When To Plant Strawberries In Texas

Getting your strawberry patch started at the right time is the single most important step for a great harvest here. This guide will walk you through the best planting times for strawberries in Texas, broken down by our major regions.

Texas is a big state with diverse climates, so timing varies. Planting at the optimal moment gives your plants a chance to establish strong roots before the extreme heat of summer or the chill of winter arrives. Let’s look at the calendar for your area.

For most of Texas, the primary planting time is in the fall. This allows the plants to grow vegetatively through the mild winter and then produce berries in the spring. A second, less common planting can be done in very early spring in some areas, but fall is generally best.

Fall Planting: The Gold Standard

Fall planting is recommended for about 90% of the state. The goal is to get plants in the ground when the soil is still warm but the intense summer heat has passed. This gives them 2-3 months of growing time before cold weather slows them down.

North Texas & Panhandle: Plant from late September through mid-October. You want them settled before the first hard freeze.
Central Texas: The ideal window is early October to early November. The slightly warmer fall extends the planting period.
South Texas & Gulf Coast: Plant from mid-October through late November, sometimes even into early December. Summers are long here, so waiting for reliable cooler temps is key.

Spring Planting: A Risky Backup

Spring planting is possible but tricky. You must plant as soon as the soil is workable to get a small harvest before the summer heat fries the plants. It’s often used to replace winter-killed plants or for a very late crop.

North & Central Texas: Plant in very early February, if at all. The window is very short.
South Texas: January is your month for spring planting here.

Spring-planted strawberries face immediate pressure from rising temperatures and often produce a smaller yeild. They require much more attentive watering and shading.

Choosing the Right Strawberry Type

Your success also depends on choosing a type suited to Texas. There are two main categories, and one is much better for our state than the other.

June-Bearing Strawberries

These produce one large, concentrated harvest in spring (around April-May in Texas). They are not typically recommended for home gardeners here because the heavy fruiting period often coincides with late spring rains, which can promote disease.

Everbearing & Day-Neutral Strawberries

These are the top choices for Texas. They produce berries continously from late fall through spring, offering a longer harvest period and better overall performance in our climate. Popular varieties include:

‘Chandler’: Excellent flavor, good for Central & South Texas.
‘Seascape’: A very heat-tolerant day-neutral, great for all regions.
‘Albion’: Another reliable day-neutral with firm fruit.
‘Fronteras’: Specifically bred for Texas by A&M, highly recommended.

Step-by-Step Planting Guide

Once you have your plants and know your date, follow these steps.

1. Site Selection & Soil Prep

Strawberries need full sun—at least 8 hours daily. They also require excellent drainage. If you have heavy clay soil, plant in raised beds or mounds.

Test your soil pH. Strawberries prefer a slightly acidic soil, between 6.0 and 6.5.
Work in 3-4 inches of compost or well-rotted manure into the top 8 inches of soil. This improves drainage and fertility.

2. How to Plant Correctly

Proper planting depth is critical. Planting too deep will rot the crown; too shallow will dry out the roots.

Dig a hole wide enough to spread the roots out.
Place the plant so the soil line from the pot matches the garden soil level. The central growing point (the crown) must be above the soil.
Backfill the hole and firm the soil gently around the roots.
Water thoroughly immediately after planting to settle the soil.

3. Initial Care After Planting

Your first few weeks of care set the tone. Space plants about 12-18 inches apart in rows that are 3-4 feet apart. This gives them room to send out runners.

Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy for the first two weeks. Then, water deeply 1-2 times per week, depending on rainfall.
Mulching: After planting, apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw or pine needle mulch. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps berries clean. It also insulates roots from temperature swings.

Regional Considerations and Challenges

Texas weather throws unique challenges at gardeners. Here’s what to watch for in your area.

North Texas Winters

Winter protection is often needed. If a hard freeze (below 20°F) is forecast after your plants are established, cover them with a frost cloth or extra layer of straw. Remove it when temperatures rise.

Central Texas Temperature Swings

Our springs can be erratic. Be prepared to protect early blossoms from a late frost with row covers. Have shade cloth ready for an unexpectedly early heatwave in late spring.

South Texas Heat & Pests

The biggest challenge is the long, hot season. Ensure consistent watering and consider using shade cloth from late May onward to extend production. Watch closely for spider mites, which thrive in hot, dry conditions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make these errors. Here’s what to steer clear of.

Planting too late in the fall: Plants won’t establish enough roots before winter dormancy, leading to weak spring growth.
Overcrowding: Good air circulation prevents fungal diseases like powdery mildew and fruit rot.
Over-fertilizing: Especially with nitrogen. This leads to lots of leaves but few berries. Use a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at planting and again in early spring.
Letting the plants dry out during fruit set: Inconsistent watering when berries are forming leads to small, misshapen fruit or blossom end rot.

FAQ: Your Texas Strawberry Questions Answered

Can I plant strawberries from seed in Texas?

It’s not practical. Growing from seed adds 4-6 months before you even get to the transplant stage, missing the critical fall planting window. Always start with bare-root plants or transplants from a nursery.

What is the best month to plant strawberries in Central Texas?

October is generally the perfect month for planting strawberries in Central Texas. The soil is still warm from summer, but the air temperatures have cooled down enough for the plants to thrive without stress.

How do I protect my strawberries from birds?

Bird netting is the most effective solution. Drape it over a simple frame (like PVC hoops) so it doesn’t rest on the plants. Secure it tightly at the bottom to prevent birds from getting underneath.

Do strawberries come back every year in Texas?

Strawberries are perennials, but in Texas, we often treat them as annuals or short-lived perennials. The intense summer heat stresses plants, and disease pressure builds. Many gardeners replant fresh, healthy runners or new plants each fall for the best production.

Can I grow strawberries in pots in Texas?

Absolutely! Container growing is excellent for Texas because you can control the soil and move pots to avoid extreme weather. Use a large pot (at least 12-16 inches wide) with drainage holes and a quality potting mix. Water containers more frequently, as they dry out faster.

Timing your planting correctly is the foundation for a succesful strawberry harvest in Texas. By matching your planting date to your region and following up with proper care, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying sweet, homegrown berries. Remember, the effort you put in during the fall planting season directly translates to the bounty you’ll pick come spring.