Growing strawberries – Trimming the roots and then setting a strawberry plant in the ground with just the upper part of its crown, the knob where leaves are attached, gets the plant off to a good start. Spring is a good time to plant strawberries, although they can also be planted in late summer or fall — if you can get plants then.
Your new plants may look forlorn, but don’t worry. They soon grow new roots and leaves. In fact, you can shear their roots back to 3 or 4 inches long with a scissors so you can more easily fan them out in the planting hole. Adjust the planting depth carefully, leaving only the top half-inch of the crown exposed so that it neither dries out from exposure nor suffocates from burial.
Ever wonder how such a luscious fruit came to be called “strawberry”? The name might reflect the plants’ habit of strewing about with runners, which are horizontal stems punctuated along their length by daughter plants. The daughter plants eventually root and make their own runners.
Contents
How early can I plant strawberries in Colorado?
Start with Quality Plants – Once you have obtained healthy strawberry plants, the next step is to plant them at the right time. In Colorado, the best time to plant strawberries is in early spring, when the soil has warmed up and there’s no longer a risk of frost.
This usually falls between late March and early May depending on your location. It’s important to prepare the soil properly before planting your strawberry plants. You can achieve this by adding organic matter such as compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil fertility and structure. Also, make sure that you select a sunny location with good drainage for your strawberry patch.
After planting, it’s essential to water regularly until your plants are well established. Strawberries require consistent moisture but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot and other diseases. With proper care and maintenance, you can enjoy juicy and delicious homegrown strawberries all summer long in Colorado! 
Discover the perfect garden decorations When planting strawberries in Colorado, it is important to wait until the soil has warmed up in the spring. This typically occurs in late April or early May depending on the location and altitude. When planting, it is crucial to dig holes that are wide and deep enough to accommodate the strawberry roots without crowding.
- It is recommended to space individual plants about 12-18 inches apart with rows being approximately 2-3 feet apart.
- It’s essential not to plant them too deeply either, as burying the crown can lead to rotting.
- Make sure that the crown of the plant sits level with the soil surface after planting.
- Proper planting technique can increase your chances of a bountiful harvest while also reducing your plant’s susceptibility to disease or pests.
With proper care and attention, you can expect sweet succulent strawberries that will last all summer long! Add Artistic Flair to Your Garden with Beautiful Cucumber Varieties Once you have determined the ideal time to plant strawberries in Colorado, it is important to also consider proper spacing. Adequate spacing between each plant plays a significant role in their growth and overall health.
- The recommended spacing for strawberry plants is typically around 12-18 inches apart, as this ensures they have enough room to grow and prevents overcrowding.
- One reason why proper spacing is crucial is that it allows for adequate air circulation between each plant.
- This helps prevent the development of fungal diseases and other problems that can arise from poor air circulation.
Additionally, providing enough space between strawberry plants also makes it easier for them to access nutrients and water from the soil. When planting strawberries in Colorado (or anywhere else), it is essential to follow proper spacing guidelines. By allowing enough space between each plant, you can help ensure their healthy growth and avoid potential problems down the line. 
See the amazing results for yourself!
What is the best way to plant strawberries in Colorado?
Strawberries Strawberries are actually a hardy perennial herb and one of the easiest small fruits to grow in a home garden. Gardeners have grown these popular berries for centuries, starting in well-tended European gardens. Now, with so many new developments in strawberry breeding, just about anyone can plant, grow and enjoy fresh strawberries. 
The three main strawberry types to choose for your garden include June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral. To make the most of the strawberry season, plant some of each kind in your garden. June-bearing
Flavorful and fragrant Late spring frost may ruin crop Plant in matted rows
Everbearing
Produces a spring and fall crop each season Grows well in sandy soil Plant in hills
Day-neutral
Not as hardy, but produces fruit through summer Fewer strawberries overall Plant in hills
Select your strawberry planting site thoughtfully because it directly affects the production of the strawberry crop. Some gardeners start planning and preparing their strawberry patch the season before they plant it. Make sure the area gets full sun (8 hours) a day, is well-drained (even in winter) and has some protection from the wind. Keep in mind the previous crops that were grown in that same area. To prevent soil fungal problems, avoid planting strawberries where these crops were planted in the previous 3-5 years: raspberries, cherries, tomatoes, potatoes, eggplant and peppers. Strawberries can be planted in the ground, but raised beds, strawberry pots or other containers also make for good planting sites. Amend the soil with deeply dug organic matter like compost and well-aged manure so it will be well-drained. Strawberries can grow well in a sandy loam soil. Plan ahead for watering with a drip irrigation system or soaker hose set up.
