When To Plant Strawberries In Illinois

Getting your strawberry patch started at the right moment is the single biggest factor for a great harvest. If you’re wondering when to plant strawberries in Illinois, you’ve come to the right place for clear, seasonal advice.

Illinois spans several USDA hardiness zones, from 5a in the north to 7a in the south, which means planting time can shift by a few weeks. This guide will break down the best dates for your area and explain the two main planting windows you have each year.

For most Illinois gardeners, the primary planting season is in early spring. However, a secondary option exists for those who plan ahead. The goal is to get plants established when the weather is cool and moist, so they can develop strong roots before summer’s heat or winter’s cold.

Spring Planting (The Most Common Method)

Spring planting is ideal for bare-root strawberry plants, which are widely available at garden centers. You plant them as soon as the ground can be worked.

Northern Illinois (Zones 5a-5b): Aim for early to mid-April. Wait for the soil to dry out enough that it’s not a muddy clump.
Central Illinois (Zones 6a-6b): Late March to early April is typically your window.
Southern Illinois (Zones 7a): You can often start as early as mid-March.

A good rule of thumb is to get them in the ground several weeks before your last average frost date. This gives them a chance to settle in before focusing on fruit production.

Fall Planting (An Excellent Alternative)

Fall planting is done with potted or well-established runner plants. It’s less common but can yeild a stronger, earlier-bearing patch the following year.

When: Plant between late August and early October.
The Goal: Plants must be in the ground at least 6 weeks before your first hard frost. This allows them to establish roots without the pressure of producing fruit.
Benefit: Fall-planted strawberries often produce a more robust harvest in their first fruiting season compared to spring-planted ones.

Understanding Your Strawberry Type

Knowing which type of strawberry you have can also influence your timing and care.

June-Bearing: Produce one large crop over 2-3 weeks in late spring. Best planted in spring, with all blossoms removed in the first year to strengthen the plant.
Everbearing & Day-Neutral: Produce berries in smaller flushes from spring until fall. Can be planted in spring or fall; some gardeners allow a limited harvest in the first year.

How to Plant Your Strawberries Step-by-Step

Proper planting technique is just as important as timing. Follow these steps for success.

Choose a Sunny Site: Select a location that gets at least 6-8 hours of direct sun. Ensure the soil drains well; raised beds are a fantastic option for strawberries.
Prepare the Soil: Work the soil to a depth of 12 inches. Mix in 2-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure. Strawberries prefer slightly acidic soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.8.
Plant Correctly: Dig a hole wide and deep enough to spread the roots out. For bare-root plants, the crown (where the roots meet the leaves) must be level with the soil surface. Burying the crown will cause it to rot; planting it to high will dry out the roots.
Spacing is Key: Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. This gives runners room to spread and ensures good air circulation.
Water Thoroughly: Water deeply immediately after planting. Continue to provide 1 inch of water per week, more during dry spells.
Mulch Immediately: Apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves around the plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps the developing fruit clean.

First-Year Care for Spring-Planted Strawberries

Your first-year strategy depends on the type you planted. For June-bearing varieties, pinch off all flowers that appear in the first season. This directs energy to root and runner development, leading to a much heavier crop next year. For everbearing and day-neutral types, you can usally allow flowers to set fruit after mid-summer in the first year, but its best to remove early blossoms.

Seasonal Care Calendar for Illinois

Early Spring (March-April): Plant bare-root strawberries. Remove winter mulch once new growth begins, but keep it nearby for frost protection.
Late Spring (May): Watch for blooms. Remove flowers on first-year June-bearing plants. Keep weeds under control.
Summer (June-August): Harvest ripe berries regularly. Water deeply during dry periods. After harvest for June-bearers, mow or shear foliage and thin out old plants.
Fall (September-October): Plant potted strawberries for fall establishment. Apply a thin layer of compost. Renovate your bed if needed by thinning plants.
Winter (November-February): After several hard freezes, apply a thick 4-6 inch winter mulch of straw. This prevents damaging freeze-thaw cycles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make a few errors. Here’s what to watch out for.

Planting Too Deep: This is the number one cause of failure. Always keep the crown above soil level.
Poor Site Selection: Not enough sun leads to small, tasteless berries and more disease.
Skipping Mulch: Mulch regulates soil temperature, retains moisture, and is essential for clean fruit.
Letting First-Year Plants Fruit: It’s tempting, but letting June-bearers fruit the first year weakens the plants long-term potential.
Ignoring Soil pH: Illinois soils can be alkaline. A simple soil test can tell you if you need to amend with sulfur to lower the pH for optimal growth.

FAQ: Your Strawberry Planting Questions Answered

Can I plant strawberry seeds in Illinois?

While possible, growing from seed is challenging and slow. It adds an extra year before you get a harvest. Most gardeners start with bare-root or potted plants for better results.

What is the best strawberry variety for Illinois?

Many do well! For June-bearing, try ‘Allstar’, ‘Jewel’, or ‘Honeoye’. For everbearing, ‘Ozark Beauty’ is a reliable choice. Day-neutral ‘Tristar’ and ‘Seascape’ perform consistently across the state.

Can I plant strawberries in July in Illinois?

July is generally to hot and stressful for new plants. The summer heat can wither them before they establish. It’s better to wait for the fall planting window or until next spring.

How do I protect strawberries from late spring frost?

Keep your winter straw mulch piled between rows after you pull it off the plants. When a late frost is forcasted after blooms appear, gently drape the straw or use row cover fabric over the plants overnight.

Do strawberries come back every year in Illinois?

Yes, strawberries are perennials. With proper winter mulching, the plants will survive and return each spring. However, individual plants are most productive for 3-4 years before needing replacement.

By following these guidelines for when to plant strawberries in Illinois, you set the foundation for a productive and delicious homegrown crop. Remember, a little patience in the first season, especially with flower removal, pays off with bountiful harvests for years to come. Paying attention to your local conditions and getting the timing right is your first step toward success.