garden
Strawberry
Fragaria
Edible
Edible PartsFruit
Overview
The world's most popular berry, strawberries are one of the most rewarding crops for home gardeners — nothing compares to the flavor of a sun-warmed, vine-ripened strawberry. June-bearing types produce one large harvest, while ever-bearing and day-neutral varieties fruit continuously from spring through fall. Alpine strawberries are tiny, intensely flavored woodland gems perfect for edging and ground cover.
Growing Conditions
LightPartial Sun
MoistureModerate
Hardiness Zones5 — 9
Height0.2m
Spread1m
Growth HabitForb/herb
Pollinator Valuehigh
Companion Planting & Soil
Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Soil pH5.5 — 6.8
Soil TypeRich, well-drained, slightly acidic, sandy loam
Planting Calendar
When to sow, transplant, and harvest by growing zone.
| Zone | Action | Months | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cold (1-2) | Transplant | May — Jun | Plant after last frost; pinch first-year blossoms for stronger plants |
| Cool (3-4) | Transplant | Apr — May | Plant in spring; June-bearing or everbearing types |
| Moderate (5-7) | Transplant | Mar — Apr | Plant in spring or fall; everbearing for extended harvest |
| Moderate (5-7) | Harvest | May — Jul | Pick when fully red; check every 1-2 days |
| Warm (8-9) | Transplant | Oct — Nov | Plant in fall for spring harvest |
Uses
Culinary
- Fresh eating — peak flavor lasts only hours after picking
- Jams, preserves, and compotes
- Frozen for smoothies, desserts, and baking
Medicinal
- Rich in vitamin C and anthocyanins
- Ellagic acid studied for anti-cancer properties
- Anti-inflammatory and heart-protective compounds
Other Uses
- Edible ground cover and border plant
- Alpine varieties for woodland garden edges
- Container growing on patios and balconies
