Growing Strawberries in Colorado: Your Fort Collins Guide

There's nothing quite like biting into a sun-ripened strawberry straight from your own garden. If you're wondering how to grow strawberries in Colorado, you're in luck. With the right varieties and proper care, growing strawberries in Fort Collins and across Northern Colorado is not only possible, it's incredibly rewarding. These small but mighty fruits are packed with flavor and nutrients, making them a favorite for gardeners of all levels.

Can You Grow Strawberries in Fort Collins, CO?

Yes! Despite Colorado's unpredictable weather and occasional late frosts, strawberries can thrive in Fort Collins. The key is to choose hardy varieties suited for the region, use raised beds or containers with good drainage, and plant in a sunny location with rich soil. The Front Range region has a semi-arid climate, but with a bit of planning, strawberries can adapt well. With a little preparation and care, your strawberry patch can produce juicy berries all summer long.

What Types of Strawberries Grow Best in Colorado?

June-bearing Strawberries

These produce a large, single harvest each year, typically in June. They’re ideal for gardeners who want a big crop all at once for canning or freezing. June-bearers often yield the largest berries and are great for recipes and preserves.

Everbearing Strawberries

Everbearing strawberries produce two to three smaller harvests throughout the growing season—perfect for continuous fresh eating. They typically bear fruit in early summer, midsummer, and early fall. Shop everbearing strawberry varieties online today!

Day-neutral Strawberries

Day-neutral types bear fruit continuously through the summer, regardless of day length. They're a great option for container gardening and raised beds. They’re less sensitive to temperature swings, making them suitable for variable climates like Colorado's.

How to Grow Strawberries in Colorado

Choose the Right Location

Pick a sunny spot with well-draining soil. Strawberries love full sun and need at least 6–8 hours of light per day. Avoid low-lying areas where cold air or frost might settle.

Prepare the Soil

Enrich your soil with compost or organic matter. A slightly acidic pH of 5.5–6.5 is ideal. Raised beds work well in Colorado's clay-heavy soils. Amending the soil ensures better root development and drainage.

Space Plants Properly

Give each plant about 12–18 inches of space to ensure good air circulation and healthy root development. Overcrowding can lead to mold and mildew issues.

Mulch Your Plants

Use straw or pine needles to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the fruit clean. Mulch also insulates roots during temperature fluctuations.

Water Consistently

Strawberries need about 1–1.5 inches of water per week. Drip irrigation is ideal to avoid wetting the leaves, which can lead to disease. Make sure the soil remains consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Fertilize as Needed

Use a balanced fertilizer when planting, then again mid-season to support fruit production. Avoid over-fertilizing, as too much nitrogen can lead to excessive leaf growth and fewer berries.

Control Weeds and Pests

Keep the area around your plants weed-free. Watch for pests like slugs, aphids, and spider mites, and use organic controls if needed. Rotating crops each season helps prevent soil-borne diseases.

Harvesting and Storing Fresh Strawberries

Pick When Fully Red

Harvest berries when they’re fully red and fragrant. They won’t continue to ripen once picked. Check your plants daily during peak season.

Harvest in the Morning

Pick strawberries in the cool morning hours for best flavor and firmness. Morning-picking also helps reduce spoilage caused by afternoon heat.

Use Gentle Hands

Strawberries bruise easily, so handle them with care. Use scissors or pinch the stem to avoid damaging the plant.

Store in the Fridge

Store berries in a single layer in the refrigerator. They’ll keep for 2–3 days. Avoid stacking or sealing them in airtight containers.

Don’t Wash Until Ready to Eat

Washing strawberries before storing can lead to mold. Wait until you’re ready to eat them. Rinse under cool water and pat dry just before enjoying.

Growing Strawberries in Colorado FAQs

Q. When Should I Plant Strawberries in Colorado?

A. Plant strawberries in early spring, as soon as the soil can be worked. Late March to mid-April is ideal for Fort Collins. You can also plant in the fall to give roots time to establish before winter.

Q. How Can I Tell the Age of a Strawberry Plant?

A. Strawberry plants typically produce well for 2–3 years. After that, yields decline. If your plants are thinning or producing fewer berries, it may be time to replace them. Labeling your rows by year can help keep track.

Q. When Should I Remove the Blooms?

A. In the first year, remove blossoms from June-bearing and everbearing varieties to encourage strong root and runner development. Let day-neutral varieties fruit lightly in the first season. Removing blooms redirects energy to plant growth.

Q. Is Northern Colorado Too Hot for Strawberries?

A. While strawberries don’t love extreme heat, they do well in Northern Colorado with proper mulching and consistent watering. Shade cloth can help protect them during the hottest parts of the day. Well-hydrated plants are more resilient to heat stress.

Q. What Is a Strawberry Jar?

A. A strawberry jar is a tall container with side pockets for planting. It’s perfect for patios and small spaces, and works well with day-neutral varieties. These jars create attractive, space-saving vertical gardens.

Q. How Do I Protect My Strawberries from Birds?

A. Use bird netting or floating row covers to keep birds from snacking on your berries before you do. Reflective tape and garden owls can also deter birds.

Q. When Are Strawberries Ripe?

A. Strawberries are ripe when they’re fully red, plump, and fragrant. Check daily during peak season as they ripen quickly. Overripe berries attract pests, so harvest promptly.

Grow Strawberries with Bath Garden Center

At Bath Garden Center in Fort Collins, we offer everything you need to grow your own strawberries—hardy plant starts, nutrient-rich soil, containers, and expert advice. Whether you’re new to gardening or a seasoned pro, we’ll help you find the right varieties and tools to make your strawberry-growing season a success.

We also offer workshops, organic gardening supplies, and tips to support your success throughout the growing season. Our staff is passionate about helping you grow flavorful, healthy food right at home. Stop by today to explore our selection and chat with our gardening team. Let’s grow something sweet together!