If you’re a gardener in Southern California, knowing when to plant strawberries is the key to a sweet harvest. The optimal timing for planting strawberries in this region is a bit different than in colder climates, but getting it right means you’ll enjoy berries for months.
Our mild winters and long growing seasons are a huge advantage. You can actually plant strawberries twice a year here. The main planting season is in the fall and winter, which might surprise you. A second, smaller window opens in early spring. Let’s break down the best schedule for your garden.
When To Plant Strawberries In Southern California
For the biggest and best harvest, aim to plant your strawberries between late September and early November. This fall planting window is the most important one. The plants get a chance to establish strong roots during the cool, moist winter months. Then, when spring warmth arrives, they’re ready to explode with growth and flowers.
If you miss the fall window, you can plant again from late January through March. Spring-planted strawberries will still produce fruit, but the yeild might be smaller in their first year. The plants will focus more on getting settled before the summer heat.
Why Fall Planting is Best
Planting in fall mimics the natural cycle of strawberry plants. Here’s what happens:
- The soil is still warm from summer, which encourages root growth.
- Cooler air temperatures reduce stress on the young plants.
- Winter rains (hopefully!) provide natural irrigation.
- By spring, the plant is mature and ready to produce fruit early in the season.
Understanding Your Microclimate
Southern California has many microclimates. Coastal areas are cooler, while inland valleys and deserts get much hotter.
- Coastal (San Diego, Los Angeles, Orange County): You have the longest planting window. Fall planting is ideal, but you can plant successfully from September through April.
- Inland Valleys (Riverside, San Bernardino): Target early fall (October) or late winter (February). Avoid planting right before a summer heat wave.
- High Deserts (Palm Springs, Victorville): Plant in very early spring (February-March) after frost danger passes. Fall planting is risky if winters are too cold.
Choosing the Right Strawberry Type
Picking a variety suited to our climate is just as important as timing. There are three main types:
- June-Bearing: Produce one large crop in spring. Perfect if you want a lot of berries at once for preserving. Plant these in fall for a spring harvest.
- Everbearing: Give you two to three smaller harvests from spring to fall. A reliable choice for steady snacks.
- Day-Neutral: The stars for Southern California! They fruit continuously throughout the growing season as long as temperatures stay between 35°F and 85°F. They perform excellently in our long season.
Recommended Varieties for SoCal
Look for these proven winners at local nurseries:
- Seascape (Day-Neutral)
- Albion (Day-Neutral)
- Chandler (June-Bearing)
- Ozark Beauty (Everbearing)
Step-by-Step Planting Guide
Once you have your plants and your timing is right, follow these steps:
- Pick a Sunny Spot: Strawberries need at least 6-8 hours of full sun. More sun means sweeter berries.
- Prepare the Soil: They prefer slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Amend native clay soil with lots of compost. Raised beds or containers are a great option for better drainage.
- Plant Correctly: Dig a hole wide enough for the roots. Place the plant so the crown (where the leaves meet the roots) is right at soil level. Burying the crown will cause rot, planting to high will dry out the roots.
- Space Them Out: Space plants about 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. This gives them room to send out runners.
- Water Deeply: Water immediately after planting. Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy as they establish.
- Mulch: Apply a layer of straw or pine needle mulch around plants. This keeps berries clean, conserves moisture, and keeps soil cool.
Caring for Your Strawberry Plants
Proper care after planting ensures a healthy patch.
Watering
Drip irrigation is best. It delivers water to the roots and keeps leaves dry, preventing disease. Water deeply 2-3 times per week, adjusting for rain and heat. In peak summer, you may need to water more.
Fertilizing
Feed your plants after the first harvest for June-bearers, and every 3-4 weeks for day-neutral and everbearing types. Use a balanced, organic fertilizer. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, which promote leaf growth over fruit.
Managing Runners
Runners are long stems that make new baby plants. For June-bearing varieties, its usually best to cut off runners in the first year to let the mother plant focus on fruit. For day-neutrals, you can let them root to expand your patch, but to many will crowd the bed.
Common Pests and Problems
Watch out for a few typical issues:
- Birds & Squirrels: They love berries as much as you do. Use bird netting just as fruit starts to ripen.
- Powdery Mildew: Appears as white powder on leaves. Improve air circulation and avoid overhead watering.
- Snails & Slugs: They chew holes in fruit and leaves. Hand-pick at night or use pet-safe bait.
- Verticillium Wilt: A soil fungus. Prevent it by choosing resistant varieties and rotating your strawberry patch to a new area every few years.
Harvesting Your Bounty
Harvest strawberries when they are fully red all over, usually 4-6 weeks after flowering. Pick them in the cool of the morning, and pinch or snip the stem just above the berry. Don’t pull the berry itself. Leave the green cap on to prolong freshness.
With proper timing and care, a single strawberry plant can produce for several seasons in Southern California’s kind climate. Many gardeners replant every 2-3 years to maintain vigor and high yields.
FAQ
Can I plant strawberries in summer in Southern California?
It’s not recommended. The intense heat stresses new plants, requiring constant watering and often leading to failure. It’s better to wait for the fall or spring windows.
Do strawberries grow well in pots here?
Absolutely! Container growing is excellent for strawberries in SoCal. Use a pot at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes. You’ll have more control over soil and water, and it’s easier to protect plants from pests.
How often should I replace my strawberry plants?
Day-neutral and everbearing types are often treated as annuals or replaced every two years. June-bearing plants can remain productive for 3-4 years before needing replacement as yields decline.
What is the best month to plant strawberries in Los Angeles?
For the Los Angeles area, October is the prime planting month. This gives plants the perfect establishment period before spring.
Should I refrigerate strawberry plants before planting?
If you purchase bare-root plants (which are common in winter), keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to plant. Soak the roots in water for an hour before putting them in the ground to rehydrate them.