Leslie Massey
Strawberries are easy to grow in Australia, with many varieties to choose from. They can be grown in most Australian climates, including temperate, cold, sub-tropical, and mild tropical regions. They are sensitive to frost, but this can be mitigated by planting them in a sunny spot that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. The best months for planting strawberries in Australia are between May and June, and they can be grown from seeds or runners. It is important to provide strawberries with good air circulation and well-drained soil, and to protect them from pests. With the right care, anyone can enjoy the sweetness of homegrown strawberries!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Climate | Sub-tropical, mild tropics, temperate, cold regions |
| Frost protection | Required in cold areas; use frost-cloth or a 10cm layer of straw mulch |
| Seasons | Autumn, spring, summer, winter |
| Methods | Crowns, runners, potted plants, seeds |
| Location | Garden beds, pots, troughs, window boxes, hanging baskets, raised beds |
| Sunlight | At least 6 hours of direct sunlight |
| Soil | Rich, fertile, well-drained, friable, pH of 6-6.5 |
| Watering | Regular; 3-4 times a week for the first few months, then once or twice a week |
| Containers | Wide, shallow pots or planters |
| Space | 20-30cm between plants |
| Fertiliser | Seaweed solution, Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser |
| Pests | Netting to protect from birds and other wildlife |
| Companion planting | Herbs such as sage, dill, coriander, thyme, and chives |
| Avoid planting with | Tomatoes, eggplants, capsicum, roses, mint, potatoes |
| Best months | Between May and June |
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What You'll Learn
Best seasons and months for planting strawberries in Australia
Strawberries can be grown in a variety of climates in Australia, including subtropical, mild tropical, temperate, and cold regions. They are sensitive to frost, but this can be mitigated by covering the plants with frost cloth or a 10 cm layer of straw mulch over the winter.
The best months for planting strawberries in Australia are between May and June. Strawberries can be grown from seeds or runners. Seeds can be time-consuming, as the plant can take up to two years to fruit. Runners, on the other hand, are the strawberry plant's dormant stage and are available from around mid-May onwards. They should be purchased as 'virus-free' to prevent receiving a diseased plant.
When planting strawberries, choose a sunny spot in your garden that receives full sun (at least six hours a day) and has good drainage. If planting in the ground, ensure plants have good drainage by mounding the soil into rows or planting in raised beds. Each strawberry plant needs an area of around 30 cm to grow and fruit well.
Strawberries can be planted in different seasons, including autumn, spring, summer, and winter, depending on the method used. Potted strawberry plants planted in autumn should start to flower and set fruit in the following spring and summer. Seed-grown strawberries, sown in autumn or spring, will take 20-28 weeks to start fruiting.
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Preparing the soil and planting methods
Preparing the soil and choosing a planting method are key steps in growing strawberries. The right soil and planting method will give your strawberries the best chance of thriving.
Strawberries need slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6–6.5. The soil should be enriched with compost, well-rotted manure (worm and cow manure are good options), and a thick layer of mulch. It's important to prepare the soil in advance—about one to two months before planting. This will ensure the soil is deep, rich, and ready for your strawberries. Two weeks before planting, pull back the mulch and water the soil with a seaweed-based solution.
When it comes to planting, strawberries can be grown in a variety of ways. They grow well in slightly raised beds (about 15–20 cm high) or in suitable pots, hanging baskets, or bags. If you're planting in a bed or the ground, space the plants about 20–30 cm apart to give them room to grow and ensure good air circulation. If you're planting in pots, choose a premium potting mix with the Australian Standards tick of approval. Fruit or vegetable potting mixes are ideal.
If you're planting strawberries as runners, use healthy white roots, removing any old roots and leaves from the crown. Dig wide holes, place a little pile of soil in the centre, and gently place the crown on the soil, fanning out the roots. Backfill the hole with soil, making sure the crown is at ground level, not buried. Water well and mulch, avoiding the sensitive stems. Straw or collected pine needles can be used for mulching.
Strawberries are usually ready to plant in spring, but they can be planted at other times of the year, depending on the climate and variety. They are shallow-rooted, so they need protection from strong winds and full sun in warm climates. A spot with morning sun and protection from the afternoon rays is ideal in cool climates, while a little shade cloth cover is recommended in warm areas.
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Choosing the right location and amount of sunlight
Strawberries require a significant amount of sunlight to grow healthily and produce fruit. They are native to the partial shade of temperate forests in North America, but over the centuries, they have been cultivated to produce larger berries, sweeter flavours, and higher yields. As a result, cultivated strawberries require more sunlight than their wild counterparts.