After the danger of frost has passed, and as soon as soil is workable in spring, transplant strawberry plants into the garden. The two most common ways to plant strawberries is either in matted rows or on small hills. For matted rows, space strawberry plants 12-24 inches apart in each row and 43 inches between rows. A solid mat of plants will fill in the space, so be sure to plan for a walkway between rows. For hills, prepare small raised mounds to help with drainage. Space hills about 9-12 inches apart. Runners are typically removed so the garden is made up of separate plants. No matter how you plant, be sure to plant so the roots are spread out and the crown is just above soil level to prevent the plant from either rotting or drying out. Mulching with straw or other organic mulch will help keep roots from drying. Be sure to protect strawberries through the winter with added mulch (at least 1-2 inches thick)
Strawberries are susceptible to a number of problems that range from root rot to slugs. Work to keep plants healthy by monitoring the amount of water they get. Watch for disease and insect problems and take action quickly. Mid-summer (like early July), fertilize the strawberry crop with a high-nitrogen fertilizer and water it in. Another application of fertilizer in September will also be helpful. To keep the birds from getting to your strawberries before you do, cover with netting.
It’s best to pinch off flowers the first year so plants will set down roots, instead of fruit. Waiting until the second season to enjoy the fruits is difficult, but the result is healthier plants and a larger amount of strawberries. For the best flavor, let strawberries mature on the plant until they’re red-ripe. Picking them too early results in smaller, less sweet fruits. Depending on the variety, strawberries may be ready to pick about 30 days from when they bloom. Snip berries from the plant, leaving the stem and cap intact. Enjoy right away or store in the refrigerator.
Plant strawberries with these companions:
Bush beans Garlic Lettuce Onions Peas Spinach Borage
Avoid planting strawberries near cabbage family crops, other berry crops and alfalfa fields to reduce insect pest problems.
Drip irrigation system or soaker hose High-quality compost and manure Light-weight mulch High-nitrogen fertilizer Netting
To learn more about growing strawberries or about growing your own edible vegetable garden, the pros at Nick’s Garden Center. : Strawberries
Is it hard to grow strawberries in Colorado?
Insects and Disease – Strawberries are remarkably free from most insects and diseases in Colorado. Occasionally, an insect problem arises, such as crownborers, leafhoppers, aphids, earwigs, slugs, or tarnished plant bugs. Malathion is a good standard home insecticide to control aphids, leafhoppers, and quite a few other sucking and chewing insects.
- Use Sevin to control earwigs and beetles.
- Control crownborers with a soil- applied insecticide.
- Control slugs with commercially prepared baits available at most garden centers.
- Do not spray plants when in flower—pollinating insects may be harmed.
- Feeding by nymphs and adults of lygus bugs (Lyguslineolaris), also called tarnished plant bugs, causes cat-facing damage on strawberry fruit over the spring and summer season.
Weeds and legumes are alternate hosts, so not having them in the vicinity of your strawberry plantings will reduce numbers. If numbers are high enough, insecticides are most effective on the earliest nymph stages. Disease problems occur less frequently than insect problems.
Usually, the disease is controlled by removing the diseased plant or plant part. However, if it is widespread, other measures must be taken. In the case of systemic diseases, such as yellows (virus)or red stele (vascular), nothing can be done except to remove diseased plants. However, if a fungus develops on the foliage, spray.
the plants with a fungicide, such as Captan. Bacterial diseases on strawberries are not important in Colorado. Spotted wing drosophila came to Western CO around 2012. This fruit fly is able to deposit eggs in good fruit. Make sure to pick and refrigerate berries as soon as they are ready.
Clean up any damaged or spoiled fruit. Monitoring and traps can be used. June bearing strawberries are less affected since populations of SWD peak in July. So varietal selection can help to avoid this pest. More information can be found here, Garden netting can be used to keep birds from eating strawberries.
Strawberry caps, available at garden centers, can also be used to cover ripening berries. Planting other fruit bushes to attract birds away from strawberries can help. But exclusion is the best method. For more information, see Fact Sheet 2.931, Strawberry Diseases,
Can I plant strawberries in August in Colorado?
Growing strawberries – Trimming the roots and then setting a strawberry plant in the ground with just the upper part of its crown, the knob where leaves are attached, gets the plant off to a good start. Spring is a good time to plant strawberries, although they can also be planted in late summer or fall — if you can get plants then.
Your new plants may look forlorn, but don’t worry. They soon grow new roots and leaves. In fact, you can shear their roots back to 3 or 4 inches long with a scissors so you can more easily fan them out in the planting hole. Adjust the planting depth carefully, leaving only the top half-inch of the crown exposed so that it neither dries out from exposure nor suffocates from burial.
Ever wonder how such a luscious fruit came to be called “strawberry”? The name might reflect the plants’ habit of strewing about with runners, which are horizontal stems punctuated along their length by daughter plants. The daughter plants eventually root and make their own runners.
