When Do You Plant Strawberries In Texas

If you’re a gardener in the Lone Star State, you might be wondering when do you plant strawberries in Texas. Getting the timing right is the single most important step for a successful crop. Our climate varies so much from north to south that planting dates can shift by several weeks.

This guide will walk you through the best times for your region, the best varieties to choose, and how to care for your plants. With a little planning, you can enjoy a homegrown strawberry harvest that’s both plentiful and sweet.

In Texas, strawberries are primarily grown as annuals and planted in the fall. This gives the plants time to establish strong roots over the cooler months before they burst into growth and fruiting in the spring. Planting in fall is key for optimal Texas harvests.

Texas Planting Dates by Region

Because Texas spans USDA hardiness zones 6b to 9b, your specific location dictates your planting window.

North Texas (Dallas, Fort Worth, Lubbock): Plant from late September to mid-October. The goal is to get plants in the ground about 4-6 weeks before your first expected frost.
Central Texas (Austin, San Antonio, Waco): Aim for early to late October. The slightly warmer fall season here gives you a bit more flexibility.
South Texas & Gulf Coast (Houston, Corpus Christi, Rio Grande Valley): Plant from mid-October through November. The warm fall weather means you can plant later, sometimes even into early December.
West Texas (El Paso, Midland): Follow similar timing to North Texas, but be extra mindful of dry conditions and provide ample water after planting.

Why Fall Planting is Essential

Planting in autumn allows the strawberry plant to focus on root development. The top growth may slow as temperatures drop, but the roots are actively growing underground. This creates a robust, established plant ready to support lots of flowers and fruit when warmer spring weather returns. Spring-planted strawberries in Texas often struggle with the sudden heat and produce a much smaller yield.

Choosing the Right Strawberry Varieties for Texas

Not all strawberries are created equal for our climate. You want varieties that are well-suited to our heat and have proven performance. The two main types are June-bearing and everbearing/day-neutral.

June-bearing: These produce one large, concentrated harvest in spring (often April-May in Texas). They are typically the best choice for flavor and yield.
Everbearing/Day-neutral: These produce berries intermittently from spring into fall, but the harvests are smaller and the plants can struggle in the peak summer heat.

Top recommended varieties for Texas include:

Chandler: A popular June-bearing type known for excellent flavor and large fruit. It’s a top performer across the state.
Sequoia: An early-season June-bearer that’s very productive and handles our climate well.
Albion: A day-neutral variety with good flavor that is more heat-tolerant than some others, making it a decent choice for extended harvest.
Fronteras: Specifically bred for Texas and the South, this variety offers good disease resistance and reliable yields.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Follow these steps to give your strawberries the best possible start.

1. Site Selection and Soil Prep

Strawberries need full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They also require excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Raised beds are often the best solution in Texas, especially in areas with heavy clay soil.

Prepare the soil a few weeks before planting. Work in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve texture and fertility. The ideal soil pH is slightly acidic, between 6.0 and 6.5. A soil test can help you adjust if needed.

2. How to Plant Correctly

Plant on a cloudy day or in the late afternoon to reduce transplant shock.

Dig a hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the roots without bending them.
Create a small mound in the center of the hole and spread the roots over it.
The crown of the plant (where the roots meet the stems) must be level with the soil surface. Burying the crown will cause it to rot; planting it to high will dry out the roots.
Space plants about 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. This allows for good air circulation and room for runners.
Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

3. Immediate Aftercare

Apply a layer of mulch around the plants right after watering. Straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves are perfect. This mulch conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps the developing fruit clean and off the soil. It also helps moderate soil temperature.

Caring for Your Strawberry Plants Through the Seasons

Watering

Consistent moisture is crucial, especially during establishment and fruit development. Provide 1-1.5 inches of water per week. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal because they deliver water directly to the roots and keep foliage dry, preventing disease. Water deeply and less frequently rather than a little every day.

Fertilizing

At planting, you can use a balanced starter fertilizer. In late winter (around February), as new growth begins, apply a balanced fertilizer again to fuel spring growth. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, as this will produce lots of leaves but few berries.

Weeding and Mulch Refreshment

Keep the area weed-free, as strawberries don’t compete well. Hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow roots. Refresh your mulch layer as needed throughout the season, especially in late winter.

Dealing with Pests and Diseases

Common issues in Texas include birds, slugs, spider mites, and fungal diseases like anthracnose or powdery mildew. Bird netting is highly effective as fruit ripens. For fungal issues, ensure good spacing and water at the base of plants. Choosing resistant varieties is your first line of defense.

Harvesting Your Texas Strawberries

Your patience pays off in spring! Berries are ready to harvest when they are fully red, usually 4-6 weeks after flowering.

Pick berries in the cool of the morning.
Pinch or snip the stem about half an inch above the berry; don’t pull on the fruit itself.
Harvest every other day during the peak season to keep up with ripening.
Refrigerate your harvest promptly, but for the best flavor, let them come to room temperature before eating.

End of Season Tips

After the final harvest, you can remove old, diseased leaves. In most of Texas, strawberry plants are treated as annuals and replanted each fall for the best production. You can try to keep plants for a second year, but vigor and yield often decline significantly.

FAQ: Growing Strawberries in Texas

Can I plant strawberry seeds in Texas?
It’s not recommended. Starting from seeds takes much longer and results are unreliable. Always start with certified disease-free bare-root plants or transplants from a reputable nursery in the fall.

What if I missed the fall planting window?
You can try planting in very early spring (February), but your harvest will be smaller. Container-grown plants from a garden center offer the best chance for spring-planted success.

How do I protect plants from a late freeze?
If a hard frost or freeze is forecast after plants have begun blooming or setting fruit, cover them with frost cloth or row covers overnight. Uncover them during the day.

Can I grow strawberries in pots?
Absolutely! Use a container at least 12 inches deep and wide with excellent drainage. A quality potting mix is essential. Watering will be more frequent, and potted plants may need extra winter protection in north Texas.

Getting the timing right makes all the difference. By planting your strawberries in the fall, you align with the natural rhythm of the Texas climate, setting the stage for a rewarding and delicious harvest come spring.