When growing strawberries in Australia, it is important to consider the climate and choose a suitable location. Strawberries can be grown in a variety of climates, including subtropical, mild tropical, temperate, and cold regions. In warm areas, it is recommended to provide a little shade to prevent sunburn. In cool climates, a warm, full-sun to part-shade spot is ideal. Morning sun with protection from the afternoon rays is preferable.
Strawberries need at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to grow healthy foliage and yield fruit. They thrive in full sun and can struggle to produce flowers and fruits in shaded conditions. For the most fruit production, it is best to choose the sunniest south-facing location in your garden, away from larger vegetation that may block the sun.
If your strawberry plants are small, pale, stunted, and low-yielding, they may not be receiving enough sunlight. Insufficient light can lead to a lack of energy for proper growth and fruit production. In such cases, transplanting to a brighter location may be necessary.
It is worth noting that while strawberries benefit from ample sunlight, they also require good air circulation and protection from strong winds. Growing strawberries in containers, raised beds, or hanging baskets can provide the necessary sunlight while facilitating easy relocation if adjustments are needed.
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Watering, fertilising, and pest control
Watering
Strawberries need regular watering, and they like it moist but not soaking wet. Due to their shallow roots, they can dry out quickly, especially in hanging baskets or windy conditions, so keep a close eye on them and water when necessary. It is important to avoid getting water on their fruits and foliage as this can cause fungus. When you see the first small fruits, it is a good idea to reduce watering, as this will improve their flavour.
Fertilising
Strawberries thrive in slightly acidic soil (pH 6–6.5) with a thick layer of mulch and a lot of compost. Some well-rotted manure from cows or worms can also help. Avoid mushroom compost and chook poo, as these can be too alkaline for strawberries. Prepare the soil in advance—about one to two months—to ensure it is rich and deep. Before planting, water the soil with seaweed tea. If growing strawberries in pots, fertilise them at half strength but increase the frequency.
Pest Control
Netting fruit trees can help protect ripening strawberries from birds and other hungry wildlife. Slugs can be deterred with beer traps or copper strips placed around the perimeter. Diatomaceous earth, a gritty powder, can also be used against slugs and other soft-bodied pests. A floating row cover will keep pests from eating your berries while still allowing access to light, air, and rain. Remember to remove the cover for at least two hours per day to let bees in for pollination. Planting marigolds can help control nematodes, and they will also attract beneficial insects such as ladybugs and parasitic wasps, which prey on other pests. Organic pest control methods include using hot pepper spray, rotten eggs, blood meal, castor oil, orange peels, soap, and even human hair.
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Harvesting and storing strawberries
Strawberries are best harvested in the early morning when the berries are firm and cool from the night air. Check for ripe, fully red berries daily during peak season. You can remove strawberries from the stem using scissors, secateurs, or your fingers, placing them in a shallow container to avoid crushing the fruit. Make sure not to pull the berry, as this can damage the plant or bruise the fruit.
Once harvested, refrigerate strawberries immediately to maintain freshness. Do not wash the berries before refrigerating. Instead, line a container with a paper towel to absorb moisture and lightly cover the top with plastic wrap or a lid with small vents. Remove any overripe or damaged berries, as these will cause the others to decay faster. Stored in the refrigerator, strawberries will last for about a week, sometimes longer.
If you want to store strawberries for longer, you can freeze them. Rinse and gently pat them dry, then hull the berries (remove the green tops). Place the berries in a single layer on a baking sheet and flash-freeze them. Once frozen, transfer the berries to a labelled freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Frozen strawberries will keep for 6-8 months, but for the best flavour, it is recommended to use them within 6 months.
Strawberries are either summer-bearing or everbearing, with varying cropping times. Summer-bearing strawberries produce one large harvest over a two-week period in the summer, while ever-bearing strawberries can fruit for many months. The exact timing depends on the cultivar, with the main summer-fruiting varieties divided into early, mid, and late-season types.
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Frequently asked questions
Strawberries can be planted in Australia in all climates, from Queensland to Hobart, Melbourne to Perth. The best months for planting strawberries are between May and June.
Strawberries can be grown from seeds or runners. Growing strawberries from seeds can be time-consuming, as it may take up to two years for the plant to fruit. The alternative is to grow strawberries from runners or established plants. A 'runner' is a long shoot sent out from the original strawberry plant that can establish a new plant once it touches the ground.
Strawberries thrive in rich, fertile soil with excellent drainage. They also need lots of sun—at least six hours a day.
Strawberries are either summer-bearing or everbearing, and come in a range of different shapes, sizes and flavours with varying cropping times. Summer-bearing strawberries tend to grow bigger fruits and produce one larger harvest over a two-week period in the summer. Alpine strawberries are a good option for those looking to grow strawberries from seeds, as they are easier to grow from seed than other varieties.
