When to plant Strawberries in Temperate Australia

Temperate zone — applies to Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Perth, Newcastle and similar areas. Growing elsewhere? Cool · Subtropical · Tropical · Arid.

Strawberries are raised in punnets and transplanted, with seed started in April–May or September–October in temperate Australia. The seed is unusual: it needs light to germinate, so press it onto the surface of the mix rather than burying it, and allow 14–21 days for seedlings to show. From transplant, plants reach production in roughly 70–84 days. Space them 30–60 cm apart in full sun with rich, free-draining soil. Seed gives you interesting varieties cheaply; if you just want fruit fast, runners or potted plants skip the fiddliest stage entirely.

Sowing calendar — temperate zone

Green months are your sowing window: April to May and September to October.

Growing notes

As a half-hardy perennial, strawberries take a temperate winter in their stride once established — plants sit semi-dormant through frosts and resume growth in spring — but young seedlings are another matter. From an autumn sowing in April or May, keep the punnets protected and transplant sturdy seedlings before the coldest weather, or hold them under cover until late winter. Spring sowings in September and October are more forgiving, going out into warming soil after the last frost in mid-October and fruiting through summer.

Plant into a sunny bed raised slightly for drainage, enriched with compost, and set each crown exactly at soil level — buried crowns rot and exposed roots dry out, and both kill more plants than any pest. Water regularly at the base rather than over the leaves, and feed lightly once flowering starts.

The most predictable failure is fruit rotting where it touches damp soil. A generous layer of straw mulch under the plants keeps berries clean and dry, suppresses weeds and holds moisture — it is the single most useful thing you can do for the crop. After that, birds are the main threat:

• Net the bed before the first fruit colours, not after
• Use taut netting on a frame so birds cannot reach through
• Pick ripe fruit promptly, ideally in the morning
• Remove any rotting berries so they do not spread mould

Strawberries at a glance

Companion planting

Grows well with

Borage: Traditionally thought to improve strawberry flavour; attracts pollinators

Marigold: Deters nematodes in strawberry beds

Garlic: Deters aphids and fungal disease

Keep away from

Cabbage: Both suffer when grown together; strawberries stunted

Cabbage: Inhibit each other's growth

Broccoli: Brassicas inhibit strawberry growth

Common questions

When should I plant strawberries in temperate Australia?

Sow seed in April–May or September–October, raising seedlings in punnets before transplanting. Spring transplants go out after the last frost around mid-October and fruit through summer.

How long do strawberries take to fruit?

Seed germinates in 14–21 days and plants reach production around 70–84 days after transplanting. Plants raised from autumn sowings generally fruit the following spring and summer.

Why won't my strawberry seeds germinate?

Strawberry seed needs light to germinate, so it fails if buried. Press seed onto the surface of damp seed-raising mix, keep it consistently moist, and be patient for the full 14–21 days.

Why is my strawberry fruit rotting before it ripens?

Berries resting on damp soil pick up grey mould and rot quickly. Tuck straw mulch under the plants so fruit stays dry, water at ground level, and remove any affected berries immediately.

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