When to Plant Strawberries in Arkansas: Plant strawberries in Arkansas in the fall for early spring blooming or in March for a harvest a few months later. Commercial growers often plant in the fall to allow plants to establish over winter.
Strawberries thrive well in Arkansas, with the season typically starting in April and running through June, depending on the variety. The University of Arkansas recommends Cardinal strawberries for their large, deep-red berries with outstanding flavor. While strawberries can grow in the first year, pinching off early flower buds can lead to a more reliable perennial crop.
It’s advisable to plant strawberries before June in the ground, but they can also be successfully grown in greenhouses or containers. The key is to ensure proper planting and care to enjoy a bountiful strawberry harvest in Arkansas.
Best Time To Plant Strawberries In Arkansas
When planning to cultivate a bountiful harvest of strawberries in Arkansas, it’s vital to consider the optimal planting times and seasonal factors. Timely planting ensures the plants acclimate effectively, fostering the growth of healthy and fruitful strawberry patches.
Optimal Planting Times
Strawberries in Arkansas can be planted at two distinct times. Many commercial growers opt for fall planting, which enables the plants to establish and take root over the winter.
Alternatively, strawberries can be planted in March for a harvest a few months later, ensuring a fruitful yield.
Seasonal Considerations
- Cardinal strawberries, developed by the University of Arkansas, make an excellent choice due to their vigor, productivity, and superior flavor.
- Strawberries have the potential to bear fruit in their first year, although they may not reach their full potential. To establish a reliable perennial crop, some of the first season’s harvest may need to be sacrificed.
- For ground planting, it’s important to note that it’s too late to plant strawberries after June. However, planting in a greenhouse or containers is always possible beyond this date.
Recommended Strawberry Varieties For Arkansas
If you are considering growing strawberries in Arkansas, choosing the right variety that thrives in the local climate is essential. Selecting the appropriate strawberry variety can significantly impact the success of your strawberry cultivation.
Cardinal Variety Characteristics And Advantages
The Cardinal is a recommended strawberry variety for Arkansas, developed by the University of Arkansas. It is known for its vigor and high productivity, producing large, deep-red berries rich in flavor. One of the distinctive features of the Cardinal variety is its easily removable “cap” that sits up high on the berry, making it ideal for dessert dishes or freezing purposes.
Strawberry Planting And Harvesting
In Arkansas, strawberry plantings are typically split into two seasons. Many commercial growers choose to plant strawberries in the fall, allowing the plants to establish over the winter for early spring blooming. This ensures a fruitful harvest from April to June, depending on the variety.
First-year Fruit Production
Strawberries can produce fruit in their first year, although it may not be at their fullest potential. You may need to sacrifice some of that first season’s harvest to establish a reliable perennial crop. Therefore, pinching off any flower buds that appear within the first few weeks after planting is recommended. This will divert the plant’s energy towards establishing strong roots and foliage, resulting in a more productive crop in subsequent years.
Harvesting Timeline
The timing of strawberry harvesting in Arkansas depends on the planting season. Commercial growers typically divide their plantings into two seasons – fall and spring. Fall plantings allow the plants to root and establish over the winter, leading to an early spring harvest. On the other hand, spring plantings are done in March, and the harvest can be expected a few months later.
If you have an unheated greenhouse or polytunnel, you can plant strawberry plants in the fall to fruit the following spring. Alternatively, if you have a heated greenhouse, you can plant them as early as December and enjoy pickable fruit from late March onwards.
Now, let’s explore the best varieties of strawberries to grow in Arkansas.
Factors Affecting Planting Times
Several factors come into play in determining the optimal time for planting strawberries in Arkansas. Understanding these factors is crucial for ensuring a successful strawberry harvest. From the influence of geography to the effect of greenhouse planting, each aspect plays a significant role in determining the planting time for strawberries.
Influence Of Geography
Geography is central in deciding the suitable time for planting strawberries in Arkansas. The state’s diverse topography and varying climate zones impact the planting schedule. Regions with lower elevations and milder temperatures may offer an earlier planting window than areas with higher elevations and cooler climates.
