The successful establishment of a strawberry patch begins long before the first berry forms, starting with the careful selection and purchase of the plants themselves. Understanding where to buy strawberry plants, what form they come in, and which variety suits your garden is the first step toward a successful perennial harvest. This guide will walk you through the purchasing process to help you make informed choices for your own strawberry bed.
Sources for Buying Strawberry Plants
Local nurseries and garden centers provide immediate availability and the ability to visually inspect the plants before purchase. These retailers often stock varieties well-suited to the local climate. However, the selection may be limited to the most common types, and the plants are typically sold as more expensive potted specimens later in the spring.
Big-box stores also offer plants at lower prices, but the health of the stock can be inconsistent, and staff might not be available to offer specialized advice. For a wider selection, mail-order specialty growers are an excellent resource, offering hundreds of specific cultivars, including many regional or heirloom types. These specialized vendors ship dormant plants directly to your door at the ideal planting time, often guaranteeing the plants are certified disease-free. Shipping costs and the inability to inspect the plants beforehand are a consideration.
Types of Plant Material Available
Strawberry plants are primarily sold in two physical forms: bare-root and potted plants. Bare-root plants, also known as crowns, are dormant and arrive without any soil, appearing as a central, thick stem with a cluster of exposed roots. This is the most common form for mail-order purchases, as the plants are lightweight, less expensive per unit, and adapt very quickly to the soil once planted.
Potted plants or plugs are actively growing in a small amount of soil and feature green foliage at the time of purchase. These are generally easier for new gardeners to handle, as they suffer less transplant shock and can be planted later in the season. While they are more expensive and offer fewer variety choices, the visible growth provides reassurance that the plant is viable.
Choosing the Right Strawberry Variety
Selecting the appropriate variety is the most important decision for long-term harvest success, as it dictates the fruiting pattern. Strawberry varieties are categorized into three main types based on how they react to the length of daylight.
June-Bearing
June-bearing strawberries are the most common type and produce a single, large crop of fruit over a two to three-week period, typically in late spring or early summer. These varieties form their flower buds in the previous autumn. They are favored for their large fruit size and high yield, making them ideal for gardeners who want to process a large batch for jamming or freezing.
Everbearing
Everbearing strawberries produce two smaller harvests: one in the late spring and a second, lighter crop in the late summer or early fall. These types are less sensitive to day length than June-bearing varieties. They are a good choice for those who desire multiple harvests for fresh eating.
Day-Neutral
Day-neutral varieties are a modern improvement on everbearing types and are the least sensitive to day length. They continuously produce blossoms and fruit throughout the entire growing season. Day-neutral plants fruit best when temperatures are between 40°F and 85°F, making them excellent for container growing and continuous fresh snacking.
Ensuring Plant Quality Before Purchase
A close examination of the plant material will help mitigate the risk of introducing disease to your garden, whether you are unboxing a shipment or inspecting plants at a local retailer.
Inspecting Bare-Root Plants
For bare-root plants, the crown should feel firm and solid, not mushy or soft, which could indicate crown rot. The roots should ideally be light tan or white. While some slight browning on the exterior is normal, a dark brown or black root system suggests a lack of oxygen or a root disease.
Inspecting Potted Plants
Potted plants require inspection of the foliage. Look for leaves that are deep green and free of any spots, yellowing, or curling, which are common signs of nutrient deficiency, fungal disease, or pest infestation. Check the undersides of the leaves for small insects like spider mites or aphids. A healthy potted plant will also have roots visible at the bottom of the container, but they should not be tightly circling the pot, which indicates a root-bound condition.