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How to Plant Dormant Strawberry Crowns in Spring (Cold Climate Guide)
How to Plant Dormant Strawberry Crowns in Spring
If you’ve never planted dormant bare-root strawberry plants, you might be surprised when your order arrives looking like “sticks with roots.” In this guide, you’ll learn how to plant dormant strawberry crowns in spring so they wake up quickly and establish well in cold climates.
In this guide, we’ll walk you step-by-step through:
- What dormant strawberry plants are
- When to plant them
- How to plant them correctly
- And what to expect in the first 30 days
This guide is written specifically for cold-climate growers (Zones 3–5). You can check your USDA hardiness zone using the official USDA zone map.
What Is a Dormant Strawberry Crown?
A dormant strawberry plant is a fully grown root system that has been lifted from the field while it is asleep for winter. The leaves are trimmed off, and all the plant’s energy is stored in the crown and roots.
Dormant plants:
- Ship safely without soil
- Store easily for short periods
- Wake up quickly once planted
- Establish faster than many potted plants
This is the industry standard for spring strawberry planting across the Midwest and northern U.S.
When Should I Plant Dormant Strawberry Plants?
You should plant dormant strawberry crowns as soon as the soil can be worked in spring. That usually means:
- When the ground is no longer frozen
- When you can dig without standing water
- Even if overnight frost is still possible
Dormant crowns are cold-hardy. A light frost after planting will not hurt them.
If your plants arrive before your soil is ready:
- Keep them refrigerated at 34–38°F
- Do not let them dry out
- Plant within 3–5 days for best results
Step-by-Step: How to Plant Dormant Strawberry Crowns
1. Prepare Your Soil
Strawberries prefer:
- Loose, well-drained soil
- Full sun (8+ hours per day)
- A slightly acidic pH (5.5–6.5)
Work compost or aged manure into the top 6–8 inches of soil before planting.
2. Soak the Roots (Optional but Helpful)
If your roots look dry:
- Soak them in clean water for 20–30 minutes
- Do not soak longer than 1 hour
This helps rehydrate the roots before planting.
3. Dig the Correct Hole
Each planting hole should be:
- Deep enough for the full root system
- Wide enough so roots are not bent or folded
Create a small cone of soil in the center of the hole to spread the roots over.
4. Set the Crown at the Correct Height
This is the most important step.
✅ The crown (where leaves emerge) must sit right at the soil surface
❌ Too deep = crown rots
❌ Too shallow = roots dry out
Spread roots downward and outward, then backfill gently with soil.
5. Water Thoroughly
Water immediately after planting to eliminate air pockets and help the roots settle in.
Spacing for Home Gardens
- June-bearing varieties:
12–18 inches apart in rows - Day-neutral varieties:
10–14 inches apart
Rows should be spaced 24–36 inches apart for good airflow and harvesting access.
What Should I Expect After Planting?
Here’s the normal timeline:
- Days 1–7: No visible growth — plants are waking up underground
- Days 7–14: Small green leaves appear
- Days 14–30: Strong top growth and root expansion
The first year is about establishment, not heavy production. Strong plants = big harvests in year two.
Should I Remove Flowers the First Year?
- June-bearing: Remove flowers all first season
- Day-neutral: Remove flowers for the first 4–6 weeks, then allow fruiting
This builds root strength and increases long-term yield.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Planting too deep
❌ Letting roots dry out before planting
❌ Over-fertilizing at planting
❌ Poor drainage
❌ Skipping early watering
Why Bare-Root Strawberries Outperform Potted Plants
Dormant bare-root plants:
- Establish roots faster
- Adapt better to local soil
- Ship safely without transplant shock
- Cost significantly less per plant
For large gardens and serious home growers, they are the most reliable option.
Order Dormant Strawberry Plants for Spring Planting
Frootz ships dormant bare-root strawberry plants in spring, timed for safe planting in cold climates.
✅ Retail packs available
✅ Spring delivery window
✅ Cold-climate-proven varieties
