Pennsylvania’s diverse climate, from mountains to valleys, means selecting strawberries suited to your specific region is key to a successful harvest. Finding the best strawberries to grow in pennsylvania depends on your local weather, soil, and how much sun your garden gets. This guide breaks down the top varieties for every corner of the state.
You want berries that are sweet, firm, and disease-resistant. Pennsylvania’s growing zones range from 5a in the north to 7b in the southeast. That means some strawberries thrive in cooler temps while others handle heat better.
Let’s get straight to the point. We’ll cover June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral types. You’ll know exactly what to plant and when.
Best Strawberries To Grow In Pennsylvania
When you search for the top picks, these varieties consistently perform well across Pennsylvania. They resist common diseases like red stele and verticillium wilt. They also produce big, tasty fruit.
June-Bearing Varieties For Pennsylvania
June-bearers give you one big crop in late spring to early summer. They are the most popular for home gardens in PA.
- Honeoye – Very hardy, great for colder areas. Berries are bright red and firm. Ripens early.
- Jewel – Large, sweet berries. Good for fresh eating and freezing. Does well in central and eastern PA.
- Allstar – Resistant to red stele. Produces big yields. Berries are mild and sweet. Works in most of the state.
- Earliglow – Super early ripener. Excellent flavor. Small to medium berries. Good for southern PA.
- Delmarvel – Similar to Allstar but more disease resistant. Good for the southeast region.
Everbearing Varieties For Pennsylvania
Everbearers give you two crops: one in spring and another in fall. They are less common but useful for extending your harvest.
- Ozark Beauty – Very productive. Berries are medium-sized and sweet. Tolerates heat well.
- Fort Laramie – Cold hardy. Good for northern PA. Produces berries until frost.
- Quinault – Large, soft berries. Best for fresh eating. Needs good drainage.
Day-Neutral Varieties For Pennsylvania
Day-neutrals produce fruit all season long, from spring until fall. They are great for small spaces.
- Tristar – Small but very sweet berries. Resistant to diseases. Works well in containers.
- Tribute – Firm berries with good flavor. Does well in raised beds. Good for the whole state.
- Seascape – Large, firm berries. Very productive. Needs full sun.
How To Choose The Right Strawberry For Your Region
Pennsylvania has three main growing regions. Each one has different conditions. You need to match your variety to your area.
Northern Pennsylvania (Zones 5A-5b)
Cold winters and short growing seasons. You need hardy varieties that can survive freezing temps.
- Best picks: Honeoye, Fort Laramie, Allstar
- Plant in spring after last frost
- Use mulch to protect crowns in winter
Central Pennsylvania (Zones 6A-6b)
Moderate winters and warm summers. Many varieties do well here.
- Best picks: Jewel, Earliglow, Tristar
- Good drainage is important
- Watch for slugs and birds
Southern Pennsylvania (Zones 7A-7b)
Mild winters and hot summers. You need heat-tolerant varieties.
- Best picks: Delmarvel, Ozark Beauty, Seascape
- Provide afternoon shade in July
- Water deeply during dry spells
Planting Strawberries In Pennsylvania: Step-By-Step
Getting the planting right is half the battle. Follow these steps for a strong start.
- Choose a sunny spot – At least 6-8 hours of direct sun daily.
- Test your soil – Strawberries like pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Add lime if needed.
- Prepare the bed – Remove weeds. Mix in compost or aged manure.
- Plant at the right depth – Crown should be at soil level. Too deep causes rot. Too shallow dries roots.
- Space plants properly – 12-18 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart.
- Water well – Give 1-2 inches per week. Drip irrigation is best.
- Mulch around plants – Use straw or pine needles to keep fruit clean and soil moist.
When To Plant Strawberries In Pennsylvania
Timing matters. Plant too early and frost kills them. Plant too late and they don’t establish before summer heat.
- Spring planting – Best for most of PA. Plant as soon as soil can be worked, usually March to April.
- Fall planting – Only for southern PA. Plant in September for a spring harvest next year.
- Container planting – Can be done any time from spring to early summer.
Caring For Your Strawberry Plants
Once planted, strawberries need regular care. Here’s what to do each season.
