Getting your strawberry patch started at the right time is the single biggest factor for a successful harvest. If you’re wondering when to plant strawberries in central texas, the timing is a bit different than in cooler climates.
Our unique weather, with its hot summers and mild winters, creates a specific planting window. Planting at the correct time allows the plants to establish strong roots before the summer heat arrives, setting you up for a great crop of sweet berries.
When to Plant Strawberries in Central Texas
For most of central Texas, the ideal time to plant strawberries is in the fall. Specifically, aim for a window between mid-October and early November. This timing is crucial for several reasons.
Fall planting allows the strawberry plants to develop a robust root system during the cooler autumn and winter months. The plants will then be mature and ready to produce flowers and fruit as soon as the warm spring weather returns. If you miss the fall window, a very early spring planting (late February) is possible, but your harvest will be later and often smaller.
Why Fall Planting Works Best
Planting in fall mimics the natural cycle many strawberry varieties prefer. The cooler soil and air temperatures reduce transplant shock and stress on the young plants.
- Root Development: The plants focus energy on growing roots instead of leaves or fruit.
- Established for Spring: Come February and March, your plants are already settled and can immediately begin flowering.
- Beat the Heat: A well-established plant is much more resilient to our intense summer heat and drought.
Choosing the Right Strawberry Type
Not all strawberries are equal for our climate. You’ll want to select June-bearing or short-day varieties. These types initiate flower buds when days are short and nights are long, which is perfect for our fall-to-spring production cycle.
- Chandler: A popular, high-yielding variety with excellent flavor.
- Sequoia: Known for being a reliable producer that tolerates our climate well.
- Douglas: Produces large, firm berries good for fresh eating.
- Sweet Charlie: An early producer with very sweet fruit.
Avoid everbearing or day-neutral types for main-season planting; they often struggle with our summer heat and are better suited for container growing in spring.
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Once you have your plants and your timing is right, follow these steps for getting them in the ground.
1. Site Selection and Soil Prep
Strawberries need full sun—at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They also require excellent drainage. If you have heavy clay soil, planting in raised beds or mounds is highly recommended.
- Work the soil to a depth of about 12 inches.
- Mix in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure to improve texture and fertility.
- A soil pH between 6.0 and 6.5 is ideal. A simple soil test can confirm this.
2. Planting Correctly
Proper planting depth is critical. Strawberries have a crown where the leaves meet the roots.
- Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots out.
- Place the plant so the crown sits exactly at soil level. Burying the crown will cause it to rot; planting it to high will dry out the roots.
- Backfill the hole and firm the soil gently around the plant.
- Water deeply immediately after planting to settle the soil.
3. Spacing and Mulching
Space plants about 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. This gives them room to spread and produce runners.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of mulch around the plants. Straw or pine needles are perfect choices. Mulch supresses weeds, retains soil moisture, and keeps the developing berries clean and off the damp soil.
Caring for Your Strawberry Plants
Consistent care through the season ensures a healthy harvest.
Watering
Strawberries need consistent moisture, especially during fruit development. Water deeply 1-2 times per week, depending on rainfall. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are best, as they keep water off the leaves and fruit, reducing disease risk. Always water in the morning.
Fertilizing
Feed your plants lightly but regularly. Apply a balanced fertilizer (like 10-10-10) at planting time. Then, feed again in late winter (early February) as growth resumes, and once more after the main harvest is complete to support runner growth.
Over-fertilizing, especially with too much nitrogen, will lead to lots of leaves and few berries.
Managing Runners and Renovation
Runners are the long stems that produce new daughter plants. For June-bearing strawberries, it’s best to remove runners during the first year. This directs all the plant’s energy into fruit production. After the final harvest in late spring, you can allow a few runners to root to renew your bed.
Renovate your bed annually by mowing or shearing the foliage back to about 2 inches after harvest, thinning out old plants, and applying fresh compost.
Pests and Problems in Central Texas
Stay vigilant for a few common issues.
- Birds: They love ripe berries. Use bird netting as fruit starts to color.
- Snails/Slugs: Mulch helps, but organic bait may be needed in damp weather.
- Spider Mites: These become a problem in hot, dry weather. A strong spray of water on the leaves underside can help manage them.
- Fungal Diseases: Good air circulation (from proper spacing) and avoiding overhead watering are the best preventions.
Harvesting Your Bounty
Your patience pays off in spring! Harvest strawberries when they are fully red all over, usually 4-6 weeks after flowering.
- Pick berries in the cool of the morning.
- Pinch or snip the stem just above the berry; don’t pull on the fruit itself.
- Harvest every other day to keep up with ripening.
Fresh-picked strawberries are perishable, so enjoy them quickly, freeze them, or make them into jam. The flavor of a home-grown berry, picked at its peak, is truly superior.
FAQ: Strawberry Planting in Central Texas
Can I plant strawberries from seed here?
It’s not recommended for beginners. Growing from seed adds many months to the process and is less reliable. Starting with bare-root or potted transplants in fall is the most succesful method.
What if I missed the fall planting window?
You can try planting in very late winter (February), but be prepared to provide extra care and accept a smaller, later harvest. Container planting in spring with everbearing varieties is another option for a small yield.
How long do strawberry plants last?
In our climate, strawberry beds are typically productive for 2-3 years before they need to be completely renewed. The plants vigor and yield will decline each year after the first.
Do strawberries grow good in pots?
Yes! Strawberries are excellent for containers. Use a large pot with drainage holes, high-quality potting mix, and choose day-neutral or everbearing varieties for a longer harvest season. Container plants need more frequent watering and feeding.
By following this calendar and tips, you can enjoy a plentiful strawberry harvest right from your own central Texas garden. The key is respecting the seasonal rhythm of our region—plant in the fall, nurture through the winter, and reap the sweet rewards in spring.