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Strawberry Bareroot Growing Guide
Growing Guide

Strawberry Bareroots

Growing strawberries from bare-roots is the most cost-effective way to establish a high-yielding berry patch. Unlike potted transplants, bare-roots establish deeper root systems quickly, leading to more vigorous growth and better fruit production. This guide will help you master the "crown-depth" technique and maintain your plants for years of harvests.

Quick Overview

Category Details
Planting Time Late Winter to Early Spring (while dormant)
Soil Temperature 50°F+ (can handle light frosts once planted)
Sunlight Requirements Full Sun (8+ hours/day)
Watering Requirements 1–1.5" per week (High during fruiting)
Spacing (In-Ground) 12–18" apart; Rows 3–4' apart
Spacing (Raised Bed) 10–12" apart in a staggered pattern
Fertilizer Guidelines Balanced feeder; loves foliar feeding

Growing Guide Details

Plant Classifications

Strawberries fall into three main types, each offering different harvest patterns. June-bearing strawberries produce one large, concentrated harvest over 2–3 weeks in early summer, making them ideal for freezing, jams, and preserving. Everbearing strawberries produce two primary harvests—one in spring and another in fall. Day-neutral strawberries fruit continuously throughout the growing season as long as temperatures remain between 35°F and 85°F, providing steady production.

What Variety to Choose?

💡

Flavorfest: A June-bearing variety known for outstanding flavor and aroma, producing deep red berries with a sweet-tart balance.

Earliglow: An early June-bearing variety prized for classic strawberry flavor and excellent sweetness, often one of the first to harvest.

Jewel: A late-season June-bearing variety with large, firm berries, reliable yields, and good disease resistance.

When to Plant

Zones 3–6:
Plant bare-root strawberry crowns in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked and daytime temperatures stay above freezing. Bare-root plants establish quickly in cool conditions, but fruiting is usually limited the first season. For June-bearing varieties, removing first-year blooms encourages stronger roots and better yields in future seasons.

Zones 7–9:
Plant bare-root strawberries in the fall, ideally 4–6 weeks before the first expected frost, for a strong spring harvest. In warmer climates, bare-root plants benefit from bloom removal during establishment.

Pro Tip: Pinch off blooms and runners through the first few sets to increase berry size. In Zone 9, continue pinching blooms until January for best results.

Light & Space Requirements

Sunlight:
Full sun (8–10+ hours per day) is essential for strong establishment and heavy fruiting.

In-Ground Planting:
• Row spacing: 32–40 inches
• Plant spacing: 12–18 inches

Raised Beds:
• Space plants 12–16 inches apart in a staggered pattern

Planting Depth Pro Tip:
When planting bare-root strawberries, proper crown placement is critical. The crown should sit at the soil surface with roots fully buried and pointing straight down. Planting too deep can cause crown rot, while planting too shallow exposes roots and leads to plant failure. After planting, mound soil around the roots and firm gently around the crown to eliminate air pockets.

Planting Bareroot Strawberries

Soil & Fertility

Soil Requirements:
Adjust soil pH between 5.5–6.5

Rich in compost or organic matter

Retains water but is also well-draining. Sandy loam soil is the best option.

Fertilizer Schedule:

Before Planting:
Mix 1½ cups of HOSS Complete Organic Fertilizer per 10 ft of row

Early Growth:
Apply HOSS 20-20-20 every 7–10 days using a fertilizer injector, or side-dress with HOSS 10-10-10

Fruiting:
Add HOSS Micro-boost to support fruit size and flavor

Post-Harvest:
For June-bearers, fertilize again after the final harvest to help the plants set buds for next year.

Pest & Disease Control

Pest/Disease Control Method
Birds

Use bird netting or shiny flash tape
Slugs/Snails

Diatomaceous Earth
Anthracnose

Complete Disease Control; avoid overhead watering
Spider Mites

Horticulture Oil, Bug Buster-O
Gray Mold (Botrytis)

Improve airflow; mulch with straw to keep fruit off soil.

Irrigation & Watering Schedule

• Needs 1-1.5” water per week

• Keep soil consistently moist (not soggy)

• Use Drip Irrigation Kits to keep moisture away from the fruit and leaves.

Hand holding a bundle of roots on a wooden table with plants in the background

Harvesting & Storage

Harvest: Pick strawberries when fully red and ripe, as they do not continue to ripen after picking. Harvest every 2–3 days during peak season.

Storage: Refrigerate unwashed berries in a breathable container for up to 3–5 days. Wash only before eating.

Preservation Tip: Freeze by washing, drying, and hulling berries before laying them on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to airtight containers.

Sustainability & Garden Tips

• Rotate strawberry beds every 3–4 years to reduce disease and soil fatigue.
• Mulch with straw or pine needles to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and protect fruit from soil splash.
• Companion plant with spinach, beans, or lettuce for efficient use of space.
• Keep plants well-spaced and remove runners if you want bigger, higher-quality berries.

FAQs

How long before bare-root strawberries produce fruit?

Most plants produce lightly the first year, with full production beginning the second season.

Can bare-root strawberries handle frost?

Yes—once planted, they tolerate light frosts but should be protected from hard freezes.

Should I remove flowers the first year?

For June-bearers, removing early flowers improves long-term plant vigor and future yields.

How long do strawberry plants last?

With proper care, plants remain productive for 3–5 years.

Why are my plants growing leaves but no fruit?

Excess nitrogen or lack of pollination can reduce fruiting.

Published on December 30, 2025
Updated on December 30, 2025