Are strawberries native to Colorado?
Wild Strawberry or Virnigia Strawberry are ground-hugging perennial groundcovers native to the Rocky Mountains and the East Coast. They spread via stolons/runners and are happiest in dry soil with part-shade or full-sun exposure and do well in zones 3-8.
Can you grow berries in Colorado?
Commercial strawberries are picked, sorted, and packed in the field. They are cooled to 34°F and loaded onto refrigerated trucks. The average strawberry reaches the consumer within 24-36 hours of harvest! That’s berry fast! Considering their small size, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries pack an astonishing amount of vitamins, minerals, and flavor into their flesh.
With a long list of health benefits and sweet taste, berries top the list of ‘superfoods.’ Traditionally utilized by Native Americans, berries have been used as medicinal supplements and dyes for centuries. Berries contain powerful antioxidants, lowering the risk of developing certain types of cancers.
In addition, berries have a wide range of applications in the diet from smoothies to jams. To extend the season, berries can be frozen, dried, or canned to enjoy throughout the winter months. In Colorado, the peak season for raspberries and blackberries runs from August 1 to October 15.
Strawberries are available a bit earlier in the season from June 1 to October 1. Berries can be purchased in season from local markets, roadside stands, and pick-your-own operations. Strawberries, blackberries and raspberries grow well in backyard gardens throughout Colorado; however blueberries are a bit more challenging.
Colorado’s high pH soils prevent most blueberries from growing in the ground. Blueberries require acidic soils between 4.8 and 5.2 pH. However, research is being conducted at Colorado State University to determine whether blueberries can successfully be produced in pots containing lower pH soils.
- Raspberries are the hardiest of the bush fruits and can withstand temperatures of minus 35 degrees and still produce fruit the next year.
- Red raspberries grow well along the Front Range, while black and purple varieties grow better in the milder climates of the Western Slope.
- If you are interested in planting your own berry patch this year, contact your local Extension agent for more information on soils, varieties, and planting times.
Pick strawberries at least every other day during the peak of the season. It is poor practice to let fruit rot on the vine, so pick even the rotted fruit. If berries are to be eaten or preserved immediately, harvest only red-ripe fruit and leave the caps on the plant.
- If the fruit will not be used for a few days, harvest the berries, caps and all, while still pink.
- Choose berries that are free from visible mold, not bruised or smashed, and relatively dry.
- Excess moisture on the berry will accelerate the deterioration of the fruit by allowing for the growth of bacteria and molds.
Keep berries refrigerated until ready to consume. Wash berries thoroughly with cold water right before eating, adding to salads, or cooking. How to Clean Fresh Berries – YouTube CSUExtension 6.73K subscribers How to Clean Fresh Berries CSUExtension Watch later Share Copy link Info Shopping Tap to unmute If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device.
What is the easiest fruit to grow in Colorado?
Fruit Crops – Grow and Give There are many varieties of fruits that can be easily grown in Colorado. Tree fruits such as apples and plums are well known, but berries and bush fruits can be a prolific and sometimes easier choice as well. 
- There are many berries and bush fruits that will do well in Colorado’s Climate. See below for general tips and specific crop information:
- , CMG GardenNotes #760
- CMG GardenNotes #762
- – Planttalk #1214
- – Fact Sheet #7.005
- – Plant talk # 1212
- – Plant talk # 1215
- – CMG GardenNotes #764
- – Plant talk # 1203
- – CMG GardenNotes #761
- – Planttalk #1222
- – Plant talk # 1207
- – Plant talk # 1478
- – Planttalk # 1218
- – Plant talk # 1213
- – CMG GardenNotes #763
- – Plant talk #1208
- – Fact Sheet #2.931
- This series of videos covers basic growing recommendations, variety choices and tips on home fruit production. Watch an individual segment or the full webinar by clicking on the icon or title below:
Fruit trees can be grown across Colorado but are most commonly seen on the Western Slope. Whether you are growing fruit trees along the Front Range or in other regions of the state, the following information can help your fruit trees produce a better harvest:
- , CMG GardenNotes #771
- – Fact Sheet #7.612
- – Plant talk # 1216
- – Fact Sheet #5.569
- – GardenNotes #101
- – Fact Sheet #7.002
- Pruning – – Fact Sheet #7.003
- Pruning – – Plant talk # 1211
- – Plant talk # 1210
- , CMG GardenNotes #770
Do strawberries grow well in Denver?
Strawberries do well in Colorado. ‘We plant strawberries a lot because they’re a low-maintenance, easy crop,’ says Jessi Burg, owner of Denver-based Pears to Perennials.
What vegetables can I plant in Colorado in August?
