When To Plant Strawberries In Oklahoma

If you’re planning a strawberry patch in the Sooner State, timing is everything. Knowing exactly when to plant strawberries in Oklahoma is the first and most important step to a succesful harvest.

Our climate, with its hot summers and variable winters, creates a specific window for planting. Get it right, and you’ll be rewarded with sweet, home-grown berries. This guide gives you the clear, practical advice you need to plant at the perfect time and care for your plants through the seasons.

The ideal planting season for strawberries in Oklahoma is in the early spring. For most of the state, this means from mid-March through early April. This timing is crucial because it allows the plants to establish strong roots before the intense summer heat arrives.

In southern Oklahoma, you can sometimes plant as early as late February. In the cooler northern parts, aim for early to mid-April. The goal is to get them in the ground after the danger of a hard freeze has passed but well before temperatures consistently soar.

Why Spring Planting Works Best

Spring planting gives your strawberries a full growing season to develop. They will focus on growing leaves and roots this first year. While you might get a few berries, the main harvest will come the following spring. This establishment period is key for perennial success.

Fall planting is occasionally done but is riskier in Oklahoma. A sudden early freeze can damage unestablished plants. Spring is the reliable choice for most gardeners.

Choosing the Right Strawberry Type

Your planting time is also linked to the type of strawberry you choose. There are three main kinds, and two are best for Oklahoma:

June-bearing: These produce one large, concentrated harvest in late spring (often May in OK). They are the most common and reliable type for our climate. Plant them in early spring.
Everbearing: They produce two to three smaller harvests—one in spring, one in summer, and sometimes one in fall. They can struggle with our intense summer heat but are a good option with careful care.
Day-neutral: Similar to everbearing, these produce berries continously through the season but are generally less heat-tolerant than June-bearers and require more precise management.

Preparing Your Planting Site

Strawberries need full sun—at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They also require well-drained soil. Oklahoma’s heavy clay soil is a common challenge, so amending it is essential.

Location: Choose a sunny, well-drained spot. Avoid low areas where frost settles or water pools.
Soil: Work in 3 to 4 inches of compost or aged manure into the top 6-8 inches of soil. This improves drainage and fertility.
pH: 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.
Bed Style: Raised beds or mounded rows are excellent choices for improving drainage in Oklahoma’s soil.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Buy Plants: Purchase healthy, disease-free crowns from a reputable nursery. Bare-root plants are common in spring.
Soak Roots: If using bare-root plants, soak the roots in water for about an hour before planting.
Dig Holes: Dig holes wide enough to spread the roots out. The crown (where the roots meet the leaves) must sit exactly at soil level—not too deep or too shallow.
Plant & Firm: Place the plant, spread the roots, backfill with soil, and gently firm it around the roots.
Water Deeply: Water each plant thoroughly right after planting to settle the soil.
Spacing: Space plants about 18 inches apart in rows that are 3 to 4 feet apart. This allows for good air circulation and runner growth.

Caring for Your Strawberry Plants

Consistent care after planting ensures strong plants for next year’s harvest.

Watering

Provide 1 to 1.5 inches of water per week. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are ideal, as they keep leaves dry and prevent disease. Water deeply in the morning, especially during dry summer spells.

Mulching

Mulch is a strawberry’s best friend. It conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps berries clean.

Summer Mulch: After planting, apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw or pine needles around plants.
Winter Mulch: In late fall (after a few hard freezes), apply a thick 3-4 inch layer of straw over the plants to protect them from freezing temperatures. Remove this mulch in early spring when new growth begins.

Fertilizing

Don’t fertilize heavily at planting. Instead, apply a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) about a month after planting, following package directions. Over-fertilizing can lead to leafy growth but few berries.

Managing Runners

June-bearing plants will send out runners. For a matted row system, you can allow them to root to fill in the bed. For better berry size and disease control, you might want to clip most runners off, focusing the plant’s energy on fruit production.

Seasonal Checklist for Oklahoma Gardeners

Late Winter (Feb-Mar): Order plants or prepare beds. Test soil if needed.
Early Spring (Mar-Apr): Plant new strawberries. Remove winter mulch from established beds.
Late Spring (May): Enjoy the harvest from established June-bearing plants. Remove blossoms from first-year spring plants to strengthen them.
Summer: Water consistently. Remove weeds and manage runners. Watch for pests.
Fall (Oct-Nov): Apply winter mulch after plants have gone dormant and temperatures have dropped consistently.
Winter: Plan for next year. Check that mulch remains in place during cold snaps.

Common Problems and Solutions

Oklahoma gardeners face a few specific challenges:

Heat Stress: Provide afternoon shade if possible during peak summer heat and never let plants dry out completely.
Diseases: Fungal diseases like leaf spot can occur. Ensure good spacing for air flow, water at the base, and remove affected leaves promptly.
Birds & Critters: Birds love ripe berries. Use netting to protect your fruit as it begins to ripen.
Weeds: Mulch heavily and hand-pull weeds carefully to avoid disturbing the shallow strawberry roots.

FAQ: Planting Strawberries in Oklahoma

Can I plant strawberries in the fall in Oklahoma?

It’s possible but not generally recommended. Fall-planted strawberries have less time to establish before winter and are more vulnerable to freeze damage. Spring planting is the safer, more reliable method for our climate.

What are the best strawberry varieties for Oklahoma?

Choose varieties known for heat tolerance and disease resistance. Excellent June-bearing choices include ‘Chandler’, ‘Allstar’, and ‘Cardinal’. For everbearing, ‘Ozark Beauty’ is a tried-and-true option that performs well here.

How long do strawberry plants last in Oklahoma?

A strawberry bed is typically productive for about 3 to 4 years. After that, yields often decline. It’s a good practice to start a new bed with fresh plants every few years to maintain vigor and fruit quality.

Should I remove the flowers the first year?

Yes, for spring-planted June-bearers, it’s best to pinch off the blossoms for the first few months. This directs the plant’s energy to developing strong roots and leaves, leading to a much better harvest the following year. You can let everbearing plants set a fall crop in their first year.

Can I grow strawberries in containers in Oklahoma?

Absolutely. Container gardening is a great option, especially if you have poor soil. Use a large pot with good drainage, high-quality potting mix, and be vigilant about watering, as containers dry out faster. Choose everbearing or day-neutral varieties for containers.

Getting your planting timing correct sets the stage for everything that follows. By planting in that key early spring window and providing consistent care, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the taste of home-grown Oklahoma strawberries. Remember, the work you put in during the first growing season builds the foundation for sweet rewards in the seasons to come.