the soil line is exactly at the crown (where the roots meet the stems). Planting too deep will rot the crown; too shallow will dry out the roots.
Spacing: Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. This allows for good air circulation and room for runners.
Watering In: Water thouroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.
Mulching: Apply 2-3 inches of pine straw or clean wheat straw mulch around the plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps the developing fruit clean.

Essential Care After Planting

Your work after planting is simple but critical for success.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy, especially during the first few weeks and during dry spells in the fall and spring.
Fertilizing: Do not over-fertilize. A light application of a balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth begins is usually sufficient if you prepared your soil well.
Renovation (for June-Bearing Beds): After your main harvest ends in late spring, mow or shear the foliage, thin out old plants, and fertilize to prepare the bed for next year. This is a key step many gardeners forget.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Steer clear of these pitfalls to ensure a healthy strawberry patch.

Planting Too Deep: This is the number one cause of plant failure. Always keep the crown above soil.
Using the Wrong Mulch: Avoid heavy bark mulches that can mat down. Straw or pine needles are best.
Ignoring Birds & Critters: Use bird netting just as the berries start to ripen, or you might loose your entire crop.
Letting Weeds Take Over: Strawberries are poor competitors. Keep the bed weeded, especially in the early stages.

FAQ: Growing Strawberries in Mississippi

Can I plant strawberry seeds instead of crowns?

It’s not recommended for home gardeners. Growing from seed takes much longer and is less reliable. Starting with bare-root crowns or potted plants from a nursery gives you a year’s head start.

What if I missed the fall planting window?

You can try planting very early in the spring (February), but manage your expectations. You’ll likely need to remove all flowers in the first spring to strengthen the plant for a harvest the following year.

How long do strawberry plants last?

In Mississippi, strawberry beds are typically productive for 2-3 years before they need to be replanted. Yields are usually highest in the second year.

Do I need to protect plants from frost?

In late winter, when plants bloom, a late frost can damage flowers. Have row cover or frost cloth ready to drape over the plants on nights when a frost is predicted. This simple step can save your crop.

What are the best companion plants for strawberries?

Good companions include bush beans, spinach, and borage. Avoid planting them near members of the cabbage family, as they can compete heavily for nutrients.

By following this guide and focusing on that crucial fall planting period, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying homegrown strawberries. There’s nothing quite like the taste of a berry picked fresh from your own garden, and with the right timing, you can have plenty to share.