17 Best Strawberry Varieties For Growing at Home

Are you imagining a summer garden bursting at the seams with fresh, juicy strawberries? Now’s the time to consider the different types you can grow and select varieties well-suited to your garden and needs. Join organic farmer Jenna Rich for a list of the 17 best strawberry varieties for growing at home.

Close-up of a wicker basket full of strawberry varieties in a garden against the backdrop of beds with growing strawberry plants. Strawberries present a charming appearance with their low-growing habit and lush, dark green foliage. Their trifoliate leaves are glossy and serrated, forming a dense carpet that provides a verdant backdrop for the ripe, juicy berries. The berries themselves, ranging in color from deep red to pinkish hues, are nestled among the foliage and adorned with tiny seeds that glisten in the sunlight.

Contents

Strawberries are easy to grow in areas with mild climates with no frost, like California, the Pacific Northwest, and Florida. But fear not, northern growers! Many strawberry varieties on the market will perform in colder climates with added protection and TLC. They ship after your last frost date as dormant bare roots or purchased as plugs at your local nursery.

Once they’re transplanted and established, they can survive as perennials for many years with proper care, though you may grow them as annuals, planting new each season. The time to plant strawberries depends on your growing zone. Extend your season by planting a mix of types. 

Home gardeners can choose between three types of strawberries

  • June-bearing bears fruit in the summer (around June, hence the name) of their second year. It’s the most productive type, with the largest berries and many runners. Growers in Zone 7+ can plant this type in the fall for a spring harvest. 
  • Everbearing, though the name suggests they fruit all season, they produce a crop in early summer and a second in the fall in its first year. Some varieties produce three flushes of fruit per season. Plant these in late spring for berries about six weeks later. 
  • Day-neutral produces smaller fruit all season, into October in mild years, and are not affected by day length. They set flowers between 35-85°F (2-29°C). Small-space gardeners often plant this type of strawberry as they don’t send out as many runners, making the patch easier to control. These are improved versions of everbearing types. 

Let’s get into the 17 best strawberry varieties for growing in your home garden!

Chandler

Close-up of Fragaria x ananassa 'Chandler' plant with ripe berries in a garden with mulched soil. 'Chandler' exhibits elliptical dark green leaves with serrated edges, providing a lush backdrop for its large, glossy red strawberries, known for their conical shape and vibrant hue.
For exceptional early berries, grow ‘Chandler’ strawberries with care.
botanical-name botanical name Fragaria x ananassa ‘Chandler’
plant-type plant type June-bearing
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun 
height height About 8 inches 
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5 to 8

‘Chandler’ is one of the first strawberries I experienced growing, and while it doesn’t offer resistance to many diseases, its flavor is exceptional, and it provides growers with early-season berries. 

Yields will be highest on the western coastline of the United States and southeastern states in zones 5 to 8. The pH preferred is around 6.0, and plants must be watered when no rainfall is present. Roots tend to remain shallow and plants will spread up to a foot. 

Pro tip: When first planting, pinch off flower buds that are present and continue doing so for several weeks to encourage the plant to focus on root development and leaf production. It may seem counterintuitive but the result will be larger, juicier fruits.

‘Honeoye’

Close-up of freshly picked Fragaria x ananassa ‘Honeoye’ berries. 'Honeoye' showcases firm, bright red berries, which are conical in shape and shine with a radiant red color.
For large, flavorful berries, cultivate ‘Honeoye’ in full sun.
botanical-name botanical name Fragaria x ananassa ‘Honeoye’
plant-type plant type June-bearing
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun 
height height 3 to 6 inches 
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4 to 9

This early mid-season variety is known for high-yielding plants that produce large, dark berries. Allow fruit to ripen on the plant for the best flavor, which improves in warmer conditions. ‘Honeoye’ is popular among Midwest and Northeast growers. 

Though it will tolerate partial shade, productivity is best when planted in full sun. Transplant when soil temperatures reach at least 60°F (16°C). 

Pro tip: Incorporate well-aged, high-quality compost into your soil before transplanting strawberry plants or plugs for nutrients, increase drainage and overall soil health. Soil test each year if your plants are growing as perennials to ensure they have the nutrients they need for long-term success.