PEAS, COLLARDS, BROCCOLI, KALE, AND LETTUCE ARE IDEAL TO PLANT IN COLORADO IN AUGUST. – Each of these plants takes approximately 55 to 65 days to harvest. Watch those peas though: When peas are planted in the fall, they are susceptible to powdery mildew. Look for mildew resistant varieties when purchasing. 
If you begin planting early enough, root vegetables are also a variety to think about. Turnips generally take 50 days to harvest, while beets take 60 days and carrots 70. 
Your fall seeding does not end and begin with strictly vegetables as you can also squeeze in some fruiting vegetables, the cucumber and the bush bean are both easy selections if you are looking to introduce some different flavors to the mix. List your home for one low fee and/or buy and get thousands cash back. 
Christopher has been been in the Real Estate industry for 8 years and has had the opportunity to close over 1,000 deals while acting as the Managing Broker for thousands more. Christopher is passionate about continuing to find ways to simplify, maximize, and serve Trelora’s clients exceptionally well and spends his time building teams to deliver high levels of service.
What seeds to plant in August Colorado?
Many vegetables thrive in cool weather, including broccoli, Brussels sprouts, carrots, cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, lettuce, radishes, rutabaga, spinach, and Swiss chard. Many fall-harvested crops should be planted in early August to give them enough time to mature.
What fruit is Colorado known for?
Palisade Peaches Summer means peach season in Colorado, and we can’t get enough of this sweet, juicy fruit! Colorado’s western slope offers the perfect growing conditions for the peaches, which are sold all over the country.
What is the national fruit of Colorado?
Popular Varieties of Blueberries
| State | Fruit |
|---|---|
| Colorado | |
| Connecticut | |
| Delaware | |
| Florida | Orange |
What is the state fruit of Colorado?
Palisade Peaches: Delicious Colorado History
The months of June through October are a blast in Colorado for a number of reasons—long summer days full of blue skies and that Colorado sunshine, and greenery (or goldery if we’re talking later in the season!) everywhere you look, and access to all your favorite warm-weather sports and activities—but there’s one symbol of a Colorado summer that we just can’t live without, and it’s Palisade Peaches.
Can I grow strawberries in Denver?
Strawberries do well in Colorado. ‘We plant strawberries a lot because they’re a low-maintenance, easy crop,’ says Jessi Burg, owner of Denver-based Pears to Perennials.
Can you grow berries in Colorado?
Commercial strawberries are picked, sorted, and packed in the field. They are cooled to 34°F and loaded onto refrigerated trucks. The average strawberry reaches the consumer within 24-36 hours of harvest! That’s berry fast! Considering their small size, raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and strawberries pack an astonishing amount of vitamins, minerals, and flavor into their flesh.
With a long list of health benefits and sweet taste, berries top the list of ‘superfoods.’ Traditionally utilized by Native Americans, berries have been used as medicinal supplements and dyes for centuries. Berries contain powerful antioxidants, lowering the risk of developing certain types of cancers.
In addition, berries have a wide range of applications in the diet from smoothies to jams. To extend the season, berries can be frozen, dried, or canned to enjoy throughout the winter months. In Colorado, the peak season for raspberries and blackberries runs from August 1 to October 15.
- Strawberries are available a bit earlier in the season from June 1 to October 1.
- Berries can be purchased in season from local markets, roadside stands, and pick-your-own operations.
- Strawberries, blackberries and raspberries grow well in backyard gardens throughout Colorado; however blueberries are a bit more challenging.
Colorado’s high pH soils prevent most blueberries from growing in the ground. Blueberries require acidic soils between 4.8 and 5.2 pH. However, research is being conducted at Colorado State University to determine whether blueberries can successfully be produced in pots containing lower pH soils.
Raspberries are the hardiest of the bush fruits and can withstand temperatures of minus 35 degrees and still produce fruit the next year. Red raspberries grow well along the Front Range, while black and purple varieties grow better in the milder climates of the Western Slope. If you are interested in planting your own berry patch this year, contact your local Extension agent for more information on soils, varieties, and planting times.
Pick strawberries at least every other day during the peak of the season. It is poor practice to let fruit rot on the vine, so pick even the rotted fruit. If berries are to be eaten or preserved immediately, harvest only red-ripe fruit and leave the caps on the plant.
If the fruit will not be used for a few days, harvest the berries, caps and all, while still pink. Choose berries that are free from visible mold, not bruised or smashed, and relatively dry. Excess moisture on the berry will accelerate the deterioration of the fruit by allowing for the growth of bacteria and molds.
Keep berries refrigerated until ready to consume. Wash berries thoroughly with cold water right before eating, adding to salads, or cooking. How to Clean Fresh Berries – YouTube CSUExtension 6.73K subscribers How to Clean Fresh Berries CSUExtension Watch later Share Copy link Info Shopping Tap to unmute If playback doesn’t begin shortly, try restarting your device.