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Most strawberry advice says “plant in spring,” and in Florida that is the wrong season. Plants go in during fall so they can fruit the following spring, and the exact window shifts depending on how far south you are.
Fall planting, region by region
The University of Florida’s UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions guide says to plant strawberries in early fall to enjoy berries in spring. It also explains why: strawberries are normally grown as annuals in Florida, because they usually decline once summer heat arrives.
| Region | Planting window | Where this fits |
|---|---|---|
| North Florida | September 15 to October 15 | Earliest window of the three |
| Central Florida | September 25 to October 25 | Starts ten days later than North Florida |
| South Florida | October 1 until the first of December | Longest window, runs into early winter |
Florida is the reference point for zones 9-10 on this page. Gardeners elsewhere in the band, such as the Gulf Coast or coastal California, should check their own extension office, because this guide covers Florida only.
If you are reading this in late October, North Florida’s window has closed, Central Florida’s is closing, and South Florida’s is open.
What to expect after planting
The guide says the first berries should be ready to pick roughly 90-110 days after planting. Plants can go at ground level, in raised beds or in containers.
Before you plant, check off
0 of 5 ready
Sources
- Strawberries — UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions, checked Oct 22, 2026