Growing strawberries in Oklahoma presents unique challenges due to the state’s fluctuating climate, which includes hot, dry summers and unpredictable spring frosts. A successful harvest requires selecting the right plant material and adhering to a regionally specific care schedule that prepares the plants for both the intense heat and the winter chill. By focusing on proper variety selection, soil preparation, and timely maintenance, Oklahoma gardeners can cultivate a productive and long-lasting strawberry patch.
Selecting Varieties and Optimal Planting Windows
Gardeners in Oklahoma should primarily focus on June-bearing strawberry varieties, as these are the most successful type in the region, producing a single, concentrated harvest from early May to mid-June. Cultivars like ‘Allstar’, ‘Ozark Beauty’, and the heat-tolerant ‘Chandler’ are reliable choices because they are adapted to the state’s demanding climate and require the appropriate winter chill hours. Day-neutral or everbearing varieties, such as ‘Tristar’ or ‘Tribute’, are not recommended since their continuous fruiting cycle is often hampered by the intense summer heat.
The optimal time to plant is in the late winter or early spring, generally between February 1 and mid-March, when the soil is workable. This early timing allows the young, dormant bare-root plants to establish a strong root system before the onset of the summer heat. In the warmer, southeastern areas of Oklahoma, fall planting during October to mid-November can also be successful. When purchasing, always choose certified virus-free bare-root plants to ensure a healthy and vigorous start to the patch.
Preparing the Soil and Installation Methods
Strawberries require a location that receives full sun exposure for at least six to eight hours daily, coupled with excellent soil drainage to prevent root rot. Before planting, conduct a soil test to determine the existing pH level, aiming for a slightly acidic range of 5.8 to 6.5. Amending the planting area with organic matter, such as well-aged compost or peat moss, helps improve the soil structure and drainage, which is especially important in Oklahoma’s heavy clay soils.
Gardeners often choose between the matted row system or raised beds. When setting the bare-root plants, the crown must be set precisely level with the soil surface. Planting the crown too deep can lead to rot, while planting too shallow risks drying out the roots. Initial spacing should place plants about 12 to 18 inches apart, with rows spaced 4 feet apart to accommodate runner development.
Ongoing Care and Pest Management
Consistent moisture is necessary for strawberry health, requiring about one inch of water weekly. Mulching with clean straw or pine needles helps suppress weeds, maintains a cooler soil temperature, and keeps the developing berries off the soil, which reduces the incidence of fruit rot. All blossoms should be removed from June-bearing plants during their first year to direct the plant’s energy toward developing a dense network of mother and runner plants.
Fertilization occurs after the summer harvest, not in the spring, to promote fruit bud set for the following year. Apply a nitrogen fertilizer, such as 1.5 pounds of ammonium nitrate per 100 feet of row, between August 15 and September 15. Pests like two-spotted spider mites thrive in hot, dry conditions; management involves ensuring consistent watering and avoiding excessive nitrogen. For serious infestations, introducing beneficial insects like predatory mites offers a non-chemical control method.
Harvesting and Post-Harvest Bed Renovation
Strawberries should be picked when the entire berry surface is a uniform, deep red color, indicating peak ripeness. Harvesting involves pinching or cutting the small stem just above the cap, leaving the green calyx and a short piece of stem attached to the fruit. This practice prevents bruising and extends the berry’s shelf life. Harvesting should be done during the cooler morning hours.
Immediately following the final harvest, typically in June, bed renovation must begin to prepare the perennial plants for the next season. First, mow the old foliage down to a height of one to two inches above the crowns. The rows should then be narrowed to a width of 8 to 12 inches to prevent overcrowding and maintain fruit size. Apply balanced fertilizer and thoroughly water the bed to stimulate new growth and the formation of next year’s fruit buds.