Fort Laramie is one of North America's hardiest strawberries, bred specifically to withstand the brutal winters of the northern Great Plains. Growing in zones 3 through 8, this everbearing cultivar produces large, bright red berries with honeyed sweetness from June through October, offering reliable harvests even where most strawberries fail. The plants reach just 6 inches tall and thrive in full sun to partial shade, making them adaptable to various garden conditions. What truly sets Fort Laramie apart is its cold tolerance without requiring winter mulch, a trait that has made it invaluable to northern gardeners seeking consistent berry production season after season.
Partial Sun
Moderate
3-8
6in H x ?in W
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High
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Fort Laramie survives harsh winters without mulch protection, a rare trait among strawberry varieties that makes it the go-to choice for cold climates. The berries themselves are notably large and bright red with a honeyed sweetness suitable for fresh eating straight from the garden or processing into jams and preserves. As an everbearing cultivar, it produces continuously from early summer through fall frost, extending your harvest season far longer than traditional spring-bearing types. The plants are self-fertile, so you need only one to begin harvesting, and they generate abundant runners for propagation year after year.
Fort Laramie berries shine both fresh and preserved. The large size and sweet flavor make them exceptional for eating out of hand during the long harvest season stretching from June into October. Their suitability for processing translates well to jams, jellies, and frozen preserves, allowing gardeners in northern regions to capture the summer harvest and enjoy it through winter. The generous runner production also makes this variety popular for gardeners who want to expand their plantings or share plants with fellow growers.
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Transplant Fort Laramie runners or crowns into the garden in early spring after the last hard frost or in late summer for fall establishment. Space plants 12 to 18 inches apart in prepared beds with good drainage. Harden off nursery-grown plants by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over 7 to 10 days before planting.
Pick berries when they are fully red and slightly soft to the touch, indicating peak ripeness and sweetness. Fort Laramie produces continuously from June through October, so harvest every two to three days during peak season to encourage more flowering and fruiting. The large berries detach easily when ripe; gently twist and lift from the plant, or use a small knife to cut the stem just above the fruit.
Remove flower buds during the first season to establish strong root systems and vigorous runners. In subsequent years, deadhead spent flowers regularly to maintain continuous blooming and fruiting throughout the season. Clear away old, damaged, or diseased foliage to improve air circulation and reduce pest and disease pressure.
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