If you get the strawberries planted at the right time you're rewarded with sweet, homegrown fruit by summer. As NZ stretches across such different climates, the "right time" shifts depending on where you are based.
Strawberry Planting Times Across NZ, From North to South
Strawberry plants need a cool period to establish strong roots before they flower and fruit. That's why they're traditionally planted in the winter months - it gives the plant time to build a well-formed root system before spring growth kicks in. If you plant into the warmer seasons, the plant puts energy into fruiting before it's properly settled in.
Warmer, northern regions (Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty)
Aim for May to July. The milder winter means plants can establish early without the risk of a hard freeze setting them back.
Central regions (Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Waikato, Taranaki, Manawatū, Wellington, Marlborough, Tasman, Nelson)
June to August is typically the sweet spot. Get plants in before the coldest weeks so roots have time to settle before spring growth kicks in.
Cooler, southern regions (West Coast, Canterbury, Otago, Southland)
July to September tends to work best. Planting later here avoids the harshest frosts, though local nurseries are worth checking, as frost dates vary a lot within the South Island.
Not Sure? Check With Your Local Garden Centre
These are general guidelines rather than fixed dates. Local frost patterns and this season's weather will always shift things slightly, so it pays to check with your nearest garden centre if you're unsure.
How to Grow Strawberries in NZ: Getting the Basics Right
- Sun: Strawberries need six to eight hours of direct sun a day for the best fruit.
- Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic soil suits them best. Add compost if your soil is heavy clay.
- Water: Keep soil consistently moist, but never sitting in water. Waterlogged soil starves the roots of oxygen, which leads to root rot.
- Mulching: A layer of straw or pea straw around your plants keeps fruit off the soil, which helps prevent rot. It also holds in moisture and keeps weeds down. Keep the mulch clear of the crown, as covering it can cause the plant to rot.
- Timing: In winter, plant on a mild, frost-free day once any morning frost has lifted, and avoid frozen or waterlogged soil. If you’re planting later as the weather warms, plant early in the morning or late in the day so plants aren’t hit by hot sun straight after going in. This helps reduce transplant shock.
- Spacing: Around 30cm apart gives plants room to spread without competing.
Protecting Your Strawberries From Birds, Slugs and Frost
Birds and slugs are quick to target a strawberry crop right as the fruit ripens, and a late frost or heavy rain around that same time can just as easily damage it. A covered garden bed keeps birds off the fruit and reduces slug access, while helping reduce frost exposure. It means more of what you grow ends up on your plate.
Growing strawberries in small spaces
A covered garden bed also gives you room above the bed, perfect for hanging a strawberry basket alongside whatever you're growing below. It's a handy way to get more strawberries without needing extra garden space, especially useful if you're working with a smaller section or just want a bigger harvest this summer.
FAQs
What month should I plant strawberries in NZ?
It depends on your region. Warmer northern areas like Northland, Auckland and the Bay of Plenty can start as early as May, running through to July. Central regions typically plant from June to August, while cooler southern regions, including the West Coast, Canterbury, Otago and Southland, tend to do best from July to September.
Can I plant strawberries during a frost?
Avoid planting directly into frozen or snow-covered ground, since roots can't establish properly. Established plants can generally handle a light frost after planting, but mulching helps insulate the roots if cold weather is forecast right after planting.
Can I grow strawberries after winter?
Once your region's main planting window has closed, potted strawberry plants are the better bet over bare-root, since they're already established and more forgiving of a later start. You'll likely get a smaller first harvest than if you'd planted on time, but the plants will still settle in and produce fruit.
Can you leave strawberry plants in the ground over winter?
Yes. Strawberries are perennial and most established plants handle a New Zealand winter fine left in the ground, going dormant until spring. Mulching helps protect the crown through the coldest weeks, particularly in frost-prone areas.
What to do with strawberry plants in winter in NZ?
Once your plants have finished fruiting for the season, clear away any dead or diseased leaves, remove runners you don't want to keep, and add a layer of mulch (straw works well) to protect the crown and roots. Watering can be scaled back since the plant is dormant and not actively growing.
Will strawberry plants survive winter in a raised bed?
Yes, and raised beds often suit strawberries well since they drain better than ground-level soil, reducing the risk of waterlogged roots over a wet winter. Because raised soil can cool down a little faster than ground soil, a layer of mulch is worth adding for extra insulation.
Should you cover strawberries in winter?
It is beneficial to cover strawberries in winter.
Should I put strawberry plants in the greenhouse over winter?
It can help, but only if the greenhouse is unheated. An unheated greenhouse protects plants from hard frosts, wind and heavy rain, while still letting them go dormant. That cold period matters, because most strawberries need it to fruit well the following season.
Will strawberries do well in an APT raised canopy garden bed?
Yes, Apt raised canopy gardens are an excellent way to grow strawberries.
Will a strawberry plant come back after winter?
Yes, strawberry plants are hardy perennials that will come back and fruit again after winter.
Can I leave strawberry plants outside in winter?
Yes, you can and should leave strawberry plants outside during the winter because they need a period of cold temperatures to go dormant and produce fruit the following year.
Do strawberries need full sun in NZ gardens?
Yes. Aim for at least six hours of direct sunlight for the best flavour and fruit size.
How do I stop birds eating my strawberries?
A covered raised garden bed, like APT's canopy design, keeps birds off the fruit without needing netting draped over the plants each season.
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