‘Earligrow’

Close-up of ripe Fragaria ananassa 'Earliglow' berries among green foliage. 'Earliglow' presents with light green, serrated leaves, contrasting elegantly with its intensely red strawberries, which are small to medium-sized and boast a glossy surface.
Kickstart your strawberry season with ‘Earligrow’—the earliest ripening variety.
botanical-name botanical name Fragaria ananassa ‘Earliglow’
plant-type plant type June-bearing
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun 
height height 8 to 12 inches 
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4 to 8

As the name suggests, ‘Earligrow’ is usually the first strawberry that will ripen each season. Plants are adapted to climates of the Mid-Atlantic, Midwest, and Northeast regions of the United States. 

It will begin to bloom in late spring, and the conical fruits will begin to ripen in the summer. Several weeks will bring large amounts of berries that are medium to large, deep red, and consistently shaped and sized. 

‘Earligrow’ will spread about 8-12 inches, so give them about 18 inches of spacing. This variety offers good resistance to red stele, root rot, and verticillium wilt. 

‘Jewel’

Close-up of Fragaria x ananassa ‘Jewel’ plants with hanging clusters of ripe berries. 'Jewel' displays broad, heart-shaped green leaves with slightly toothed edges, framing its large, deep red berries, characterized by a glossy texture and a plump, conical shape.
Savor the excellent flavor of ‘Jewel’ strawberries in mid-season.
botanical-name botanical name Fragaria x ananassa ‘Jewel’
plant-type plant type June-bearing
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun 
height height 6 to 9 inches 
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4 to 8

‘Jewel’ is a vigorous and moderately winter hardy plant. Fruits are large, firm, wide, and wedge-shaped and come on strong late mid-season. The flavor and aroma are excellent. Cornell University owns the license for this variety. 

When planted in the spring, ‘Jewel’ will start bearing fruit after one year and is a mid-season fruit-bearer. Space them at 12-24 inches. The growth rate is medium. 

Store berries around 40°F (4°C) unwashed post-harvest for the longest shelf life. To freeze, add them to a cookie sheet and freeze overnight. Then add them to an airtight container labeled with the date and store up to one year. 

‘MNUS 248’ 

Close-up of a Fragaria x ananassa 'MNUS 248' plant with ripe berries and a delicate white flower with a yellow center among green foliage. 'MNUS 248' features dark green, serrated leaves that harmonize with its medium-sized, firm strawberries, known for their rich red color and classic conical shape.
Enjoy the sweet, heart-shaped berries of ‘Mesabi™’ each spring.
botanical-name botanical name Fragaria x ananassa ‘MNUS 248’
plant-type plant type June-bearing
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 4 inches 
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3 to 12

Sold as ‘Mesabi™’, this self-pollinating perennial can live up to ten years with proper care. It grows fast and produces one large crop of sweet, heart-shaped berries with a creamy center in late spring to early summer. Its creation was a collaboration of breeders at the University of Minnesota, the USDA Agricultural Research Service Fruit Laboratory, and was released to the public in 1999. It’s trademarked by the University of Minnesota. 

Plants typically die back to the crown and will regrow in the spring, similar to rhubarb. Add mulch before the winter to protect its crown and label plants to not trample over them or mistakenly dig them up.

Design ‘Mesabi™’ into an edible garden as the featured spiller in pots and containers or plant it where it can spread up to 18 inches. 

‘Flavorfest’

Close-up of Fragaria ananassa 'Flavorfest' plants hanging from a container in a sunny garden. 'Flavorfest' boasts dark green, crinkled leaves that add texture to its large, conical strawberries, distinguished by their glossy, ruby-red appearance and exceptional flavor. Lots of cone-shaped green berries hang among green foliage and ripe red berries.
Savor the sweet, juicy berries of ‘Flavorfest’ all summer long.
botanical-name botanical name Fragaria ananassa ‘Flavorfest’
plant-type plant type June-bearing
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun 
height height 12 to 16 inches 
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4 to 7

What do you think ‘Flavorfest’ is known for? If you guessed it’s deliciously flavored berries, you’re spot on. They’re sweet, plump, and juicy, produced in large crops over the summer months. ‘Flavorfest’ was bred by the USDA. 

