Strawberries are a rewarding perennial fruit, but establishing a successful patch requires precise timing and preparation, especially given Colorado’s diverse climate. Although cold-hardy, producing a strong crop depends on a full season of root establishment before winter. Colorado’s varied geography means planting windows and site requirements differ significantly across the state. Understanding local climate influences is necessary to encourage a robust root system and ensure a bountiful harvest.
Optimal Planting Timelines in Colorado
The most common time to plant bare-root strawberries in Colorado is in the early spring, as soon as the soil is workable. This typically falls between mid-April and mid-May, after the most severe winter weather but before the final average frost date. Planting bare-root stock early allows the plant a full growing season to develop a deep root structure before its first winter dormancy. The soil temperature should be above 40°F for active root growth to begin immediately.
Planting timing shifts based on elevation and region. Gardeners along the Front Range, including Denver and Colorado Springs, usually target late April to early May for spring planting. Those in the High Country, with shorter growing seasons and later frost dates, often need to wait until late May or even early June.
An alternative window exists for fall planting, suited for Everbearing or Day-neutral varieties. This involves planting in late August or early September, giving the crowns six to eight weeks to establish roots before the first hard frost. Fall planting directs the plant’s energy into root development, setting the stage for a strong yield the following year. This method is best suited for milder areas of the state, such as parts of the Western Slope.
Choosing the Right Strawberry Variety
Selecting a variety that can handle Colorado’s short season and unpredictable late spring frosts is important for long-term success. Strawberry plants are categorized into three types based on their fruiting habits. The June-bearing type produces a single, large crop over a two-to-three-week period, typically in late June or July along the Front Range. These varieties yield the largest berries, but their blossoms are susceptible to damage from frequent late spring frosts.
Everbearing varieties are more reliable in the state’s variable climate because they produce two main crops: one in early summer and a second, lighter crop in the late summer or early fall. If a late frost destroys the first set of flowers, the gardener can still expect a full harvest from the second crop later in the season. Recommended cold-hardy Everbearing cultivars for Colorado include ‘Ogallala’ and ‘Fort Laramie’.
Day-neutral varieties are similar to Everbearing types, offering a continuous, lighter yield throughout the summer and into the fall, regardless of day length. These plants are a good option for container gardening or raised beds. Cultivars such as ‘Tristar’ and ‘Tribute’ are well-suited for this region.
Essential Site Preparation and Planting Technique
Strawberries require a site that receives a minimum of eight hours of full sun daily and offers well-drained soil. Since many areas of Colorado have heavy clay soil, planting in raised beds is often recommended to ensure proper drainage and prevent root rot. The soil should be amended with organic matter, such as well-aged compost or manure, to improve texture and fertility.
Strawberries prefer a slightly acidic pH range (5.5 to 6.5), which may require amending the typically alkaline soil found in Colorado. Proper planting depth is important when handling bare-root crowns, which consist of roots attached to a central bud. The crown must be positioned so that the midpoint of the central bud is level with the soil surface.
Planting the crown too deep will cause the plant to rot, while planting too shallowly will cause the crown to dry out. After spreading the roots outward in the planting hole, gently backfill the soil and tamp it down. Water immediately to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets. Depending on the variety, plants are spaced 12 to 24 inches apart in matted rows or 9 to 12 inches apart in the hill system.
First-Year Care and Winter Survival
The primary focus during the first growing season is encouraging the development of a strong root system rather than producing fruit. For this reason, all flowers should be removed from June-bearing varieties during their initial year. Everbearing and Day-neutral varieties should have their first flush of blooms removed, but flowers that appear after July 1st can be allowed to fruit, providing a small late-season harvest.
Consistent moisture is necessary, especially in Colorado’s dry climate, but the soil should never be saturated, as this promotes disease. As fall approaches, water should be withheld slightly to encourage the plants to harden off and prepare for dormancy. A final, deep watering in November is recommended before the ground freezes to prevent the root system from drying out.
Protecting the crowns from extreme temperature swings and dry winter winds is essential. Apply a protective layer of clean, seed-free straw mulch to a depth of one to two inches after the ground has frozen, typically around December 1st along the Front Range. This mulch insulates the crowns from temperatures below 15°F and prevents root damage caused by freezing and thawing.