June-bearing Strawberry
Fragaria x ananassa
June-bearing strawberries produce one abundant, concentrated crop in early to mid-summer — typically from late May to late June in the UK. This makes them ideal for jam-makers and anyone who wants a big harvest in one go. Plant bare-root runners in September or potted plants in March–April, setting them so the crown is just above soil level in well-drained, fertile soil in full sun. Space 30–40cm apart in rows 75cm apart. Mulch with straw when fruits start to form to keep berries clean and suppress weeds. Remove runners through the season to direct energy into fruit. After harvest, cut back old foliage to 5cm to encourage new growth.
Part of our strawberry growing guide.
Plan where to grow June-bearing Strawberry using our vegetable garden planner.
When to Plant June-bearing Strawberry
Plant june-bearing strawberry in March, April, July, August, September. It flowers from May to June.
Time to Harvest June-bearing Strawberry
Expect to harvest approximately 12 months after planting, usually from June to July.
Companion Plants for June-bearing Strawberry
- Butterhead Lettuce
Quick lettuces can fill the gaps in a new strawberry bed and are cut before the plants spread.
- French Marigold
French marigolds at the edge of the planting attract hoverflies whose larvae eat aphids, though the benefit to the fruit itself is anecdotal.
- Lamb's Lettuce
Lamb's lettuce can be sown between strawberry rows in autumn for winter salad without competing much.
- Borage
Borage is a classic strawberry companion that draws bees to the flowers, helping pollination.
Expected Yield
A 3m row yields 6–9kg of fruit in the peak season.
Pruning June-bearing Strawberry
After the harvest, cut off the old leaves to about 10cm above the crown, clear the straw and remove unwanted runners; replace plants every three or four years.
Common Problems with June-bearing Strawberry
Small or misshapen fruit
Inconsistent watering and poor pollination cause this. Water regularly and grow bee-friendly flowers nearby to improve fruit set.
Grey mould on ripe berries
Ensure good air circulation by spacing plants well and removing excess runners. Pick fruit promptly and avoid wetting foliage.
Plants become unproductive after 3–4 years
Strawberry plants tire out. Replace with fresh runners every 3 years, rotating to a new bed to avoid soil-borne disease build-up.
June-bearing Strawberry: common questions
When should I plant june-bearing strawberry in the UK?
Plant june-bearing strawberry in March–April and July–September.
How far apart should I plant june-bearing strawberry?
Space june-bearing strawberry about 30cm apart. It grows to around 20cm tall.
When is june-bearing strawberry ready to harvest?
In the UK, june-bearing strawberry is usually harvested from June to July. It's ready about 12 months after planting.
When does june-bearing strawberry flower?
June-bearing Strawberry usually flowers from May to June in the UK.
Does june-bearing strawberry come back every year?
Yes. June-bearing Strawberry is a perennial and comes back every year, dying back or slowing down over winter and regrowing in spring.
When should I prune june-bearing strawberry?
After the harvest, cut off the old leaves to about 10cm above the crown, clear the straw and remove unwanted runners; replace plants every three or four years.
What grows well with june-bearing strawberry?
Good companions for june-bearing strawberry include Butterhead Lettuce, French Marigold, Lamb's Lettuce and Borage. See the companion plants section above for why each one helps.
What should I not plant near june-bearing strawberry?
Avoid potatoes: potatoes can leave verticillium wilt in the soil, so avoid planting strawberries where they have grown. Avoid tomatoes: tomatoes also carry verticillium wilt, which can kill strawberry plants.
Is june-bearing strawberry frost hardy?
Yes. June-bearing Strawberry is hardy and survives a normal UK winter outdoors.
What crop rotation group is june-bearing strawberry in?
June-bearing Strawberry is a perennial crop, so it stays in one place and sits outside the usual crop rotation.
June-bearing Strawberry guides
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