Plants have a strong resistance package against crown and fruit rot and red stele, perfect for organic growers. To propagate new plants with runners, use the layering method.

Fill a container with potting mix, set it next to the strawberry plants, lay runners over the top of the container, and bury them into the mix. Water them in and wait several weeks for new roots to form before snipping them off the mother plant. 

Pro tip: Remove insect netting when flowering begins for proper pollination.

‘Allstar’

Close-up of ripe Fragaria 'Allstar' berries on the soil in the garden. 'Allstar' showcases large, juicy, bright red strawberries, with a conical shape.
Enjoy abundant harvests of glossy, mildly sweet ‘Allstar’ berries.
botanical-name botanical name Fragaria ‘Allstar’
plant-type plant type June-bearing
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun 
height height 6 to 9 inches 
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4 to 8

‘Allstar’ is a late mid-season bloomer, producing large amounts of glossy red, mildly sweet berries. It’s reliable and adapted to climates in the East and Central Midwest but has been known to produce high yields in the South. Once plants are established, the growth rate is fast. 

These plants are highly resistant to red stele and moderately tolerant of wilt. Keep the deer away come June, when these plants will be full of bright red berries. They’ll hold up nicely to being frozen but are great to eat fresh, too. 

Pro tip: When bare root plants arrive, soak them for several hours in clean water to rehydrate them before transplanting. If you are unable to plant them right away, keep them in the plastic bag they arrived in loosely closed to allow airflow. Mist them with water every few days. Plant as soon as possible.

‘Surecrop’

Close-up of ripe Fragaria ‘Surecrop’ berries among green foliage. Surecrop’ presents light green, oval leaves with jagged edges, enhancing its medium-sized, bright red strawberries, which have a glossy sheen and a round to conical shape.
Trust ‘Surecrop’ for low-maintenance, drought-tolerant strawberry gardening.
botanical-name botanical name Fragaria ‘Surecrop’ 
plant-type plant type June-bearing
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun 
height height 6 to 9 inches
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4 to 8

Another producer of large, conical, red berries, ‘Surecrop’ is one of the lowest maintenance strawberry varieties out there. This tried and true variety was introduced by the USDA in 1956 and has been trusted by gardeners ever since. Studies show minimal yield losses when compared to other varieties during drought conditions. 

Its disease-resistance package is strong and the plants are very vigorous. pH preferred is between 5.5 and 6.5, and the soil should be well-draining, rich, and slightly sandy. 

Pro tip: Use shade cloth during periods of extreme direct sunlight in the summer to protect berries against intense heat and scorch.

‘Wendy’

Close-up of bunches of ripe Fragaria ananassa 'AC Wendy' PP18340 berries hanging from a hanging container in a greenhouse. 'Wendy' displays glossy, dark green leaves with serrated edges, providing a striking contrast to its medium to large, bright red strawberries, with a shiny surface and conical shape.
Early-season freshness for cooler climate strawberry enthusiasts.
botanical-name botanical name Fragaria ananassa ‘AC Wendy’ PP18340
plant-type plant type June-bearing
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun 
height height 8 to 10 inches 
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3 to 8

Though the berries of ‘Wendy’ are a bit smaller, this variety gets you that sought-after, fresh flavor earlier in the season.

‘Wendy’ is especially great in cooler climates as they can handle cold spring temperatures. Transplant them as soon as the soil can be worked, using row cover as needed for protection. Use plastic mulch, straw, or landscape fabric with burned planting holes for added warmth if desired. 

This variety can be planted in the fall in zones 5+ for a spring harvest, and you may see flowers in the first year. 

