When is strawberry season in Australia? In Sydney, plants fruit mainly from spring into early summer, and you plant them in autumn or early spring so they settle in before the heat. The biggest mistake is burying the crown, the short stem at the base, which rots the plant.
This guide covers strawberry season by state, how to plant strawberries and runners, how many plants you need per person and how long they last.
Key points
- Plant strawberries in autumn or early spring in Sydney, in full sun and free-draining soil, with the crown level with the soil surface.
- You need potting mix or enriched soil, mulch such as straw or sugar cane, netting for birds and a hose with an instant on-off trigger nozzle.
- Follow Water Wise times (before 10 am or after 4 pm) and use fertiliser exactly as the label directs.
- If you want help in the garden, a Sydney gardener costs about $52 to $115 per hour, with $75 typical (October 2026).
When is strawberry season in Australia?
| Region | Main strawberry season | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sydney | Spring to early summer in home gardens | Plant in autumn or early spring for the best first crop |
| Queensland | Winter and spring for commercial crops | Check local farms for current dates (indicative — varies by year and variety) |
| Victoria and Tasmania | Late spring to autumn | Cooler summers extend the harvest |
| South Australia | Spring to early summer | Water carefully in heat |
| Western Australia | Spring to early summer | Mulch well in sandy soils |
Some varieties fruit over a longer period, so check the plant label for the expected cropping window.
When is strawberry season in Sydney: planting calendar
| Season | What to do | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn (March to May) | Plant potted strawberries or runners | Warm soil and cooler air let roots establish before winter |
| Winter (June to August) | Mulch, weed and protect from frost | Growth slows, and frost can mark flowers and leaves |
| Spring (September to November) | Feed, net and start harvesting | Flowers set fruit as the weather warms |
| Summer (December to February) | Water early, pick often and shade in heatwaves | Heat stresses plants and fruit can scorch |
What you need for strawberry growing
| Item | What it is for | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Potted plants or runners | The crop | Buy certified plants from a nursery or Bunnings where possible |
| Quality potting mix or compost | Free-draining, rich soil | Mix compost into the bed to improve clay or sandy soil |
| Pot, planter or raised bed | Growing space | Choose containers with drainage holes |
| Mulch (straw or sugar cane) | Keeps fruit clean and soil moist | Keep it clear of the crown |
| Bird netting | Protecting the fruit | Use fine mesh and check it often for trapped wildlife |
| Fertiliser | Feeding the plants | Use a product from Yates or Searles exactly as the label directs |
How to plant strawberries: step by step
- Choose a sunny, sheltered spot or a large pot, and check the plant label for sun and space needs (indicative — check the plant label).
- Improve the soil with compost, and break up heavy clay so water drains freely.
- Soak the pot, then tease out any tangled roots with your fingers.
- Dig a hole as deep as the root ball and set the plant with the crown level with the soil surface.
- Backfill and firm lightly, then water in well.
- Mulch around the plant, keeping the crown clear.
- Water regularly within Water Wise times, and never leave a hose running unattended.
- Feed lightly through the growing season as the product label directs.
How to plant strawberry runners and propagate new plants
Healthy plants send out long stems called runners that grow baby plants. Propagating strawberries from runners is the easiest way to expand a patch for free.
- Choose strong runners from healthy, productive plants, not from sickly ones.
- Place a small pot of potting mix beside the parent plant and pin the baby plant onto the surface.
- Keep the mix damp until roots form (indicative — it takes a few weeks).
- Cut the runner from the parent once the new plant has rooted.
- Plant it out, crown level with the soil, in autumn or early spring.
This is the same method as growing strawberries from runners, and it keeps the variety true to the parent.
Can you grow a strawberry from a strawberry?
- Yes, the tiny seeds on the outside of the fruit can sprout, but plants grow slowly and may differ from the parent.
- Scrape or dry a few seeds, sow them on damp seed-raising mix and keep them warm and bright.
- Expect seedlings to take months to produce fruit, unlike runners and nursery plants.
- Choose runners or certified plants if you want reliable fruit in your first season.
- Supermarket fruit can carry disease, so avoid planting it directly in garden beds.
Strawberry plants per person and how long they last
| Question | Short answer | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| How many strawberry plants per person? | A handful of plants per person is a common starting point (indicative — varies with variety and appetite) | Plant more if you want to preserve or freeze fruit |
| How long do strawberry plants last? | Productive for a few years before cropping declines (indicative — varies with variety and care) | Replace tired plants with runners |
| Pots or ground? | Both work with good drainage | Pots suit courtyards and balconies |
| Spacing | Leave room for air flow (indicative — check the plant label) | Good airflow reduces mould |
Common strawberry mistakes
- Burying the crown, which causes rot.
- Planting in shade, which reduces fruit and invites mould.
- Overwatering heavy clay soil in western Sydney without improving drainage.
- Leaving fruit on damp soil where slugs and rot can reach it.
- Skipping netting, so birds take the crop just before it ripens.
- Keeping old plants too long, when fresh runners crop better.
When to call a gardener or licensed specialist
- You have no time for regular watering, feeding and netting.
- Pests such as fruit fly or aphids are damaging the crop; book a licensed pest controller.
- You are building raised beds or retaining walls; book a licensed handyman or builder.
- Tall trees shade the garden; for large trees, check council rules and book a qualified arborist.
- You want a full veggie garden set-up, as in how to start a vegetable garden.
- Your garden needs a clean-up before planting.
Cost in Sydney
| Job | Low | Typical | High |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gardener hourly rate | $52 | $75 | $115 |
Prices include GST and reflect Sydney metro rates for October 2026. Plant and soil costs vary by supplier (indicative — check at your nursery or Bunnings).
FAQ: when is strawberry season
When is strawberry season in Qld?
Queensland farms typically harvest strawberries in the cooler months, mainly winter into spring. Exact dates shift each year with weather and variety, so check local farms or growers for current picking dates.
How long do strawberry plants last?
Most plants stay productive for a few years, then crop less (indicative — varies with variety and care). Keep strong runners from healthy plants and replace tired ones to keep your patch producing.
How many strawberry plants per person?
A handful of plants per person is a common starting point for fresh eating (indicative — varies with variety and appetite). Plant more if you want to freeze fruit or make jam.
How do you plant a strawberry?
Choose a sunny, free-draining spot, set the plant with the crown level with the soil, water in, and mulch around it. Keep the crown clear and water regularly within Water Wise times.
Getting your strawberry patch looked after in Sydney
If you would rather spend your time picking than weeding, we tidy gardens and look after beds across Sydney. Book garden maintenance in Sydney and get an itemised quote. For more seasonal planting ideas, read what vegetables to plant now, and see our dwarf lime tree and when to prune lemon trees guides for other fruit.
