How to Grow Strawberries in Australia
Runners vs crowns, variety picks, and planting calendars for every region
Strawberries are one of the best crops for home gardeners. They produce fruit quickly, grow in small spaces, and taste dramatically better fresh from the garden than anything from a supermarket. A well-tended patch of 20 plants can keep a family in strawberries for months.
This guide covers the best varieties for Australian conditions, when to plant in your region, and how to get the most fruit from your patch.
When to Plant in Your Region
Albion
Everbearing variety that fruits from spring through autumn. Large, firm berries with excellent flavour. Performs well in most Australian climates and is a top pick for home gardens.
Tioga
Heavy-cropping variety popular in Queensland and NSW. Produces large, sweet berries over a long season. Handles warm conditions better than many varieties.
Red Gauntlet
Reliable performer in cooler climates (Melbourne, Hobart, Adelaide). Good disease resistance and produces firm, well-flavoured fruit. Established favourite in southern Australia.
Strawberry Sensation
Compact habit makes this ideal for pots and hanging baskets. Sweet, aromatic berries on a tidy plant. Good choice for balcony gardens and small spaces.
Lowanna
Australian-bred everbearing variety. Produces well in temperate and subtropical regions. Medium-sized berries with strong flavour and good disease resistance.
Runners vs Crowns
You can start strawberries from runners (small plantlets sent out by a mother plant) or bare-rooted crowns. Crowns establish faster and are the best option for new gardens. Runners are free if you already have plants or know someone who does.
Plant crowns so the base of the crown sits at soil level. Too deep and the crown rots. Too shallow and roots dry out. Space plants 30 cm apart in rows 40 cm apart.
Container Growing
Strawberries are perfect for pots, hanging baskets, and vertical planters. Use a good-quality potting mix and feed fortnightly with a liquid fertiliser during the fruiting season. Containers dry out quickly, so check moisture daily in summer.
A standard 30 cm pot holds 3 to 4 plants comfortably. Strawberry towers and pocket planters can fit 20 or more plants in a small footprint.
Bird Netting
Birds will find your strawberries before you do. Netting is essential for a decent harvest. Use proper bird netting draped over a frame (not directly on the plants). Make sure the mesh is fine enough to exclude small birds and the edges are secured at ground level.
Common Problems
Botrytis (grey mould)
Fuzzy grey mould on berries, worst in humid weather. Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and pick ripe fruit promptly. Remove affected berries immediately.
Runners taking over
Strawberry plants put energy into runners at the expense of fruit. Snip runners off unless you want new plants. Let the first 3 to 4 runners root if you need replacements, then remove the rest.
Slugs and snails
These pests love strawberries as much as you do. Use iron-based snail pellets (safe for pets and wildlife), beer traps, or copper tape around containers.
Track Your Strawberry Patch
Add strawberries to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for feeding, netting, and harvest time.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant strawberries in Australia?
Planting time varies by region. In cool-temperate areas (Melbourne, Hobart), plant bare-rooted crowns in late autumn to early winter. In subtropical regions (Brisbane, Northern NSW), plant from February to April. Check the calendar above for your specific region.
How long do strawberries take to fruit?
Strawberries planted from crowns typically produce their first fruit in 8 to 12 weeks. Everbearing varieties like Albion and Lowanna will fruit on and off for 6 to 8 months.
Should I grow strawberries from runners or crowns?
Crowns are better for new gardens because they establish faster and fruit sooner. Runners are great for expanding an existing patch for free. Replace your strawberry plants every 3 years as older plants produce less fruit.
Can I grow strawberries in pots?
Strawberries are excellent container plants. Use a pot at least 20 cm deep with good drainage. Feed fortnightly during fruiting season and water daily in summer. Hanging baskets and strawberry towers work well too.
See also: Strawberries in the Plant Library
