Strawberry at a glance
| Botanical name | Fragaria × ananassa |
|---|---|
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Other names | garden strawberry |
| Plant type | Fruit; perennial |
| Size | 6 inches to 1 foot tall, 1 to 2 feet wide |
| Light | Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sun) |
| Water | Give about 1 inch of water a week, more while fruit is forming. |
| Soil | Well-drained, fertile soil; raised beds help in heavy soil. |
| USDA hardiness zones | Hardy in zones 5 to 9; check variety for colder areas. |
| USDA PLANTS symbol | FRAN |
When to plant strawberry
Plant in early spring as soon as the soil can be worked.
Turn these into real dates for your area with the planting calendar.
How to grow strawberry
- Plant in full sun, with the crown (where leaves meet roots) right at soil level.
- Water well and mulch with straw to keep berries clean.
- Remove runners if you want bigger plants, or let some root to fill the bed.
- Pick berries when fully red, ideally in the cool morning.
- Renew beds every few years as plants lose vigor.
Water and soil
Water: Give about 1 inch of water a week, more while fruit is forming.
Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil; raised beds help in heavy soil.
Light: Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sun).
Common problems
- Gray mold on berries
- Fuzzy gray rot in wet weather. Mulch, space plants and pick ripe fruit promptly.
- Birds eat the fruit
- Cover plants with netting as berries color.
Is strawberry safe for cats and dogs?
Non-toxic
Non-toxic
The ASPCA lists Strawberry (Fragaria spp.) as non-toxic to cats and non-toxic to dogs. ASPCA entry.
If a pet chews a plant and you are worried, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (888-426-4435; a fee may apply). For people, call Poison Help at 1-800-222-1222. In an emergency, call 911.
Can you eat strawberry?
The fruit is eaten fresh or cooked. Flower petals are also edible.
Strawberry questions
Are strawberry plants safe for dogs and cats?
The ASPCA lists strawberry plants as non-toxic to cats and dogs.
How do I plant strawberries?
Set each plant with the crown exactly at soil level; too deep and it rots, too high and it dries out. Water well and mulch.
Do strawberries come back every year?
Yes, strawberries are perennials, though beds produce best for a few years and then need renewing.
Sources
- NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox: Fragaria × ananassa (size, light, soil, zones, poison rating)
- USDA PLANTS Database profile: Fragaria ×ananassa (Weston) Duchesne ex Rozier (pro sp.) [chiloensis × virginiana] (accepted name)
- ASPCA: Strawberry (pet toxicity)
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: plants toxic and non-toxic to cats
- ASPCA Animal Poison Control: plants toxic and non-toxic to dogs
Written in our own words from the sources above. See our editorial policy. Spotted a mistake? Tell us.
