How to Plant Bare-Root Strawberries

Bare-root strawberries are an economical and rewarding way to enjoy sweet homegrown berries. These dormant plants may look unremarkable when they arrive, but with proper planting and care, they quickly transform into lush, fruit-laden patches. If you’ve ever received a bundle of spindly roots with a stubby crown and wondered how to bring them to life, this article walks you through every step—from unpacking and soaking to spacing, watering, care, and troubleshooting. Let’s dig in!

What Are Bare-Root Strawberries?

Bare-root strawberries are simply strawberry plants sold without soil around their roots. Typically shipped dormant in early spring or late winter, plants consist of a crown (the growing point that will sprout leaves and roots) with a mass of roots attached. Unlike potted transplants, bare-root plants establish quickly and are usually cheaper to buy in bulk, making them ideal for creating large berry beds or containers.strawberryplants+2

Benefits of Bare-Root Strawberries

• Cost-effective: Bare-root bundles are less expensive than potted plants.

• Vigorous starts: Dormant roots “wake up” quickly and send out runners and new roots once planted.

• More options: Catalogs and garden centers offer a wider variety of cultivars in bare-root form than as potted starts.

• Less transplant shock: Because bare-root plants aren’t confined to pots or root-bound, they adapt to local soil swiftly.

When to Plant

The ideal time to plant bare-root strawberries is early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked and any threat of hard frost has passed. In mild climates, late winter planting is possible. Planting early gives the roots time to establish before the growing season begins in earnest.rogersgardens+1

Preparation Before Planting

1. Unpack Immediately

Open your package as soon as it arrives. Healthy bare-root plants may look dry or brown, with spindly roots tangled around a firm, stubby crown. Don’t be alarmed—this is normal for dormant plants!.gardenbetty+2

2. Soak the Roots

Soak the untangled roots in clean, lukewarm water for 20–60 minutes. Only the roots, not the crowns, should be submerged—this rehydrates the roots and prepares them to start growing vigorously once planted. Optional: Add a diluted seaweed or kelp extract to the soaking water for a gentle nutrient boost.gardenersdream+2

3. Trim Excessively Long Roots

If roots measure longer than 6–8 inches (15–20 cm), trim them back gently with sterile scissors. This ensures the roots fit in the planting hole and helps prevent “J-rooting,” where tangled roots loop back up, eventually causing weak growth.ufseeds+2

Site Selection and Soil Preparation

• Full Sun: Strawberries require at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for the best fruit production.gardenbetty+1

• Well-Drained Soil: Heavy, soggy soil can cause roots to rot. Amend clay soils with organic matter (compost, gritty sand, or perlite) for improved drainage.strawberryplants+1

• Raised Beds or Containers: These offer superior drainage compared to garden beds, especially important in regions with frequent rain.gardenersdream

• Soil Mix: An ideal strawberry bed mix is ~60% topsoil, 30% coarse sand or perlite, and 10% compost. Blend amendments into the top 6–8 inches (15–20 cm) of soil.strawberryplants+1

Spacing and Layout

Spacing depends on strawberry type:

• June-bearing: 18 inches (45 cm) apart.

• Everbearing: 12 inches (30 cm) apart.

• Day-neutral: 10 inches (25 cm) apart.gardenbetty

Rows should be spaced ~24–36 inches (60–90 cm) apart, with each plant given room for runners to spread and new plantlets to root. In raised beds or containers, stagger plants to maximize airflow and sunlight.gardenersdream+2

Planting Bare-Root Strawberries

1. Digging Holes

Use a trowel or dibber to make holes wide and deep enough to accommodate the full root system with roots fanned straight down. Avoid bending or crowding roots into the hole (“J-rooting”)—this restricts growth.strawberryplants+2

2. Correct Plant Depth

Depth is critical: Set the crown (where leaves emerge) exactly at soil level. If you bury the crown, it may rot; if exposed, roots may dry out.rogersgardens+2

• Spread roots out like a fan.

