Sweet, fragrant strawberries are a favorite home crop across Virginia, but a successful harvest begins with planting at the correct time. The timing of planting is tied to the plant’s natural growth cycle, which dictates whether it focuses energy on root establishment or immediate fruit production. Understanding the ideal window for Virginia’s varied climate is the first step toward enjoying fresh berries.
Optimal Planting Seasons for Virginia
Virginia gardeners have two primary windows for establishing new strawberry plants: early spring and late summer. The most common time for planting bare-root crowns is early spring, typically between mid-February and late March, about four to six weeks before the last expected frost date. This timing allows the root system to develop fully during cooler, moist conditions before the stress of Virginia’s hot summer begins.
The exact date depends on the state’s climate zones; for example, the milder Tidewater region can begin planting in March, while Appalachian areas may wait until April. Spring planting is important for day-neutral and everbearing varieties to maximize their first-year yield. An alternative is late summer or early fall planting (late August to mid-September), which is often recommended for June-bearing types to allow for root establishment before winter dormancy.
Selecting the Best Strawberry Types for Virginia
The majority of home gardeners in Virginia find June-bearing varieties the most practical choice for a high-volume harvest. These varieties, such as ‘Chandler’ or ‘Jewel,’ produce a single, large crop over a two-to-three-week period, typically in May or June. They form flower buds in the fall when day length is short and temperatures are below 60°F, leading to their concentrated spring harvest.
Everbearing and Day-neutral varieties offer a smaller, more consistent supply of fruit throughout the season. Day-neutral types, like ‘Albion’ or ‘Seascape,’ are less sensitive to day length and fruit continuously until the first hard frost, though production may slow during the hottest summer weeks. While they require less runner management than June-bearing types, the overall volume of fruit is lower.
Site Preparation and Planting Technique
Choosing the right location and preparing the soil are important steps before planting. Strawberries require a minimum of eight hours of full sunlight daily, making a south-facing, well-draining site ideal. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a target pH range between 5.9 and 6.5, which should be confirmed with a soil test.
Prior to planting, the soil should be amended with organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage and fertility, as strawberries are shallow-rooted and thrive in loose soil. When planting bare-root crowns, the technique must be followed carefully to prevent rot or drying out. The crown (the compressed stem connecting the roots and the leaves) must be planted so it rests level with the soil surface. The roots should be spread out in the planting hole, and the soil gently firmed around them, ensuring the central bud is not buried.
Essential Care Immediately After Planting
The first few weeks after planting are dedicated to establishing a strong root system. Immediately after the bare-root plants are set, they require thorough watering to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets around the roots. Consistent moisture is necessary because the plants have a shallow root system and are sensitive to drying out.
Applying a light layer of organic mulch, such as straw or pine needles, directly after planting helps maintain consistent soil temperature and conserve moisture. For spring-planted strawberries, especially June-bearing varieties, all flower buds that appear in the first few weeks must be removed. This practice, known as pinching off the blossoms, redirects the plant’s energy toward developing a robust root system, ensuring a larger harvest in the subsequent year.