‘Festival™’

Close-up of ripe Fragaria 'Festival' strawberry fruits on a wooden surface. 'Festival' features firm, bright red strawberries, which are conical in shape and boast a glossy finish.
These aromatic, firm berries are perfect for warm climates.
botanical-name botanical name Fragaria ‘Festival’
plant-type plant type Ever-bearing
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun 
height height 8 to 12 inches 
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 9 to 11

The long stems of ‘Festival’ make harvesting a delight. The medium to large berries are deep red and sweet and boast an amazing strawberry aroma. The soil must be adjusted significantly to decrease nitrogen and increase potassium and calcium levels to ensure firm fruit with a good shelf life. 

This variety performs well in containers and towers, providing juicy berries from late spring through summer. When combined with an early bloomer like ‘Wendy’, there should be no shortage of strawberry shortcake ingredients. 

This heat lover is an easy pick for warm-climate growers, popular in Texas and Florida. Berries hold up well during storage. 

‘Sweet Ann’

Close-up of ripe Fragaria ananassa ‘Sweet Ann’ strawberries in cardboard trays. Its fruit is vibrant red, medium-sized, and conically shaped, with a glossy surface and a firm texture.
Abundant, flavorful berries are ideal for home gardeners.
botanical-name botanical name Fragaria ananassa ‘Sweet Ann’
plant-type plant type Day-neutral 
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height 12 to 18 inches 
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5 to 8

‘Sweet Ann’ puts out an impressive amount of glossy, bright red, conical fruits with medium firmness. Plants are easy to control with a moderate amount of runners. The flavor is exceptional and the shape holds firm during storage and transport.

This variety is perfect for home gardeners for its disease-resistance package, but watch out for fusarium wilt. Avoid overhead watering and keep equipment and tools sanitized between uses and the garden free of debris to prevent this disease. Allow soil to dry out a bit between watering sessions. 

While high tunnels often present ideal conditions for fungal diseases to thrive, studies show ‘Sweet Ann’ has been identified as a promising variety to grow successfully in protected areas. The high sugar content keeps yields high and fruits marketable, whereas others’ shapes and yields suffer.

‘Fort Laramie’

Close-up of ripe Fragaria ananassa 'Fort Laramie' strawberries in a small wicker basket on green grass in the garden. The strawberries it bears are large, firm, and glossy, with a deep red color and a sweet-tart flavor.
Hardy, sweet, and perfect for gardens in northern regions.
botanical-name botanical name Fragaria ananassa ‘Fort Laramie’
plant-type plant type Ever-bearing 
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun 
height height 8 to 12 inches 
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 3 to 7

This ultra-sweet variety is great for northern growers, hardy down to zone 3, even without mulch. Take advantage of its runners to create new plants to share with friends or fellow gardeners. Alternatively, root five to six of them per plant to fill out your strawberry plot and create the next generation of plants.  

Berries of ‘Fort Laramie’ are large, juicy, and have a quintessential strawberry shape and color. 

When transplanting plugs, set the crown just below the soil level, surround it with native soil, and tamp it down to ensure good root-to-soil contact. Remove the first flush of flowers as they get established. Install drip irrigation lines right as part of the transplant process so there’s no delay in watering. 

‘Alexandria’

Close-up, top view of Fragaria vesca ‘Alexandria’. 'Alexandria' showcases light green leaves that are oval-shaped and finely toothed. Its fruits are small, round, and intensely flavorful, with a deep red hue and a soft, juicy texture.
Perfect for small spaces, this sweet Alpine strawberry is versatile.
botanical-name botanical name Fragaria vesca ‘Alexandria’
plant-type plant type Day-neutral 
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun 
height height 6 to 8 inches 
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 5 to 8

This is a sweet, decorative, yet practical Alpine strawberry perfect for small-space gardeners, container growers, and edible landscapes. Berries are smaller than standard strawberries but larger than wild varieties, and their flavor is delicious.

They don’t produce many runners, and the growth habit stays compact, making them perfect for a garden pathway, rock gardens, and containers. 

The small white flowers are edible and have a slight strawberry flavor. Use them to garnish salads or summer mock/cocktails. 

