Wyoming’s short growing season and cool nights demand strawberry varieties that set fruit quickly, which is why finding the best strawberries to grow in wyoming means focusing on early-season and cold-hardy types. You need plants that can handle a frost in late spring and still produce a bumper crop before the first fall freeze hits. This guide walks you through the top picks, planting tricks, and care tips so you can enjoy sweet, homegrown berries even at high altitude.
Why Wyoming Is Tough On Strawberries
Wyoming sits in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 5, with some areas dipping into zone 2. That means winter temps can drop to -40°F. Strawberry plants need protection, but the right varieties can survive.
Your growing season might only be 90 to 120 days. That’s short. So you need strawberries that ripen in 60 days or less from bloom. June-bearing types work best because they produce all their fruit in a single, early flush.
Wind is another factor. Wyoming is famous for gusts that dry out soil and damage leaves. You’ll want to plant in a sheltered spot or use row covers.
Best Strawberries To Grow In Wyoming
Here are the top performers for Wyoming gardens. These varieties have proven track records in cold climates and short seasons.
Earliglow
Earliglow is a classic early-season June-bearer. It ripens about 60 days after bloom, which fits perfectly into your short window. The berries are medium-sized, deep red, and have a classic sweet flavor.
This variety is also disease-resistant, especially to red stele root rot. That’s a big plus if your soil stays wet in spring. Earliglow plants are vigorous and produce runners well, so you can expand your patch easily.
Honeoye
Honeoye is another early June-bearer that does well in cold climates. It was developed in New York but adapts well to Wyoming conditions. The berries are large, firm, and hold up well in transport.
One downside: Honeoye can be a bit tart if picked early. Let them fully ripen on the plant for the best flavor. They also need good drainage to avoid root issues.
Allstar
Allstar is a mid-season June-bearer that produces huge yields. The berries are very large, sometimes as big as a golf ball. They have a mild, sweet flavor that kids love.
Allstar is more tolerant of clay soils than many varieties. That’s helpful if you’re gardening in heavy Wyoming dirt. It also has good resistance to leaf spot and powdery mildew.
Fort Laramie
Fort Laramie was specifically bred for the Rocky Mountain region. It’s an everbearing type, meaning it produces fruit from early summer until frost. That’s rare for Wyoming, but Fort Laramie handles it.
The berries are medium-sized and very sweet. This variety is extremely cold-hardy and can survive winters without heavy mulching in some areas. It’s a great choice if you want a longer harvest season.
Ogallala
Ogallala is another everbearing variety bred for the Great Plains. It’s named after a Nebraska town, but it thrives in Wyoming too. The berries are small to medium but packed with intense flavor.
Ogallala is very drought-tolerant once established. That’s a big advantage in Wyoming’s dry climate. It also produces fewer runners, so it’s easier to manage in a small space.
Sparkle
Sparkle is a late mid-season June-bearer that’s been a favorite in cold regions for decades. The berries are medium-sized, soft, and have a rich, old-fashioned strawberry taste.
Sparkle is not the best for shipping or long storage, but it’s perfect for eating fresh or making jam. It’s also very winter-hardy and reliable in zones 3-5.
How To Plant Strawberries In Wyoming
Planting at the right time and depth is critical. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Choose The Right Site
Pick a spot that gets full sun, at least 6-8 hours per day. Avoid low areas where frost settles. A south-facing slope is ideal because it warms up faster in spring.
Soil should be well-draining with a pH between 5.5 and 6.5. If your soil is heavy clay, consider raised beds. They warm up faster and drain better.
Step 2: Prepare The Soil
Test your soil pH and amend as needed. Add compost or well-rotted manure a few weeks before planting. Work it in to a depth of 8-10 inches.
Remove all weeds, especially perennial ones like quackgrass. Strawberries don’t compete well with weeds.
Step 3: Plant At The Right Time
In Wyoming, plant strawberries as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. That’s usually late April to mid-May. The soil temperature should be at least 50°F.
If you’re planting bare-root plants, soak the roots in water for an hour before planting. Trim any damaged roots.
Step 4: Set Plants At The Correct Depth
This is the most common mistake. The crown of the plant (where the roots meet the leaves) should be at soil level. If you bury the crown, the plant rots. If you leave it too high, the roots dry out.
Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart. This gives runners room to spread.
Step 5: Water And Mulch
Water deeply after planting. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged for the first few weeks. Drip irrigation is best because it keeps leaves dry and reduces disease.
Apply a 2-3 inch layer of straw mulch around the plants. This conserves moisture, suppresses weeds, and keeps berries clean.
How To Care For Strawberries In Wyoming
Proper care through the season ensures healthy plants and big harvests.
Watering
Strawberries need about 1-2 inches of water per week during the growing season. In Wyoming’s dry climate, you’ll likely need to supplement rainfall. Water at the base of the plants to avoid wetting the leaves.
Reduce watering in late summer to help plants harden off for winter.
Fertilizing
Fertilize in early spring when new growth appears. Use a balanced fertilizer like 10-10-10 at a rate of 1 pound per 100 square feet. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers because they promote leaf growth at the expense of fruit.
After harvest, apply a light feeding to help plants produce runners for next year.
Weed Control
Weeds are a constant battle. Mulch heavily with straw to smother them. Hand-pull any weeds that break through. Avoid using herbicides near strawberries.
Winter Protection
Wyoming winters are brutal. After the ground freezes in late fall, apply a 4-6 inch layer of straw mulch over the plants. This insulates them from temperature swings and prevents heaving.
Remove the mulch in early spring when new growth starts. Leave some mulch around the plants to protect against late frosts.
Common Problems And Solutions
Even with the best varieties, you might encounter issues. Here’s how to handle them.
Frost Damage
Late spring frosts can kill blossoms. Cover plants with row covers or old sheets when frost is forecast. Remove covers in the morning.
If blossoms are damaged, the plant may produce a second flush of flowers, but the yield will be smaller.
Pests
Slugs and snails love strawberries. Use diatomaceous earth or beer traps to control them. Birds can also be a problem. Netting over the plants works well.
Spider mites can appear in hot, dry weather. Spray plants with a strong stream of water to knock them off.
Diseases
Powdery mildew shows up as white powder on leaves. Improve air circulation by spacing plants properly. Remove infected leaves.
Red stele root rot causes plants to wilt and die. Choose resistant varieties like Earliglow. Ensure good drainage.
When And How To Harvest
Harvest time depends on the variety. June-bearers produce all their fruit in a 2-3 week period in early to mid-summer. Everbearers produce flushes throughout the season.
Pick berries when they are fully red. Don’t pull them; pinch the stem above the berry. Harvest every 2-3 days during peak season.
Eat fresh berries within a day or two. For longer storage, freeze them. Wash, hull, and spread them on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to bags.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the easiest strawberry to grow in Wyoming?
Earliglow is one of the easiest. It’s disease-resistant, cold-hardy, and produces early fruit. It requires less fuss than many other varieties.
Can I grow everbearing strawberries in Wyoming?
Yes, but choose cold-hardy types like Fort Laramie or Ogallala. They produce fruit all season but may need extra winter protection.
How do I protect strawberries from Wyoming wind?
Plant in a sheltered spot near a fence or building. Use row covers or windbreaks. Mulch heavily to keep soil from drying out.
Should I grow strawberries in raised beds in Wyoming?
Raised beds are a great option. They warm up faster in spring, drain better, and are easier to protect from frost. They also reduce weed pressure.
How long do strawberry plants live in Wyoming?
Most strawberry plants produce well for 3-4 years. After that, yields decline. It’s best to start a new patch every 3-4 years with fresh plants.
Final Tips For Success
Start with certified disease-free plants from a reputable nursery. Local garden centers often carry varieties suited to your area.
Rotate your strawberry patch every few years to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don’t plant strawberries where tomatoes, peppers, or potatoes grew recently.
Be patient. The first year, you might not get a huge harvest. Let the plants focus on establishing roots and runners. The second year is when you’ll see a big crop.
With the right varieties and care, you can grow delicious strawberries even in Wyoming’s challenging climate. Earliglow, Honeoye, and Fort Laramie are proven winners. Plant them in a sunny, sheltered spot with good soil, and you’ll be picking berries in no time.
Remember to mulch well for winter and protect from late frosts. Your reward will be sweet, homegrown strawberries that taste far better than anything from the store.
So go ahead, pick your favorites from this list, and get planting. Your Wyoming strawberry patch is waiting.