Figuring out when to plant strawberries in Arizona is the first step to a succesful harvest. The best planting times for strawberries here are unique due to our intense heat and varied elevations.
Get the timing right, and you’ll enjoy sweet berries for months. Get it wrong, and the sun will likely win. This guide breaks down the simple schedule for both low and high desert areas.
When to Plant Strawberries in Arizona – Best Planting Times for
In Arizona, planting time is all about avoiding summer and leveraging our mild winters. Strawberries are a cool-season crop here. We plant them to grow through the fall, winter, and spring.
The state splits roughly into two major growing zones: the low desert (like Phoenix and Yuma) and the high desert or mountain areas (like Prescott and Flagstaff). Your location dictates your calender.
Low Desert Planting Schedule (Phoenix, Tucson, Yuma)
In the hot low desert, the primary planting window is in the fall. This allows plants to establish roots during the cool months before the spring harvest.
- Optimal Planting Dates: Late September through early November.
- Best Month: October is ideal. The soil is still warm from summer, which encourages root growth, but the air temperatures are becoming mild.
- Why Fall? Plants settled in by winter will be ready to produce a strong spring berry crop from February into May.
You can also do a secondary, riskier planting in late January or early February for a smaller, later spring harvest. These plants won’t produce as heavily as fall-planted ones.
High Desert & Mountain Areas Planting Schedule
Higher elevations face frost and freezes, shifting the schedule to early spring. The goal is to plant after the danger of hard frost has passed but early enough for a summer harvest.
- Optimal Planting Dates: March through early April.
- Key Rule: Wait until the ground is workable and the last expected frost date has passed. A surprise frost can damage new plants.
- Summer Harvest: Plants put in during spring will fruit through the summer, as temperatures remain pleasant at higher altitudes.
Choosing the Right Strawberry Type for Arizona
Not all strawberries handle heat the same. For Arizona, you primarily want “day-neutral” or “everbearing” types. They produce berries in flushes throughout the cool season and are less sensitive to day length.
- Day-Neutral/Everbearing (Recommended): Varieties like ‘Seascape’, ‘Albion’, and ‘San Andreas’. They fruit from fall through spring in the low desert and summer in the high country. They produce fewer runners, focusing energy on fruit.
- June-Bearing (Not Ideal): These produce one large crop in spring. They often struggle with our early heat spikes, which can ruin the crop just as it’s ripening.
Where to Buy Plants
Look for bare-root crowns or starter plants at local nurseries in early fall or spring. Local nurseries stock varieties known to perform well in your specific area, which is a huge advantage.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Follow these steps to give your strawberries a perfect start.
1. Site Selection & Soil Prep
Strawberries need full sun, at least 6-8 hours. In the low desert, afternoon shade in late spring can protect fruit from scorching. Ensure the site has excellent drainage; raised beds are fantastic in Arizona.
Amend native soil with 3-4 inches of compost. Strawberries thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil. Our alkaline soils benefit from the organic matter, which also improves moisture retention.
2. Planting Correctly
This step is crucial for preventing crown rot, a common issue.
- Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots out.
- Place the plant so the crown (where roots meet stems) is right at soil level. Never bury the crown.
- Backfill the hole and gently firm the soil.
- Space plants about 12 inches apart in rows or staggered grids.
3. Watering Immediately & Deeply
Water each plant thoroughly right after planting. This settles the soil and eliminates air pockets around the roots. For the first two weeks, water daily to keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) as they establish.
Caring for Your Strawberry Plants
Watering Schedule
Once established, water deeply 2-3 times per week, depending on weather. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep water off the leaves and fruit, preventing disease. Mulch is your best friend for conserving water.
The Essential Mulch
Apply 2-3 inches of straw or pine needle mulch around plants. This keeps roots cool, conserves massive amounts of water, suppresses weeds, and keeps berries clean and off the damp soil. It’s non-negotiable in Arizona.
Fertilizing for Success
Feed your plants lightly but regularly. Use a balanced, slow-release organic fertilizer at planting. Then, feed every 4-6 weeks through the growing season with a liquid fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote leaves over fruit.
Protecting from Heat & Frost
In spring, low desert gardeners can use 30-40% shade cloth to extend the season by protecting ripening berries from intense sun. In high desert areas, have frost cloth ready to throw over plants if a late frost threatens.
Common Arizona Strawberry Problems
Our climate brings specific challenges. Birds and squirrels love berries; use bird netting before fruit ripens. Watch for signs of powdery mildew in humid periods or spider mites during hot, dry spells. Good air circulation and proper watering help prevent most issues.
Slugs and snails can be a problem in cooler, damp weather. If you see chewed leaves or fruit, set out organic bait or traps in the evening. Always remove any rotting or diseased berries promptly to keep plants healthy.
Harvesting Your Bounty
Harvest strawberries when they are fully red, including the tip. Pick them in the cool morning, and gently twist the stem just above the berry. Leave the green cap on to prolong freshness. Regular picking encourages the plant to produce more fruit.
With proper fall planting in the low desert or spring planting in the mountains, you can enjoy homegrown strawberries for several months. The flavor is far superior to anything you can buy in a store.
FAQ: Arizona Strawberry Growing
Can I grow strawberries from seed in Arizona?
It’s possible but not practical. Starting from seed adds many months before fruiting, making it hard to hit the ideal planting windows. Bare-root crowns or transplants are the reliable choice.
Do strawberries come back every year in Arizona?
Strawberries are perennials, but in the low desert, they are often grown as annuals. The intense summer heat stresses them too much. Many gardeners replant fresh crowns each fall for the best vigor and yield. In cooler high elevations, plants may last 2-3 years.
What is the best container variety for Arizona?
Day-neutral varieties like ‘Seascape’ and ‘Albion’ excel in containers. Use a large pot with drainage and quality potting mix. Containers dry out faster, so check water daily in warm weather.
How do I protect my strawberries from the hot sun?
Afternoon shade cloth is the best method. As temperatures rise above 85°F consistently, drape a shade cloth over the bed. Mulch heavily to keep soil temps down. Ensure they get morning sun.
Why are my strawberry plants flowering but not producing fruit?
High heat (over 85°F) can prevent fruit set. If blooms appear as temps rise, they may not pollinate or develop. Lack of pollination or insufficient water during flowering can also be causes. Ensure bees can access the plants and water consistently.
Getting the timing right is the biggest key. Mark your calendar for October in the low desert or March in the high country. With the right schedule, a sunny spot, and consistent care, you’ll be harvesting your own sweet, sun-warmed strawberries in no time.