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TürkçeStrawberry
Fragaria × ananassa · Fruit
Sweet, home-picked berries are one of the best rewards of a small garden. Plants are compact and do well in beds, containers and hanging baskets. Most varieties crop well for about three years, then are best replaced with young runners.
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💧WaterEvery 2–3 days in summer, when the top 1 in is dry (estimated)
☀️LightFull sun, 6–10 hours
🐾PetsNon-toxic
Care at a glance
- Light
- Full sun, 6–10 hours
- Water
- About 1–2 in per week; keep evenly moist while fruiting
- Soil
- Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic, pH 5.5–6.5
- Temperature
- Best 60–80 °F; flowers damaged by frost
- Spacing
- 12–18 in between plants, 3 ft between rows
- Container
- At least 1 gallon per plant, 8 in deep
- Harvest
- June-bearers 4–6 weeks after flowering; everbearers through summer (estimated)
- Lifespan
- Perennial; productive about 3 years
When?
Plant bare-root or potted plants in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked, or in late summer in mild areas. Cover blossoms if a late frost is forecast (estimated).
Step by step
- Plant with the crown exactly at soil level; buried crowns rot, exposed ones dry out.
- Water well after planting and keep soil moist until new leaves appear.
- In the first year, pinch off early flowers on June-bearers so plants build strong roots.
- Mulch under plants with straw to keep berries clean and dry.
- Feed lightly in spring and again after harvest; avoid heavy nitrogen.
- Pick berries when fully red, in the cool of the morning.
- Keep a few strong runners to replace old plants; cut the rest.
Common problems
Gray mold on berriesBotrytis; pick often, remove damaged fruit and keep berries off the soil.
Berries half-eatenSlugs or birds; use straw mulch, traps or netting.
Few berries on old plantsPlants past their best; replace with young runners.
White powdery leavesPowdery mildew; improve airflow and avoid crowding.
Pets
Listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs. Too many berries can upset the stomach. If in doubt, ask your vet.
Related tools
Similar plants
Sources
This page is general guidance; no pesticide doses are given.