How to Grow Strawberries in Australia (CompleteGrow Guide)

Strawberries are one of the most rewarding backyard fruits—sweet, compact, and perfect for pots or garden beds. To grow them well in Australia, focus on sunlight, soil preparation, and a regular feeding plan.

Best time to plant: Autumn in warm zones; late winter/early spring in cooler regions.
Sunlight: 6–8 hours daily for maximum fruit sweetness.
Soil: Rich, free-draining loam with pH 5.5–6.5; improve heavy soils with compost + perlite.
Spacing: 25–30cm between plants; 40–50cm between rows.

498185338_18051332468520972_2677083826124545953_n (1)

527778995_1205545051616600_3239223148559591980_n (1)

Planting, Watering & Feeding

Planting depth: Set the crown level with the soil surface (never buried).
Mulch: Use straw, pine needles, or sugarcane mulch to keep fruit clean & soil moist.
Watering: Shallow roots—water little & often. Keep consistent moisture during flowering & fruit swell.
Fertiliser: Use a balanced, fruiting fertiliser. Too much nitrogen = leafy growth, sour berries.
Pot growing: Minimum 25–30cm wide pot; use premium potting mix with compost & perlite.

Feeding Plan

Early spring: Balanced liquid fertiliser to encourage healthy shoots.
Pre-flowering: Switch to fruiting fertiliser higher in potassium.
During fruiting: Feed every 2 weeks (liquid) or monthly (slow-release).
After harvest: Light feed to strengthen crowns for next season.

502845908_1030913259174990_7917662211277662790_n (1)

501615244_18371423107123840_4422517161082203928_n (1)

FAQs About Growing Strawberries in Australia

Do strawberries fruit in their first year? Yes—runners will usually produce a light crop in the first season, but full harvests are better from the second year onwards.
How long do strawberry plants last? Most plants are productive for 2–3 years. After that, replace with new runners to maintain yield and berry size.
Can strawberries be grown all year in Australia? In warmer states like QLD and northern NSW, you can plant almost year-round. In cooler states, plant in late winter or spring for best results.
Why are my strawberries not sweet? This is usually caused by too much nitrogen fertiliser, insufficient sunlight, or inconsistent watering. Switch to a potassium-rich feed for sweeter fruit.
Do strawberries need to be pollinated? Yes—most strawberries are self-pollinating, but bee and insect activity greatly improves fruit set and size. In pots, gently shake flowers to assist pollination if bees are scarce.
Why are the leaves on my strawberry plants turning red? Red leaves often indicate stress from cold weather, low phosphorus, or natural ageing of old leaves. If widespread, apply a balanced fertiliser to boost nutrition.
How do I protect strawberries from birds and pests? Use fine netting, strawberry cages, or row covers. Mulching also reduces slug/snail damage by keeping fruit off damp soil.
Can I grow strawberries indoors? Yes—with plenty of light. Place pots near a sunny window or use a grow light. Regular feeding is essential as indoor plants exhaust soil faster.
What is the best fertiliser for strawberries? Use a balanced NPK fertiliser during early growth, then switch to potassium-rich blends before flowering.