Strawberry plants are perennial, meaning they return year after year. Their initial focus is on establishing a robust root system rather than immediate fruit production. This focus often leads new gardeners to wonder if they will see any berries in the first year. The answer depends entirely on the specific variety planted and the management decisions made by the grower.
Fruiting Timelines by Strawberry Type
The expectation of first-year fruit depends on which of the three main types of strawberry plants you have chosen: June-bearing, Everbearing, or Day-neutral. June-bearing varieties are the most traditional, producing a single, large crop over three to four weeks in early summer. These plants dedicate their first year primarily to producing runners and forming daughter plants. Consequently, June-bearing plants typically yield little to no usable fruit in the initial planting year.
In contrast, Day-neutral and Everbearing varieties are bred to fruit much sooner and more continuously. Day-neutral plants are insensitive to day length, allowing them to flower and set fruit throughout the growing season, provided temperatures remain moderate. These varieties can begin producing a small crop within a few months of spring planting, often yielding berries from mid-summer until the first frost. Everbearing types produce two smaller, distinct crops per season: one in early summer and a second in the late summer or early fall.
The Crucial First-Year Decision: Pinching Flowers
Regardless of the variety, removing the first flush of flowers, known as “pinching,” ensures a larger, healthier future harvest. Flowering and fruiting consume significant energy resources stored in the crown and roots. Removing the blossoms redirects this energy away from reproduction toward developing a strong crown structure and an extensive root system. This sacrifices the small, initial yield for a substantially more vigorous plant that supports a heavier crop in year two and beyond.
For June-bearing plants, it is recommended to remove all blossoms throughout the entire first year to maximize vegetative growth and runner production. Day-neutral and Everbearing varieties require a different approach. Pinch off the flowers for the initial four to six weeks after planting to allow for proper establishment. After this period, you can permit the plants to flower and fruit for a modest harvest later in the season.
Essential Care for First-Year Plant Establishment
Successful long-term fruit production depends on optimizing the plant’s environment during its first year of establishment. Strawberries thrive in well-drained soil rich in organic matter, such as compost, which helps retain moisture without becoming waterlogged. They require full sun exposure, ideally receiving eight to ten hours of direct sunlight each day for maximum fruit set in subsequent years.
New plants have shallow root systems and need consistently moist soil, typically requiring about one to two inches of water per week, especially during dry periods. Weed control is important in the first months, as weeds compete directly with the young plants for water and nutrients. Fertilization should be light and balanced, using a granular fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 blend, applied one month after planting and again in late summer to encourage root growth.
Preparing the newly established plants for their first winter is necessary to protect the crown, which is susceptible to damage below 15°F. After the first few hard frosts, and once the leaves have turned brown, apply a layer of winter mulch, typically four to six inches of clean straw or pine needles. This mulch insulates the crowns from extreme cold and prevents the soil’s freeze-thaw cycles from pushing the plants out of the ground, known as “heaving,” guaranteeing their survival for the next season.