How to Grow Strawberry

Intermediate

Fragaria × ananassa

A perennial fruiting plant that produces sweet red berries. June-bearing types produce one large crop; everbearing and day-neutral types fruit from spring through fall. Runners spread to form new plants. Excellent in raised beds and containers.

Last updated: June 2026

Days to Maturity
60–90 days
typical
Per Square Foot
4
Plant Spacing
30 cm / 12"
Sun
6+ hours
Water
1.5" / 38 mm
Fertilization
moderate feeder

Growing Notes

Plant crowns in early spring with the crown at soil level — too deep and they rot, too shallow and they dry out. Remove flowers the first year on June-bearers to build strong roots. Mulch with straw to keep fruit clean. Renovate beds every 3–4 years.

Varieties & Cultivars

6 cultivars in our database. Click any card to see growing details.

Day-Neutral

(3)
Albion
60–90 days Hybrid

flowers and fruits continuously; good for warm climates; resists verticillium wilt

Height
8–12" (20–30 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.6 oz (16 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
4–10
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
3 years
Ozark Beauty
60–90 days Open-Pollinated

strong runners; cold-hardy to zone 3; good for preserves and fresh eating

Height
6–10" (15–25 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.5 oz (14 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
3–9
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years
Seascape
60–90 days Hybrid

excellent flavour; good disease resistance; very productive in raised beds

Height
8–12" (20–30 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.6 oz (18 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
4–10
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
3 years

Early season variety

(1)
Mascotte
60–80 days Open-Pollinated

sweet flavour; good for cold climates; vigorous grower

Height
6–12" (15–30 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (12 g)
Support
none
Harvest
continuous
USDA Zones
4–8
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years

June-Bearing

(2)
Chandler
60–90 days Hybrid

excellent sweet flavour; developed at UC Davis 1983; widely grown commercial variety; vigorous plants; good disease resistance

Height
8–12" (20–30 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.8 oz (22 g)
Support
none
Harvest
once
USDA Zones
5–9
Seed saving
moderate
Seed viability
3 years
Earliglow
60–75 days Open-Pollinated

compact plant; excellent disease resistance; best flavour of any June-bearer

Height
6–8" (15–20 cm)
Yield / plant
—
Avg fruit
0.4 oz (10 g)
Support
none
Harvest
once
USDA Zones
4–8
Seed saving
easy
Seed viability
3 years

Companion Planting

What to grow alongside strawberry, and what to keep apart.

Plant With

Garlic : Garlic deters spider mites and fungal diseases; strong scent confuses pests
Spinach : Spinach fills space between strawberry plants in early spring; complementary root depths
Chives : Chives deter aphids and may help prevent grey mould on strawberries
Thyme : Thyme repels worms and slugs; low-growing habit complements strawberry beds
Sage : Sage deters slugs and may reduce powdery mildew
Leek : Leek scent deters strawberry pests; complementary root depths
Lavender : Lavender attracts pollinators and repels slugs near strawberry beds
Onion : Onion scent deters aphids and spider mites from strawberries
Lettuce : Lettuce provides living mulch between strawberry rows; strawberries shade lettuce roots
Beans : Beans fix nitrogen which benefits heavy-feeding strawberries
Asparagus : Asparagus and strawberries share space well; asparagus ferns shade strawberries in summer
Rhubarb : Classic garden pairing; complementary harvest windows; rhubarb leaves shade strawberry roots

Keep Apart

Broccoli : Brassicas inhibit strawberry growth and share disease pressure
Mint : Mint spreads aggressively and overtakes strawberry beds
Potato : Both attract verticillium wilt; potatoes harbour root diseases that spread to strawberries
Eggplant : Eggplant shares verticillium wilt susceptibility with strawberries
Cabbage : Brassicas and strawberries compete for nutrients and attract shared pests
Pepper : Peppers share verticillium wilt risk with strawberries
Brussels Sprouts : Brassicas and strawberries compete for nutrients and attract shared pests
Cauliflower : Brassicas compete with strawberries for nutrients

Square Foot Spacing

4 per sq ft

6" apart (2×2 grid)

View full spacing chart →

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