‘Albion’

Close-up of ripe Fragaria x ananassa 'Albion' berries among green foliage and straw mulch. 'Albion' presents dark green leaves that are deeply lobed and serrated, adding a touch of elegance. The strawberries are large, firm, and exceptionally sweet, boasting a glossy red exterior and a juicy, tender flesh.
This strawberry variety delights with its large, flavorful berries.
botanical-name botanical name Fragaria x ananassa ‘Albion’
plant-type plant type Day-neutral
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun to partial shade
height height About 12 inches 
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4 to 9

‘Albion’ is known for its huge, firm berries in the classic conical shape, sweet flavor, and bright red shade. These berries are perfect for eating freshly picked from the plant but also freeze and preserve well. Plants will produce fruit from May to August under ideal conditions. 

It has an amazing disease resistance package, including verticillium, phytophthora crown rot, and intermediate resistance to anthracnose crown rot. I highly recommend this variety for home gardeners for its ease of care and productivity. 

Though hardy to zone 4, I recommend a heavy layer of weed-free straw mulch before frost sets in that remains on through winter. This will protect the plant’s crown and prevent early spring weed seeds from germinating. 

‘Tristar’

Close-up of ripe, freshly picked Fragaria x ananassa 'Tristar' berries in a small wooden bowl on green grass. The strawberries are small to medium-sized, bright red, and exceptionally aromatic, with a pleasantly firm yet juicy texture.
These sweet berries are ideal for pies and jams delight in any garden.
botanical-name botanical name Fragaria x ananassa ‘Tristar’
plant-type plant type Ever-bearing 
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun 
height height 9 to 12 inches
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4 to 9

The sweetness of ‘Tristar’ berries is perfect for pies and jams. These plants will flower from late spring until the first frost arrives. Plants may remain evergreen throughout mild, frost-free winters. 

Space these plants at 18-24 inches. Remove runners to control your patch, or snip them off to create new plants. ‘Tristar’ performs well in hanging baskets or containers. 

Though an excellent producer, this variety is more susceptible than others to foliage diseases and root rots. Ensure the soil is properly draining, loamy, and fertile. Water using drip irrigation. 

‘Seascape’

Close-up of ripe Fragaria x ananassa ‘Seascape’ berries on soil covered with bark mulch. Fragaria x ananassa ‘Seascape’: 'Seascape' features glossy dark green leaves that are moderately serrated, contributing to its ornamental appeal. Its fruit is medium-sized, firm, and glossy red.
With its superior taste and adaptability to varying climates, it’s a top choice.
botanical-name botanical name Fragaria x ananassa ‘Seascape’
plant-type plant type Day-neutral 
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun 
height height 12 inches 
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4 to 7

If you’re looking for a high-yielding strawberry variety that performs well even during hot, dry summers, ‘Seascape’ is it. Introduced in 1992 by the University of California, it’s considered to be one of the best-tasting strawberries on the market today. It also performs well in cooler weather, making it an excellent choice for northern growers.

Berries are large, round, and flavorful and arrive mid-season. Critters seem to know the exact moment these sweet berries are ready for the picking. Harvest them every few days to keep them all to yourself.

Foliage is deep green and remains so in frost-free areas. A broad resistance to fungal diseases keeps plants healthy long-term. pH preferred is 6.5 to 6.8.

‘Tribute’

Close-up of ripe Fragaria x ananassa 'Tribute' berries among foliage on black soil in a garden. 'Tribute' boasts deep green leaves with serrated edges, adding a distinctive charm to its appearance. The strawberries are large, firm, and glossy, with a rich red color and a delectably sweet flavor profile complemented by a juicy, succulent texture.
University-bred variety offers vigor, disease tolerance, and rich red berries.
botanical-name botanical name Fragaria x ananassa ‘Tribute’
plant-type plant type Day-neutral 
sun-requirements sun requirements Full sun 
height height About 8 inches 
hardiness-zones hardiness zones 4 to 8 

Developed at the University of Maryland, ‘Tribute’ has earned its keep as a favorite variety for its vigorous growth and juicy, deep red, medium berries. It’s self-pollinating and tolerates leaf scorch and blight. pH preferred is 5.5 to 6.5. 

Get your jam and pie recipes out because you’re going to be swimming in berries when ‘Tribute’ starts producing. They work well in hangers and containers, as their runners will produce berries without rooting. Avoid planting them in an area where frost settles to avoid winter damage. 