• Fill in with soil, firming gently to eliminate air pockets.

• Double-check: The top of the crown should sit at soil level, with roots completely covered and no exposed tips.

3. Water Thoroughly

Water the newly planted strawberries deeply. This settles the soil, eliminates air gaps, and encourages the roots to establish good soil contact.rogersgardens+1

Aftercare: The First Weeks

• Moisture: Keep the soil consistently moist (not soggy) for the first few weeks as roots get established. Raised beds and containers may require more frequent watering, especially in warm, windy conditions.gardenersdream

• Mulch: Apply a 1–2 inch (2.5–5 cm) mulch layer of clean straw, pine needles, or bark to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and keep developing berries off damp soil. Wait until plants show new growth before adding heavy mulch in cool climates.gardenbetty+1

• Protection: If frost threatens after planting, protect with row cover or frost cloth, or lightly mulch with straw, but remove once growth resumes.gardenbetty

Ongoing Care

• Weeding: Keep the bed weed-free; young strawberries compete poorly with weeds for moisture and nutrients.gardenersdream

• Feeding: Once plants have resumed strong growth, side-dress with compost or apply a balanced organic fertilizer every 3–4 weeks during the growing season. Fish emulsion is a gentle choice.strawberryplants

• Pruning Flowers (First Year): For best long-term health, pinch off the first flowers during the initial weeks to encourage deep root and runner growth. This sacrifices the first year’s berries but yields stronger plants and bigger harvests in future years, especially for June-bearing varieties.strawberryplants

• Pinching Runners (Optional): In the first year, clip off runners if bigger berries and stronger plants are desired, or let them root if you want to expand the patch quickly.

Troubleshooting and FAQ

My bare-root plants look shriveled or dead—are they viable?

Most bare-root strawberries look dry and brown on arrival. Soak them, plant them promptly, and they should leaf out within 2–3 weeks given warm soil and water.strawberryplants

Some roots are extremely long and tangled. What should I do?

It’s fine—and often beneficial—to trim roots to 6–8 inches (15–20 cm). Always fan roots out rather than crowd or curl them into the hole.ufseeds+2

What if the ground is still too cold or frosty outside?

Keep bare-root strawberries cool and moist, unwrapped in the fridge with a damp towel over the roots, until planting is possible or pot up temporarily indoors if needed. Strawberries tolerate light frost but not hard freeze.reddit+3

Can I plant in containers?

Yes! Use at least a 3-liter pot (larger is better), filled with a well-draining, compost-rich mix. Water container strawberries daily in dry weather.gardenersdream

How soon will they grow and fruit?

With proper care, leaves appear in 1–3 weeks. Expect the first harvest the following season for June-bearers, and possibly a small “trial crop” of berries in the first year for everbearers and day-neutrals.gardenbetty+1

Summary: Step-by-Step Planting Guide

1. Unpack — Plant immediately, or keep cool and moist if there’s a planting delay.
2. Soak — Roots only, 20–60 minutes.
3. Prepare Soil — Well-drained, rich in compost; full sun.
4. Trim Roots — Max length 6–8 inches (15–20 cm).
5. Dig Holes — Deep enough to fan roots straight; space according to type.
6. Plant — Crown at soil level, roots covered and spread wide.
7. Water — Settle soil and encourage root growth.
8. Mulch — After plants are growing, to retain moisture and prevent weeds.
9. Weed & Feed — Weed regularly; fertilize with compost/fish emulsion.
10. First Year Flowers — Pinch early flowers for a stronger patch.

The Joy of Growing Bare-Root Strawberries

Planting bare-root strawberries may seem daunting at first, but by understanding their needs and following these steps, gardeners of any level can quickly turn a jumble of dry crowns into a thriving, berry-producing plot. Bare-root strawberries reward a little patience and preparation with seasons of sweet, sun-warmed fruit—a true delight in any backyard, raised bed, or even pots on a balcony.starkbros+5

Happy planting, and may your harvests be plentiful!