If you want a thriving strawberry patch, knowing when do you plant strawberries in California is the first and most important step. Get the timing right, and you’re setting yourself up for a sweet, abundant harvest. Our state’s diverse climates mean there’s not a single date, but a perfect planting window for your specific region.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We’ll break down the best times for coastal, inland, and mountain areas, walk you through the planting process, and share tips for ongoing care. Let’s get your strawberries off to the strongest possible start.
When Do You Plant Strawberries in California
The golden rule for California is to plant strawberries in the fall or late winter. This timing allows plants to develop strong roots during the cooler, wetter months before the heat of summer arrives. For most of the state, the primary planting season is from late September through November. A secondary window opens in January and February, especially if fall planting wasn’t possible.
Your specific schedule depends heavily on where you live. California’s microclimates play a huge role.
Coastal Regions (San Diego to San Francisco)
The mild, year-round climate here is ideal for strawberries. You have a very long planting window.
* Best Time: Plant from late August through April.
* Why: The gentle temperatures allow plants to establish without extreme heat or frost stress. Fall planting leads to a spring harvest, and you can often get fruit for many months.
Inland Valleys & Southern California (Los Angeles, Central Valley)
These areas have hotter summers and sharper seasonal shifts. Timing is more precise.
* Best Time: Aim for October to early November or late January to February.
* Why: Fall planting gives roots time to settle in before winter chill. Late winter planting lets you get them in the ground just before the spring growth spurt, avoiding the worst of the summer heat.
Mountain & Northern California Regions
Colder winters with hard frosts dictate a later schedule.
* Best Time: Plant in early to mid-spring, once the danger of hard frost has passed and the soil is workable. This is usually April or May.
* Why: Planting too early risks losing young plants to a late freeze. The shorter growing season means you’ll harvest through summer and into early fall.
Choosing Your Strawberry Type
The variety you choose also influences your planting and harvest rhythm.
* June-Bearing: Produce one large, concentrated harvest in late spring to early summer. Perfect for preserving. Plant these in fall for a harvest the following year.
* Everbearing: Yield two to three harvests per year, typically in spring and fall. They are a great choice for a steady supply.
* Day-Neutral: The most flexible, producing fruit continuously from spring through fall as long as temperatures stay between 35°F and 85°F. Excellent for long-season areas like the coast.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Once you’ve got your timing down, follow these steps for planting success.
1. Site Selection & Soil Prep
Strawberries demand full sun—at least 6-8 hours daily. They also need excellent drainage to prevent root rot. Raised beds or mounds are highly recommended in heavy soil.
* Test your soil pH; strawberries prefer a slightly acidic range of 5.5 to 6.8.
* Work in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility.
* Remove all weeds thoroughly; strawberries hate competition.
2. Planting Correctly
This is a critical step where many gardeners make a simple mistake.
* Dig a hole wide and deep enough to accommodate the roots without bending them.
* Place the plant so the crown (where the roots meet the base of the leaves) sits right at soil level. It should not be buried, nor should roots be exposed.
* Planting too deep will cause the crown to rot. Planting to shallow will dry the roots out.
* Space plants about 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart.
3. Watering & Mulching Right After Planting
Water each plant deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil. Then, apply a generous layer of mulch.
* Use straw, pine needles, or wood chips.
* Mulch suppresses weeds, retains soil moisture, and keeps the developing fruit clean and off the damp soil.
Caring for Your Strawberry Plants
Consistent care after planting ensures a robust harvest.
Watering Schedule
Strawberries need consistent moisture, especially during fruit development. Water deeply 1-2 times per week, aiming for about 1 inch of water. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are best, as they keep leaves dry and prevent disease. Always water in the morning.
Feeding for Success
Feed your plants with a balanced, organic fertilizer (like a 10-10-10) when planting begins. Apply again when the first flowers appear to support fruit development. Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, which leads to leafy growth but few berries.
Managing Runners
Strawberries send out runners (long stems with new plantlets). For June-bearing varieties, its usually best to remove most runners so the mother plant’s energy goes into fruit production. For everbearing and day-neutral types, you can allow a few to root to fill in your bed, but don’t let it become to crowded.
Common Problems & Solutions in California
* Birds & Critters: Use bird netting just as fruit starts to ripen. It’s the most effective deterrent.
* Powdery Mildew: Appears as white powder on leaves. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and use an organic fungicide if needed.
* Slugs & Snails: Handpick in the evening or use pet-safe slug bait. The mulch you’ve laid can sometimes harbor them, so check regularly.
* Poor Fruit Set: This can be caused by extreme heat during flowering or insufficient pollination. Ensure bees can access your plants, and provide afternoon shade in very hot inland areas.
Harvesting Your Bounty
Harvest strawberries when they are fully red, with no white or green tips. Gently twist the berry off the stem, leaving the green cap attached. Pick regularly—every other day during peak season—to encourage more fruit production. The best time to harvest is in the cool of the morning.
FAQ: California Strawberry Planting
Can I plant strawberries in the summer in California?
It’s not recommended except in the coolest coastal fog belts. The heat stresses new plants, requiring excessive watering and often leading to failure.
What is the best strawberry variety for beginners in California?
‘Seascape’ (day-neutral) and ‘Chandler’ (June-bearing) are reliable, widely adapted, and produce excellent flavor in most California regions.
Can I grow strawberries from seed in California?
Yes, but it’s much slower. Start seeds indoors in late summer for fall transplanting. Most gardeners prefer buying bare-root or starter plants from a nursery for a head start.
How long do strawberry plants last?
Everbearing and day-neutral plants are often treated as annuals or replaced every 2-3 years. June-bearing beds can be productive for 3-4 years with excellent care before they need renewing.
Do strawberries grow well in pots in California?
Absolutely. Container growing is excellent for saving space and controlling soil conditions. Choose a pot at least 12 inches deep and wide, use quality potting mix, and water frequently, as pots dry out fast.
Getting your planting timing right is the foundation of a succesful strawberry garden. By matching your planting schedule to your local California climate and following these simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying home-grown berries that are bursting with flavor.