Strawberry · last checked 2026-09-27
When to plant strawberries: spring or fall, state dates
Strawberries have two planting seasons, and which one you use depends on where you live and how you grow them. Illinois Extension plants in March or April, and Clemson sets its long-lived matted rows in spring in South Carolina's Upstate. In South Carolina's Sandhills and Coastal Plain, plants are set out in fall and grown for a single spring crop.
Each line below names the Extension service it comes from and links to their page. The growing systems differ, so spacing is listed for each one.
When to plant
- Illinois Extension says to plant as soon as the soil can be worked in spring, but not while it is wet, so plants settle in before summer heat. Growing Strawberries (Small Fruits for Home Gardens) · checked 2026-09-27
- Clemson Cooperative Extension says the long-lived matted row system suits the Upstate: plants are set in spring, when temperatures run 40 to 50 °F, and bear the following spring. Growing Strawberries in South Carolina (HGIC fact sheet) · checked 2026-09-27
- Clemson Cooperative Extension says in the Sandhills and Coastal Plain, gardeners mostly use the annual hill system: set plants in fall, pick the next spring, then replace them. Growing Strawberries in South Carolina (HGIC fact sheet) · checked 2026-09-27
State planting dates
| Who says | Region | Planting window | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois Extension says | Illinois | March or April | Growing Strawberries (Small Fruits for Home Gardens) · checked 2026-09-27 |
| Clemson Cooperative Extension says | South Carolina, annual hill system | Fall: September 15 to November 15. October is usually best on the Coastal Plain; September is preferred in the Upstate. | Growing Strawberries in South Carolina (HGIC fact sheet) · checked 2026-09-27 |
Spacing
- Illinois Extension says June-bearers in matted rows go 18 to 30 inches apart in rows 3 to 4 feet apart; everbearing and day-neutral plants in hills go a foot apart. Growing Strawberries (Small Fruits for Home Gardens) · checked 2026-09-27
- Clemson Cooperative Extension says matted rows are laid out 4 feet apart with plants every 2 feet; annual hill beds take two rows with plants 12 inches apart each way. Growing Strawberries in South Carolina (HGIC fact sheet) · checked 2026-09-27
- Colorado State University Extension says June-bearers go 1 to 2 feet apart in matted rows 3 to 4 feet apart; everbearing and day-neutral plants go in sets of three rows a foot apart, 3 feet between sets. Strawberries for the Home Garden (fact sheet 7.000) · checked 2026-09-27
Harvest
- Clemson Cooperative Extension says harvest starts in late March in the Midlands and Coastal Plain, early April in the Piedmont and late April in the mountains; pick every other day. Growing Strawberries in South Carolina (HGIC fact sheet) · checked 2026-09-27
- Colorado State University Extension says June-bearing varieties ripen in July across most of Colorado; during peak season, pick every other day. Strawberries for the Home Garden (fact sheet 7.000) · checked 2026-09-27
- Illinois Extension says to pinch off flowers on newly set plants the first summer, since letting them fruit weakens roots, runners and the next year's crop. Growing Strawberries (Small Fruits for Home Gardens) · checked 2026-09-27
Timing shifts with your local climate and the plant’s variety; your state’s Extension service has the final word. See how these pages are put together.
Other crops: Blueberry, Broccoli, Garlic, Okra, Potato, Pumpkin, Sweet potato, Tomato.