Spring Care
- Remove winter mulch when new growth appears
- Apply a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) after planting
- Water weekly if no rain
- Pinch off first-year flowers for stronger plants (June-bearers only)
Summer Care
- Keep soil moist but not soggy
- Weed regularly to reduce competition
- Harvest every 2-3 days when berries ripen
- Watch for pests like slugs, birds, and spider mites
Fall Care
- Cut back old leaves after harvest
- Apply a layer of straw mulch for winter protection
- Remove any diseased plants
- Do not fertilize after September
Common Strawberry Problems In Pennsylvania
Even with the best strawberries to grow in pennsylvania, you might face issues. Here are the most common ones and how to fix them.
Diseases
- Red Stele – Causes roots to rot. Choose resistant varieties like Allstar.
- Verticillium Wilt – Wilts leaves. Rotate crops and avoid planting where tomatoes grew.
- Powdery Mildew – White coating on leaves. Improve air circulation.
Pests
- Slugs – Eat holes in berries. Use beer traps or diatomaceous earth.
- Birds – Steal ripe fruit. Cover plants with netting.
- Spider Mites – Cause yellow leaves. Spray with water or insecticidal soap.
Environmental Issues
- Frost Damage – Cover plants with row covers if frost is predicted.
- Poor Pollination – Plant flowers nearby to attract bees.
- Fruit Rot – Keep fruit off wet soil with mulch.
Harvesting And Storing Strawberries
Picking at the right time makes all the difference. Here’s how to do it.
- Harvest when berries are fully red, not just pink
- Pick in the morning when berries are cool
- Leave the green cap on for longer storage
- Refrigerate immediately. Do not wash until ready to eat
- Use within 3-5 days for best flavor
For freezing, wash and hull berries. Lay them on a baking sheet and freeze solid. Then transfer to bags. They keep for up to a year.
Growing Strawberries In Containers
No garden space? No problem. Strawberries grow great in pots on patios or balconies.
- Use a pot at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes
- Fill with quality potting mix, not garden soil
- Plant one strawberry per 6-inch pot, or three in a 12-inch pot
- Water daily in hot weather
- Fertilize every two weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer
- Move pots to a sheltered spot in winter
Day-neutral varieties like Tristar and Tribute are best for containers. They produce all season long.
Companion Plants For Strawberries
Some plants help strawberries grow better. Others should be kept away.
Good Companions
- Borage – Attracts pollinators and repels pests
- Lettuce – Shades soil and keeps it cool
- Spinach – Similar water needs
- Thyme – Deters slugs
Bad Companions
- Tomatoes – Share diseases like verticillium wilt
- Potatoes – Attract similar pests
- Peppers – Same disease risks
- Brassicas (cabbage, broccoli) – Compete for nutrients
Winter Protection For Strawberries
Pennsylvania winters can kill unprotected plants. Here’s how to keep them safe.
- Wait until the ground freezes, usually late November or December
- Cover plants with 3-4 inches of straw, pine needles, or leaves
- Do not use hay as it contains weed seeds
- Remove mulch in spring when new growth starts
- In northern PA, add an extra layer of row cover for severe cold
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest strawberry to grow in Pennsylvania?
Honeoye is the easiest for most of the state. It’s hardy, disease-resistant, and produces well with minimal care.
Can I grow strawberries in shade in Pennsylvania?
Strawberries need full sun. They will produce very few berries in shade. At least 6 hours of direct sun is required.
How long do strawberry plants live in Pennsylvania?
Most plants produce well for 3-4 years. After that, replace them with new plants for best yields.
Should I remove runners from strawberry plants?
For June-bearers, remove runners to focus energy on fruit. For everbearers and day-neutrals, leave some runners for new plants.
What is the best time to plant strawberries in Pennsylvania?
Spring is best for most areas. Plant as soon as the soil is workable, usually March to April. Fall planting works only in southern PA.
Final Tips For Success
Growing strawberries in Pennsylvania is rewarding if you choose the right varieties and give them proper care. Start with disease-resistant types like Allstar or Honeoye. Test your soil and amend it before planting. Water consistently and mulch well.
Remember to rotate your strawberry patch every 3-4 years to avoid soil-borne diseases. If you have limited space, try containers with day-neutral varieties. And always pick berries when they are fully ripe for the sweetest flavor.
With the right approach, you can enjoy fresh, homegrown strawberries from late spring through fall. Happy planting!