The cultivation of strawberries in Louisiana is driven by the state’s mild winters and challenging hot, humid summers. Unlike regions where strawberries are perennial, growers in the Gulf Coast treat them as an annual crop, replanting each fall. This annual approach is necessary because high temperatures and humidity dramatically increase disease pressure, making it difficult for plants to thrive past the early summer harvest.
Optimal Planting Schedule for Louisiana
The best time to plant strawberries in Louisiana is in the fall, specifically from late September through mid-November, with October often being the ideal window. This timing allows the plants to establish a strong root system during the state’s relatively cool winter months. Fall planting uses the naturally shortening days and cool temperatures to initiate the flower buds that will produce the spring harvest. Planting during this period ensures the plants are well-developed and prepared to begin fruiting as soon as temperatures warm in late winter or early spring.
The specific timing can vary slightly depending on the region within the state, with Northern Louisiana generally planting in mid-October and Southern Louisiana sometimes waiting until early November due to milder temperatures. Bare-root plants or plugs are typically used, and setting them out during this fall window maximizes the yield potential. Commercial production can begin as early as late November with plug plants, but the peak harvest for most growers occurs from late February through May.
Recommended Varieties for the Gulf Coast
Selecting the correct cultivar is paramount for successful strawberry production in Louisiana’s unique climate. The most suitable varieties are classified as “short-day” or “June-bearing,” meaning they initiate flowers during the short days and cool temperatures of the fall and winter. These varieties are chosen specifically for their ability to establish quickly, tolerate heat, and produce fruit before the worst summer humidity sets in.
Several cultivars have consistently performed well in trials conducted by the LSU AgCenter and are widely used by commercial growers. ‘Festival’ is a popular choice, known for its medium-sized, firm berry and consistent, high production over a long harvest period. Other commercially viable varieties include ‘Camarosa’ and ‘Chandler,’ both of which are vigorous and productive. ‘Benicia’ is also recommended, producing slightly larger berries than ‘Festival.’
Site Preparation and Planting Technique
Proper preparation of the planting site is fundamental, given the heavy, clay-rich soils and high rainfall common in Louisiana. Strawberries require full sun, meaning a location that receives at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. The soil must be well-drained, which is typically achieved by planting in raised beds or mounds that are 8 to 12 inches high.
Prior to planting, the soil pH should be checked, as strawberries prefer a slightly acidic environment, ideally between 5.8 and 6.2. Incorporating a generous amount of organic matter, such as compost or aged manure, will significantly improve soil structure and drainage. Many growers use a pre-plant fertilizer like a balanced 13-13-13 mixture, which should be worked into the soil several inches deep before the beds are formed.
When setting the plants, the technique of crown depth is critical for survival. The crown, where the roots meet the leaves, must be set exactly at the soil surface. Planting the crown too deep will smother it and lead to rot, while planting too shallow will expose the roots to drying out. Plants should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart, often in a double-set row pattern on the raised bed to maximize yield.
Post-Planting Seasonal Care and Maintenance
Immediate care after planting involves thoroughly watering the transplants to settle the soil around the roots and eliminate air pockets. Consistent moisture is necessary while the plants establish, often requiring daily watering for the first week or two. Once established, using a drip or trickle irrigation system is preferable, as it delivers water directly to the roots and keeps the foliage dry, which helps reduce disease pressure.
Weed control is managed by applying a mulch layer; black plastic is a common choice as it warms the soil and suppresses weeds effectively. Alternatively, organic mulches like pine straw can be used, which also keeps the developing fruit from touching the soil and prevents fruit rot. Fertilization should be managed to encourage growth without excessive vegetative production; a side-dressing application of a balanced fertilizer is often recommended in January or early February and again in mid-March.
While strawberry plants are cold-hardy, their flowers are susceptible to damage from freezing temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If a frost is predicted during the flowering period, plants must be covered with row covers or blankets to provide protection. Throughout the season, runners produced by the mother plant should be pinched off, as this directs the plant’s energy toward flower and fruit production.