When to Plant Strawberries in Missouri

Strawberries are a favorite fruit for many home gardeners in Missouri, thanks to their sweet taste and relatively easy cultivation. However, for a successful harvest, it’s essential to plant strawberries at the right time. In Missouri, timing your planting to align with the climate and growing conditions is crucial for healthy plants and a bountiful crop. Here’s everything you need to know about when to plant strawberries in Missouri.

1. Understanding Missouri’s Growing Zones

Missouri falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 7a, meaning the state experiences cold winters and hot, humid summers. These conditions are ideal for strawberry plants, which require a winter dormancy period followed by warm temperatures for fruiting.

However, the planting time can vary depending on whether you’re located in northern Missouri (Zone 5) or southern Missouri (Zone 6 or 7).

2. Best Time to Plant Strawberries in Missouri

For the best results, plant strawberries in early spring, after the ground has thawed and can be worked. In most parts of Missouri, this is typically from late March to early April, depending on local weather conditions.

  • Northern Missouri (Zone 5): Aim to plant strawberries in late March to early April. Be mindful of late spring frosts and ensure the ground has warmed enough for planting.
  • Southern Missouri (Zone 6 and 7): You can plant strawberries slightly earlier, usually in mid-March. However, ensure the threat of hard frosts has passed.

Planting in early spring gives the strawberry plants ample time to establish their root systems before the summer heat arrives. It also allows them to go through a cold period, which helps stimulate better flowering and fruit production in the following year.

3. Choosing the Right Type of Strawberries for Missouri

The type of strawberry you choose will also influence your planting and harvesting times. There are three primary types of strawberries:

  • June-bearing: These strawberries produce one large crop of berries in late spring to early summer. June-bearing varieties, such as ‘Allstar,’ ‘Honeoye,’ and ‘Earliglow,’ are the most common for Missouri gardeners. Planting them in early spring gives them the necessary chilling period for a robust crop.

  • Everbearing: These varieties produce two to three smaller harvests throughout the growing season—one in early summer and another in late summer or early fall. Varieties like ‘Ozark Beauty’ and ‘Quinault’ are popular in Missouri. Everbearing strawberries can also be planted in early spring.

  • Day-neutral: These strawberries produce fruit continuously throughout the growing season, as long as temperatures stay between 40°F and 85°F. Day-neutral varieties such as ‘Albion’ and ‘Seascape’ can be planted in early spring for a steady supply of berries through summer and early fall.

4. Planting Strawberries in Missouri

Once the soil is ready and the frost danger has passed, you can begin planting.

  • Soil preparation: Strawberries require well-drained, loamy soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If your soil is heavy with clay or lacks drainage, amend it with organic matter like compost or well-rotted manure.

  • Planting depth: When planting strawberry plants, ensure the crown (where the leaves meet the roots) is level with the soil surface. Planting too deeply can cause the crown to rot, while planting too shallow can lead to root exposure and poor growth.

  • Spacing: Space June-bearing plants about 12 to 18 inches apart in rows that are 3 to 4 feet apart. Everbearing and day-neutral strawberries can be spaced closer together, about 8 to 12 inches apart, as they tend to produce smaller plants.

5. Mulching and Frost Protection

Strawberry plants are susceptible to late frosts, which can damage their blossoms and reduce fruit production. In Missouri, it’s important to monitor the weather closely in the spring.

  • Mulching: After planting, apply a layer of straw or pine needle mulch around the plants. This helps retain soil moisture, suppress weeds, and protect the plants from temperature fluctuations.

  • Frost protection: If a frost is predicted after your strawberries have been planted, cover them with row covers, frost blankets, or even old bedsheets to protect the tender plants from cold damage.

6. Fall Planting Option

In some parts of Missouri, particularly the southern regions, fall planting is also possible. Fall planting allows the plants to establish their root systems before winter sets in. This practice can lead to an earlier and more robust harvest the following spring.

For fall planting:

  • Plant strawberries in September, allowing them time to establish before the first frost.
  • Mulch heavily to protect the plants from freezing temperatures over the winter.

Fall planting is best suited for everbearing and day-neutral varieties, but with proper care, June-bearing varieties can also be successfully planted in the fall.

7. Caring for Strawberries After Planting

Once your strawberries are in the ground, proper care is key to promoting strong growth and future fruiting.

  • Watering: Keep the soil evenly moist, especially during the first few weeks after planting. Strawberries need about 1 inch of water per week during the growing season.

  • Fertilizing: Fertilize strawberry plants lightly after planting and again in late summer or early fall to encourage healthy root and foliage growth. Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of fruit production.

  • Weed control: Keep weeds at bay by regularly pulling them and adding mulch around the plants. Weeds compete with strawberries for nutrients and water, which can reduce yields.

8. Harvesting

June-bearing strawberries will typically be ready for harvest in late May or early June, depending on when you plant. For everbearing and day-neutral varieties, you can expect harvests throughout the summer and into early fall.

Harvest strawberries when they are fully red and ripe, as they do not continue to ripen after being picked. Be sure to pick regularly to encourage more fruit production.

Conclusion

The best time to plant strawberries in Missouri is in early spring, after the danger of frost has passed, usually between late March and early April. By choosing the right variety, preparing your soil, and providing proper care, you’ll be rewarded with a bountiful strawberry harvest in late spring or summer. With attention to planting time and good gardening practices, strawberries can be a successful and delicious addition to your Missouri garden!