Growing strawberries: timing, spacing and costs by zone
When to plant strawberries in Zones 6–9, spacing, and what to know before you commit ground.
Not yet expert-reviewed. Written by BAU Farm Intelligence from public extension and agency sources. Check dates and program details with your local extension office.
When to plant
Strawberries: cool-season, hardy to frost. Plant when soil reaches 50–80°F. Dates below are averages worked out from each zone's frost dates — check your own field.
- Zone 6b (Boone NC): set out October 2 – October 23; fall planting August 20 – September 10. First picking around April 7 – May 5.
- Zone 7b (Raleigh): set out September 16 – October 7; fall planting September 3 – September 24. First picking around March 22 – April 19.
- Zone 8b (Charleston SC): set out August 23 – September 13; fall planting September 27 – October 18. First picking around February 26 – March 26.
- Zone 9a (Gainesville FL): set out August 5 – August 26; fall planting October 13 – November 3. First picking around February 8 – March 8.
Setting it up
Grow as transplants. Space plants 12 inches apart in rows 36 inches apart, about 0.5 inch deep. Expect roughly 180 days to first harvest.
Field notes
Southeast growers use plasticulture: fall-plant plugs, harvest spring. Renovation after harvest keeps plantings 3+ years.
How it fits each zone
- Zone 6b: challenging — Strawberries needs a long season and this zone averages just 167 frost-free days. Start early, use black plastic, and plan for row cover on shoulder-season frosts.
- Zone 7b: excellent — Strawberries is well suited to Zone 7b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 8b: excellent — Strawberries is well suited to Zone 8b. Standard planting dates work with minor adjustments for microclimates.
- Zone 9a: good — Cool-season crops bolt fast under Zone 9a heat. Prioritize the fall planting window and use shade cloth for any spring succession.
What it costs per acre
- 2026 Strawberry Budget (University of Georgia CAES — Agricultural & Applied Economics, 2026): about $9,782 per acre in transcribed costs.
These are published budgets, not your costs. Plug your own numbers into the breakeven calculator before you commit ground.
Before you plant
Line up who will buy it and at what price before seed goes in the ground. See the planting calendar for your exact zone.