Extend your season by adding these to your lineup alongside June-bearing varieties. 

Key Takeaways

  • Select the right type of strawberry for your garden and needs.
  • Protect them from frost and pests.
  • Ensure the soil is well-draining.
  • Space plants at 9-24 inches, variety dependent.
  • Snip runners to keep control of your patch.
  • Water plants consistently but do not allow the soil to become soggy.
  • Use insect netting, row cover, and organic sprays to keep pests, rodents, and birds away.
  • Purchase plugs and bare-root plants from reputable sources.

Final Thoughts

If you love fresh strawberries and want to try growing some this year, there are plenty of home gardener-friendly options available in June-bearing, everbearing, and day-neutral varieties. Experiment with early, mid, and late-season varieties to keep your supply going all season long. 

Share This Post
A close-up revealing pineberries, small white berries with red seeds, showcasing their unique appearance. These strawberries exhibit an intriguing combination of pale hues and vibrant red seeds, creating a visually distinctive fruit. Atop the berries, delicate green leaves add a touch of freshness to the composition.

Fruits

How to Plant, Grow, and Care for Pineberries

Have you tried pineberries? They’re the white strawberries that taste like pineapple and are as pretty as they are tasty. Grow them in your garden with your favorite scarlet strawberries to spice up the collection. Explore how to plant, grow, and care for the lovely pineberry with garden expert Katherine Rowe.

A branch of an apricot tree laden with ripe, orange apricots. Sunlight shines through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the fruit. In the background, there is a patch of green grass and several other trees.

Fruits

How to Grow an Apricot Tree from Seed

A fresh, juicy apricot is a tasty treat in late summer and is even more special if you grow the tree yourself. If you live in a good zone for growing deciduous fruit trees, why not give growing an apricot tree from seed a try? The benefits outweigh the time it takes. In this article, gardening expert Wendy Moulton shares how to grow an apricot from seed!

A vibrant wild strawberry plant basks in the warm sunlight. The ruby-red strawberries, arranged like nature's jewels, capture the light, creating a mesmerizing display of freshness and natural beauty.

Fruits

How to Plant, Grow, and Care For Wild Strawberry

Are you curious about growing your own wild strawberries? Just because they are “wild” doesn’t mean you can’t grow these tasty little fruits in your own landscape. In this article, gardening enthusiast Liessa Bowen introduces the wild strawberry and how to successfully grow your own!

Close-up of ripe fruits on Fig tree. The tree has broad, lobed leaves of bright green color with pale green veins. Figs, the tree's signature fruit, grow directly on the branches and are characterized by a pear-like shape with a small opening, known as the "eye," at the bottom. The fruit has a soft, greenish-purple skin.

Fruits

31 Fabulous Fig Varieties for Your Home and Garden

Are you curious about figs, if you can grow them, and which type to grow? If you love to eat fresh figs and live in a moderate to warm climate, you may be very happy to know you can grow your own figs without much effort! In this article, gardening expert and fig lover Liessa Bowen introduces 31 different fig cultivars available to the home gardener.

A close-up of crimson raspberries attached to their stem, surrounded by lush, green leaves. In the backdrop, a sunlit symphony of leaves adds a soft, ethereal touch to the scene.

Fruits

21 Best Raspberry Varieties For Home Gardens

If you want to add raspberry plants to your home garden, check out this comprehensive list of the best 21 varieties. Organic farmer Jenna Rich breaks them down into primocane and floricane as well as berry color, ripening time, and hardiness zones.

In this close-up, a collection of ripe blueberries presents a delightful sight, showcasing their smooth, round forms and gradient of blues. The lush foliage in the background creates a gentle blur, offering a sense of the berries' natural habitat.

Fruits

27 Different Types of Blueberries For Your Garden

Would you like to grow your own blueberries? If you have a sunny spot in your garden, you can grow these delicious fruits and enjoy the attractive plants in your landscape. In this article, gardening expert Liessa Bowen introduces 27 tasty blueberry varieties for the home gardener.