How Long Does It Take for a Strawberry Plant to Grow?

Last Updated on December 1, 2023

So you want to grow strawberries? That’s great! If you are looking for a way to add color, flavor, and nutrition to your diet, then planting strawberries in the garden is an excellent idea.

Strawberries come in many different varieties, so there should be one that will do well in your climate. You can also choose a variety based on whether or not you prefer sweet or tart berries. Growing strawberries is easy as long as you follow some of the basic growing guidelines for your particular area.

So, how long does it take for a strawberry plant to grow?

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What Variables Affect How Long It Takes for a Strawberry Plant to Grow?

There are a few factors that will affect how long it takes for your strawberry plants to grow. One of the most important factors is the variety of strawberry plant you choose to grow. Some varieties grow faster than others.

The climate in which you live will also play a role in how fast your strawberries grow. Hot, humid climates will cause strawberry plants to grow more slowly than cooler, drier climates.

The time of year can also affect how quickly a strawberry plant grows. Strawberries will take about 60 days to grow from transplanting to ripe fruit if grown in the early spring.

If you wait until late spring or summer to plant strawberries, they will take about 90 days to mature.

Strawberry Plant Stages of Growth

A strawberry plant will go through three primary stages of growth:

1) The seedling stage– This is the earliest stage of growth and lasts for about two weeks. During this stage, the plant will grow small leaves and a strong root system. The plants are preparing to produce flowers.

2) The vegetative stage– This stage lasts for several weeks, depending on the variety of strawberry plant and the climate in which it is grown. In this stage, the plant will grow larger leaves and may produce runners (small stems that grow out from the main stem of the plant).

Small white flowers will also start to form and bud, and the strawberry flowers will be pollinated by bees, other insects, and birds. These will ultimately turn into ripe strawberries.

3) The fruit-producing stage– This is the final stage of growth for strawberry plants and it is when it will bear fruit.

When the fruit first appears it will be small, pale, lime green color. As the fruit ripens, it will turn red, sweet, and juicy. The strawberry fruit will grow quickly in this stage.

During this stage, the strawberry fruit grows quickly, the plant grows taller and produces more runners.

So, how long does it take for a strawberry plant to grow? In general, a strawberry plant will take about 60-90 days to go from a small seedling to a mature plant producing ripe fruit.

However, there are many variables that can affect this, so it is best to check with your local gardening center for specific growing instructions. With a little bit of care and attention, you will be able to enjoy fresh strawberries from your own garden all summer long!

When is the Best Time to Plant Strawberries?

Strawberry plants can be planted at different times of the year, depending on the climate where you live. In general, there are two times of the year when planting strawberries is most successful:

1) Early spring– If you plant strawberries in early spring, they will take about 60 days to mature and will produce ripe fruit around the end of May or early June.

2) Late spring or summer– If you wait until late spring or summer to plant strawberries, they will take about 90 days to mature and will produce ripe fruit in late August or early September.

Types of Strawberries to Grow

There are a variety of strawberries that can be grown, based on your preferences as well as where you live. Here are three of the most popular varieties:

1) June-bearing strawberries– These are the most common type of strawberry and they produce one large crop of fruit per year. The berries will ripen in late spring or early summer. Learn more about June-bearing strawberries

2) Ever bearing strawberries– These strawberries produce two or three smaller crops of berries throughout the year. The berries will ripen at different times, depending on the variety. Learn more about everbearing strawberries

3) Day-neutral strawberries– These annual strawberries produce fruit throughout the year, but the berries will not be as sweet as those from other types of strawberries. Learn more about day-neutral strawberries

The best way to find out which type of strawberry is best for you is to ask at your local gardening center. They will be able to help you find the variety that will grow best in your area.

Help Your Strawberry Plants Grow Quickly

There are a few things you can do to help your strawberry plants grow quickly and produce ripe fruit.

One of the most important things is to make sure the soil in which they are planted is fertile and has good drainage. Strawberries need a lot of nitrogen, so adding compost or fertilizer to the soil before planting is a good idea.

What are some of the more popular fertilizers to use when growing strawberries?

The three most popular fertilizers to use when growing strawberries are fish emulsion, manure tea, and compost.

Another thing you can do to help your plants grow is to water them regularly. Strawberries need about 1-2 inches of water per week, so make sure you are watering them enough. You can tell if they are getting enough water if the soil is moist but not wet.

In addition, make sure you are providing enough sunlight for your plants. Strawberries need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.

Mulching the soil around the plants will help to retain moisture and keep the roots cool.

Remove any flowers that are not going to produce fruit, as this will redirect the plant’s energy to growing fruit.

And, finally, make sure to harvest the strawberries when they are ripe– don’t wait for them to turn black!

Tips on Harvesting Strawberries

If you are looking for the best-tasting, most nutritious strawberries, then you should harvest them when they are ripe. Ripe strawberries will be a deep red color and will have a sweet, juicy flavor.

Don’t wait for the berries to turn black before harvesting them, as this means they have started to rot.

To harvest strawberries, use a sharp knife or scissors to cut the stem just below the berry. Don’t pull the berries off the stem, as this will damage them.

Strawberries can be stored in the fridge for a few days or frozen for later use.

What is the best way to store fresh strawberries?

The best way to store fresh strawberries is in the fridge. They will last for a few days if you keep them in a perforated plastic bag or in a covered container.

If you want to freeze your strawberries, first wash and hull them. Then place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them. Once they are frozen, you can put them in a plastic bag or container. They will keep for several months this way.

FAQ

Conclusion

So, how long does it take for strawberry plants to grow? As you’ve learned, there are variables that will affect how long it takes for your plants to produce fruit, but the general answer is about 90 days. With a little bit of care and attention, you will be rewarded with a bountiful harvest of sweet, delicious strawberries.

Thanks for reading, and go out there and grow your own strawberries!