When to plant Strawberries in Bristol

Fragaria × ananassa

Strawberry
Strawberry · Fragaria × ananassa

A hardy perennial fruit that does well in most UK gardens. Plant in a sunny, sheltered spot with free-draining soil or compost, and keep it watered while the roots settle and the fruit swells.

25 cm · Full Sun · Moderate Water

Add to garden

Calibrated to Bristol · last frost ≈ 19 Apr

Plant out September to January, harvest June to July. Frost risk November to April.
ActivityJanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Plant outYesNoNoNoNoNoNoNoYesYesYesYes
HarvestNoNoNoNoNoYesYesNoNoNoNoNo

Growing guide

What to do through the growing season

  1. 01

    Plant Runners

    14 Sept to 1 Jan 2027

    Plant bare-root runners during 14th September - 1st January 2027 in well-prepared, free-draining soil. Set each crown at soil level, space plants apart and water thoroughly after planting.

  2. 02

    Water to Establish Roots

    14 Sept to 1 Apr 2027 Dates as each sowing reaches this stage

    From 14th September to 1st April 2027, keep the soil evenly moist while roots establish. Water at the base in dry spells and keep the crown clear of mulch.

  3. 03

    Mulch and Feed

    5 Apr to 3 May 2027 Optional · repeat every 365 days

    From 5th April 2027, mulch around the plants with well-rotted compost or manure, leaving the crown clear. Repeat every 365 days to hold moisture in and support fruiting.

  4. 04

    Net Plants

    3 Jun to 13 Jun 2027

    Put netting over the plants from 3rd June 2027 before the fruits start to colour. Fix it well clear of the foliage so birds cannot reach the berries.

  5. 05

    Harvest Fruit

    3 Jun to 3 Jul 2027

    Pick ripe berries from 3rd June 2027 as soon as they are fully coloured and come away easily. Harvest regularly over 3rd June - 3rd July 2027, and pick in the morning for the best flavour.

  6. 06

    Remove Runners

    3 Jul to 18 Jul 2027

    From 3rd July 2027, lift or cut away unwanted runners after harvest so the plant puts its energy into next year’s crop. Keep a few strong runners if you want to replace older plants.

Suggested varieties

Popular varieties of Strawberry to consider

Mara des Bois

A fragrant, late-cropping type with a good dessert flavour.

Cambridge Favourite

A reliable early variety for open ground and containers.

Hapil

A strong-cropping mid-season variety with large, glossy fruit.

Florence

A late-season variety that crops well and usually holds fruit for longer.

Strawberry guides by town

See how Strawberry timing shifts in other towns with different frost dates.