The challenge of cultivating strawberries in Colorado requires specific techniques due to the region’s unique environmental factors. Gardeners face high altitude, intense solar radiation, and naturally alkaline soil, which differs from typical growing conditions. The short, intense growing season and the risk of late spring frosts necessitate careful planning. By adapting planting methods and choosing the right varieties, it is possible to cultivate flavorful berries despite the challenging climate.
Selecting the Right Strawberry Type
Choosing the appropriate variety is the first step toward success in Colorado’s unpredictable climate, particularly due to the threat of late frosts. Strawberries are categorized into three main types based on their fruiting habits: June-bearing, Everbearing, and Day-neutral. June-bearing varieties produce one large crop over a two-to-three-week period, but their early flowering makes them susceptible to damage from late spring freezes.
Everbearing and Day-neutral varieties are generally more reliable for home gardeners. Everbearing types, such as ‘Ogallala’ and ‘Fort Laramie,’ typically yield two main crops—one in early summer and a second in the fall. If the first flowers are killed by frost, a substantial harvest can still be anticipated later in the year. Day-neutral cultivars like ‘Tristar’ and ‘Tribute’ are even more resilient, fruiting continuously as long as temperatures remain moderate.
Site Preparation and Initial Planting
Colorado’s native soil is often highly alkaline, with pH values commonly ranging between 7.0 and 8.2. Strawberries thrive best in a slightly acidic range of 6.0 to 7.0. Amending large, in-ground plots is often impractical because the native soil resists change. Therefore, utilizing raised beds or containers filled with imported, balanced soil is the most effective approach to managing pH and ensuring plant health.
Excellent drainage is necessary for strawberry roots, which are prone to rot in waterlogged conditions. The planting site must receive a minimum of eight hours of direct sunlight daily to support maximum fruit production. Planting should occur in early spring, typically after the final hard frost, which is often around mid-April to early May along the Front Range.
When setting the bare-root plants, precision in planting depth is necessary. The crown, where the leaves emerge, must be positioned exactly at the soil surface. Planting the crown too deep will cause it to rot, while setting it too shallow will expose the roots to dry air. Incorporating aged compost before planting will improve both the soil structure and its water-holding capacity.
Essential Ongoing Care
The intense sun and dry air necessitate consistent, deep watering to prevent the shallow root systems from drying out. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are the most effective methods, delivering water directly to the root zone and minimizing evaporation. During the hottest summer months, especially when blossoming or setting fruit, plants require approximately one inch of water per week.
Strawberries are light feeders and respond well to a regular, measured fertilization schedule. For established plantings, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer or a nitrogen-heavy granular formula (such as 21-0-0) after the primary fruiting period is complete. Light applications throughout the summer support continuous growth and fruit production in Everbearing and Day-neutral types. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as this encourages lush foliage growth at the expense of fruit yield.
Managing runners is crucial, as they divert energy from fruit production. June-bearing varieties are typically grown in a matted row system, allowing some runners to establish new plants. In contrast, Everbearing and Day-neutral varieties are best maintained in a hill system, where all runners are routinely removed. Protection from high-altitude hail is a constant concern, often requiring the temporary use of netting or row covers when storms are forecast.
Overwintering for Colorado Winters
As perennial plants, strawberries require proper preparation to survive the harsh freeze-thaw cycles and deep cold of a Colorado winter. After the first hard frost in late fall, the plants enter dormancy, signaling the start of winter preparation. The bed should be thoroughly watered one last time before the ground freezes solid.
The most important step is applying a thick, insulating layer of mulch. Use clean, weed-free straw or pine needles, distributing the material two to four inches deep over the entire bed, completely covering the crowns. This mulch insulates the crowns from lethal temperatures and prevents damaging soil heaving caused by repeated freezing and thawing. Apply the mulch around December 1st or when temperatures consistently drop below freezing.