Seascape Strawberry

Sow seeds indoors approximately 2 months before your last spring frost date. Transplant seedlings into containers and grow them under lights until they are sturdy enough to harden off.

Transplant seedlings or bare root plants outdoors after the last frost date when soil has warmed and is workable. If bare root plants arrive before you are ready to plant, pot them into 4-inch containers and hold them in a sheltered location for a few weeks until the garden soil is prepared.

Direct seed outdoors as soon as soil warms in spring, pressing seeds into moist soil and keeping them consistently moist until germination.

Begin harvesting when berries turn fully red, which typically occurs between 90 and 99 days after planting. Harvest daily once berries start ripening, as fully ripe berries are softer and more flavorful. Pick berries by gently twisting and lifting them from the plant, or use a sharp knife to cut the stem. Note that leaves covering the outer shoulders of the berry may prevent those areas from developing full red color, so check beneath the foliage. Refrigerate harvested fruit immediately on a tray or plate in a single layer.

Pinch off blossoms of everbearing varieties until July 1st of the first year to direct plant energy toward root establishment rather than early fruiting. After this date, allow flowers to develop and fruit to set. Remove runners if you want to maintain the plant's shape and redirect energy into berry production, or allow runners to spread for increased coverage.