Most states in the United States grow strawberries for commercial or home use. However, Southern California is the leading producer of these sweet fruits in the market. Growing strawberries is a huge business in California, as its production accounts for more than three-quarters of the country’s output.
With the different seasons in the country and the conditions suitable for growing these crops, most farmers or individuals have been wondering about the best time to plant strawberries. This article responds to multiple questions on when to plant strawberries in Southern California.
THE BEST CONDITION FOR GROWING STRAWBERRIES IS WHEN THE GROUND ISN’T FROZEN TO ENSURE A HEALTHY PLANT AND GREATER YIELDS. WITH THESE CONDITIONS, THE IDEAL TIME TO GROW STRAWBERRIES IN SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA IS AROUND MARCH OR APRIL. IT’S DURING EARLY SPRING WHEN THE DANGER OF FROST ON THE GROUND HAS PASSED TO SUIT THE GROWING OF THIS CROP.
When to Plant Strawberries in Southern California
In the past years, most strawberries production was during the winter. Nevertheless, the trends are changing faster, and farmers have more production in the springs. According to market surveys, the farmers record huge volumes of strawberries, up to 50% of the production in June. Thus, the most appropriate time of the year for growing this crop in Southern California is between April and August to record more harvests.
When to Plant Strawberries in Southern California: Growing season
When looking at the appropriate time when to plant strawberries in Southern California, it’ll be imperative to consider the duration of growing them. Importantly, when growing the crop, it’s essential to understand that farmers used it to cover the soil to provide a partial shade when the sun was full. Therefore, most strawberries are always ready for harvesting in six weeks, but the duration may vary with different strawberries species. Farmers or individuals plant them in early spring, and they bloom, becoming ready for harvest in late spring.
Strawberry species
We’ve some different species of strawberries you can grow in California and achieve a great harvest. However, the best varieties to grow during the early spring are Douglas early producer, beetroot, sequoia, friend, and candlestick. Most farmers or individuals in California prefer to plant the Douglas early variety. It’s a large, good tasting, conical and attractive strawberry that takes a short time to bloom, and you can even plant it in winter.
Can strawberries grow in the winter?
Most experts recommend that winter is not ideal for planting the crop, but you can use this time for preparation. After preparing for the planting in winter, you can transplant the plants during the early autumn by placing pots bearing these plants in a sunny and slightly enclosed area. These conditions allow the crop to grow roots and buds during the winter and bloom in the next spring season.
When to Plant Strawberries in Southern California: Conclusion
Early spring is the appropriate season for growing strawberries in Southern California. During this time, the ground is free from frost that tends to affect the growth of the crop. Growing them in this season will be a great move to get a huge harvest and have an appropriate market value.