Colorado’s short growing season calls for planting strawberries in late April or early May. Knowing exactly when to plant strawberries in Colorado is the key to a sweet, successful harvest. The state’s unique climate, with its cold winters and unpredictable spring frosts, means timing is everything.
This guide covers everything you need to know about planting strawberries in Colorado. You will learn the best dates, soil prep, and care tips for a bountiful crop.
When To Plant Strawberries In Colorado
The best time to plant strawberries in Colorado is from late April to early May. This window gives the plants a chance to establish roots before the summer heat. However, the exact date depends on your specific location and elevation.
Understanding Colorado’s Growing Zones
Colorado spans USDA hardiness zones 3 through 7. Lower elevations, like Denver and the Front Range, warm up faster. Higher elevations, like the mountains, stay cooler much longer.
- Front Range (Denver, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins): Plant from mid-April to early May.
- Western Slope (Grand Junction, Palisade): Plant from early to mid-April.
- High Mountains (Leadville, Breckenridge): Plant from late May to early June.
Checking Soil Temperature
Strawberries need soil that is at least 50°F (10°C) to grow well. Use a soil thermometer to check. If the soil is too cold, the roots will rot or the plants will stay dormant.
Wait until the ground is workable and not waterlogged. If you dig a handful of soil and it forms a muddy ball, it is too wet. Wait a few more days.
Watching For Frost Dates
Colorado’s last spring frost can happen as late as May 15 in some areas. Young strawberry plants are sensitive to frost. Protect them with row covers or cloches if a late frost is predicted.
You can plant a bit earlier if you are ready to cover them. Many gardeners plant in late April and just watch the weather closely.
Choosing The Right Strawberry Variety For Colorado
Not all strawberries grow well in Colorado’s dry, sunny climate. Pick varieties that are hardy and disease-resistant. You have three main types to choose from.
June-Bearing Strawberries
These produce one large crop in late spring or early summer. They are great for making jam or freezing. Popular choices for Colorado include:
- Honeoye: Very hardy and produces large, firm berries.
- Earliglow: Known for its sweet flavor and early harvest.
- Allstar: Disease-resistant and produces well in our soil.
Ever-Bearing Strawberries
These produce two to three smaller crops throughout the summer. They are perfect for fresh eating all season long. Good options include:
- Ozark Beauty: Very popular in Colorado for its reliability.
- Fort Laramie: Developed for cold climates and produces well.
- Quinault: Produces large, soft berries with great flavor.
Day-Neutral Strawberries
These produce fruit continuously from spring until the first frost. They are ideal for small gardens or containers. Try these:
- Tristar: A classic day-neutral that handles Colorado’s sun.
- Seascape: Very productive and resistant to common diseases.
- Albion: Produces large, firm berries with excellent taste.
Preparing Your Soil For Strawberries
Strawberries need well-draining soil with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. Colorado soil is often alkaline and heavy with clay. You need to amend it before planting.
Testing Your Soil
Get a soil test kit from your local garden center. This tells you the pH and nutrient levels. You can also send a sample to the Colorado State University Extension office for a detailed report.
Amending The Soil
Mix in plenty of organic matter. Compost, well-rotted manure, or peat moss all work well. This improves drainage and adds nutrients.
- Remove all weeds and grass from the planting area.
- Dig down 12 inches and loosen the soil.
- Mix in 2 to 4 inches of compost.
- Add a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10, following package directions.
- Rake the bed smooth and let it settle for a few days.
Raised Beds For Better Drainage
Raised beds are a great option for Colorado gardens. They warm up faster in spring and drain better than ground soil. Build beds that are at least 8 inches tall.
Fill them with a mix of topsoil, compost, and sand. This gives the strawberries the loose, rich soil they love.
How To Plant Strawberries Step-By-Step
Once your soil is ready and the timing is right, planting is simple. Follow these steps for the best results.
Spacing Your Plants
Space strawberry plants 12 to 18 inches apart in rows. Leave 2 to 3 feet between rows. This gives them room to spread and allows for good air flow.
If you are using the matted row system, space plants 18 inches apart. Let the runners fill in the space between plants.