Effect Of Greenhouse Planting
The effect of greenhouse planting offers an alternative approach to cultivating strawberries. Greenhouse cultivation enables growers to extend the planting season by providing a controlled environment. Depending on the type of greenhouse – whether heated or unheated – the planting times and subsequent harvest dates can significantly differ. For instance, strawberries planted in an unheated greenhouse in the fall can yield fruit the following spring, while those in a heated greenhouse can be harvested as early as late March.
Optimal Planting Techniques
Strawberries can be planted in Arkansas in either fall or March for a harvest a few months later. Planting in December with a heated greenhouse can produce pickable fruit as early as late March. Cardinal strawberries are recommended to grow in Arkansas due to their large size and outstanding flavor.
Spring Vs. Fall Planting
Plant strawberries in Arkansas either in the fall for early spring blooming or in spring for a later harvest. Fall planting allows the plants to establish over winter for a productive early spring. Spring planting yields fruit a few months later, perfect for a summer harvest.
Protective Measures Against Frost
- Use row covers or cloches to shield young plants from frost damage.
- Water the plants thoroughly before a frost event to help insulate them.
- Apply mulch around the plants to retain soil heat and protect the roots.
Strawberries in Arkansas need careful attention to planting times and protective measures against frost for a successful harvest.
Late Planting Challenges
While strawberries thrive best when planted in early spring, late planting can pose some challenges for growers in Arkansas. Understanding the impact of daylight hours and considerations for June planting is essential to ensure successful cultivation of strawberries.
Impact Of Daylight Hours
Strawberry plants depend highly on daylight hours, significantly affecting their growth and development. Late planting in June means shorter daylight hours, which may limit the plants’ ability to establish strong roots and produce abundant fruit. The reduced sunlight can also impact the plants’ overall health and vigor, potentially leading to lower yields.
Considerations For June Planting
When opting for June planting, several factors must be considered to maximize the chances of successful strawberry cultivation. It’s crucial to select varieties that are well-suited for late planting and can thrive in the hot and humid conditions typically experienced in Arkansas during the summer months.
- Choose heat-tolerant strawberry varieties to withstand the warmer climate and ensure a better fruit set.
- Provide adequate irrigation to keep the plants well-hydrated, especially during the scorching summer days.
- Implement shading or mulching techniques to protect the plants from excessive heat and sun damage.
- Monitor for pests and diseases regularly, as warm and humid weather can create favorable conditions for their proliferation.
By carefully considering these factors, growers can mitigate the challenges associated with late planting and still achieve a successful strawberry harvest, even when planting in June.
Frequently Asked Questions On When To Plant Strawberries In Arkansas
What Month Is Best To Plant Strawberries?
Plant strawberries in March for a harvest in a few months or a heated greenhouse in December for early fruit.
What Are The Best Strawberries To Grow In Arkansas?
The Cardinal variety, developed by the University of Arkansas, is the best strawberry to grow in Arkansas. It produces large, deep-red berries with outstanding flavor, making it ideal for cultivation in the state.
Do You Get Strawberries The First Year You Plant Them?
Strawberries can produce fruit in the first year but not at their fullest potential. However, it’s best to sacrifice some of the first season’s produce for a long-term, reliable harvest. After planting, pinch off any flower buds that appear in the first few weeks.
How Late Is Too Late To Plant Strawberries?
The best time to plant strawberries is in the fall for a spring harvest. If you’re planting in a heated greenhouse, you can plant as early as December. However, if you’re planting in the ground, it’s too late after June.
When Is The Best Time To Plant Strawberries In Arkansas?
Strawberry plants can be planted in an unheated greenhouse or polytunnel in the fall to fruit the following spring. They can be planted in March to harvest a few months later. If grown in a heated greenhouse, strawberries can be planted in early December, with pickable fruit ready from late March onwards.
What Are The Best Strawberries To Grow In Arkansas?
Cardinal is a vigorous, productive variety developed by the University of Arkansas. It produces large, deep-red berries that have outstanding flavor. The “cap” sits high on the berry, easily removing it for dessert or freezing.
Conclusion
For thriving strawberry harvests in Arkansas, consider planting in the fall for early spring blooming. Cardinal variety is recommended for its vigor and flavor. Although strawberries may fruit in the first year, expect the best yields from established plants. Remember, planting in the ground should be done before June.
Happy strawberry growing!