Planting Depth
This is very important. Plant strawberries so the crown (where the leaves meet the roots) is at soil level. If you plant too deep, the crown rots. If you plant too shallow, the roots dry out.
Make a small mound of soil in the hole. Spread the roots over the mound. Cover with soil and press down gently. Water well after planting.
Watering After Planting
Water your new plants deeply right away. Keep the soil consistently moist for the first two weeks. After that, water once or twice a week, depending on rainfall.
Colorado is dry, so you may need to water more often. Use drip irrigation or soaker hoses to keep water off the leaves. This prevents disease.
Caring For Your Strawberry Plants Through The Season
Strawberries need regular care to produce well. Here is what to do after planting.
Mulching
Mulch helps keep the soil cool and moist. It also prevents weeds. Use straw, pine needles, or shredded leaves. Apply a 2-inch layer around the plants.
Avoid using grass clippings, as they can mat down and cause rot. Straw is the best choice for strawberries.
Fertilizing
Fertilize your strawberries three weeks after planting. Use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10. Apply again in late summer after the harvest is done.
Do not over-fertilize, as this can cause lots of leaves but few berries. Follow the package directions carefully.
Managing Runners
Strawberries produce runners (long stems with new plants on the end). For June-bearing varieties, let a few runners grow to fill in the row. Remove the rest to keep the bed tidy.
For ever-bearing and day-neutral varieties, remove all runners. This forces the plant to put energy into producing fruit instead of new plants.
Winter Protection
Colorado winters can kill strawberry plants without protection. In late fall, after the ground freezes, cover the bed with 4 to 6 inches of straw. This insulates the plants.
Remove the straw in early spring when new growth appears. Leave a thin layer to keep the soil moist and clean the fruit.
Common Problems When Growing Strawberries In Colorado
Even with good care, problems can arise. Here are the most common issues and how to fix them.
Frost Damage
Late spring frosts can kill flowers and young fruit. Cover plants with row covers or old sheets when frost is predicted. Remove the covers in the morning.
If you plant in late April, be ready to protect your plants. A single frost can wipe out your entire crop.
Pests
Birds love strawberries. Use netting to keep them away. Slugs and snails can also be a problem. Set out beer traps or use diatomaceous earth around the plants.
Aphids and spider mites sometimes appear. Spray them off with a strong stream of water or use insecticidal soap.
Diseases
Powdery mildew and root rot are common in Colorado. Prevent them by watering at the base of the plant and spacing plants for good air flow.
If you see signs of disease, remove affected leaves and treat with a fungicide. Rotate your strawberry bed every three years to prevent soil-borne diseases.
Harvesting Your Strawberries
Strawberries are ready to pick when they are fully red and slightly soft. Pick them in the morning when they are cool. Hold the stem just above the berry and twist gently.
Do not wash them until you are ready to eat them. Washing removes the natural protective coating and causes them to spoil faster. Store unwashed berries in the refrigerator for up to a week.
For June-bearing varieties, you will have a big harvest over a few weeks. For ever-bearing and day-neutral types, you can pick berries all summer long.
Frequently Asked Questions About Planting Strawberries In Colorado
Can I plant strawberries in the fall in Colorado?
It is not recommended. Fall planting gives the plants too little time to establish before winter. They will likely die. Stick to spring planting for best results.
What is the best strawberry variety for high altitude areas?
Fort Laramie and Ozark Beauty are excellent choices for high altitude. They are very cold-hardy and produce well even in short growing seasons.
How often should I water strawberries in Colorado’s dry climate?
Water deeply once or twice a week. In hot, dry weather, you may need to water every other day. Check the soil moisture by sticking your finger 2 inches into the soil.
Do strawberries need full sun in Colorado?
Yes, strawberries need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. More sun means more and sweeter berries. Avoid planting in shady spots.
Can I grow strawberries in containers in Colorado?
Absolutely. Containers are a great option, especially for small spaces. Use a pot that is at least 12 inches deep with drainage holes. Fill it with quality potting mix and water more often than ground plants.
Growing strawberries in Colorado is rewarding if you get the timing right. Remember to plant in late April or early May, choose the right variety, and protect your plants from frost. With a little care, you will enjoy fresh, homegrown strawberries all season long.
Start preparing your soil now, and you will be ready when the time comes. Happy planting