Best Strawberries To Grow In Oklahoma

Imagine sinking your teeth into a sun-ripened, juicy strawberry, bursting with flavor grown right in your own backyard. Sounds idyllic, right? Well, it's absolutely achievable, even in Oklahoma's unique climate. Choosing the right variety is the key to strawberry success in the Sooner State. Let's explore which strawberry plants will thrive in your Oklahoma garden.

Best Strawberry Varieties for Oklahoma Gardens

Oklahoma's climate presents a few challenges to strawberry growers. We have hot summers, cold winters, and unpredictable spring frosts. Selecting strawberry varieties that are well-suited to these conditions is essential for a bountiful harvest. We need varieties that can handle the fluctuating weather, resist common diseases, and, of course, produce delicious berries. When selecting the best strawberries to grow in Oklahoma, consider these points:

1. Disease Resistance: Look for varieties resistant to common strawberry diseases like leaf spot, verticillium wilt, and red stele.
2. Heat Tolerance: Oklahoma summers can be brutal. Choose varieties known for their ability to withstand high temperatures.
3. Cold Hardiness: While Oklahoma winters aren't as severe as some northern states, cold snaps can still damage sensitive plants. Select varieties that are cold-hardy enough to survive.
4. Yield: Of course, you want a good harvest! Research the typical yield of each variety you're considering.
5. Taste: Ultimately, you want strawberries that taste good! Read reviews and descriptions to find varieties with the flavor profile you prefer.

June-Bearing Strawberries: A Classic Choice for Oklahoma

June-bearing strawberries are named because they produce one large crop of berries in late spring or early summer, typically in June. They are a great choice for gardeners who want a concentrated harvest for making jams, freezing, or simply enjoying fresh. June-bearers are triggered to produce fruit by short day lengths and cooler temperatures. For successful June-bearing strawberries in Oklahoma, you'll want to focus on getting them established well during their first year so they can produce a good crop in their second year.

Recommended June-Bearing Varieties for Oklahoma:

1. Earliglow: This is a very popular early-season variety known for its exceptional flavor. Earliglow strawberries are small to medium in size, very sweet, and ideal for eating fresh. They are also relatively disease-resistant, which is a big plus in Oklahoma.
2. Chandler: Chandler is a popular choice for commercial growers due to its large size and good flavor. It is a moderately firm berry, making it good for shipping and handling. It can handle the Oklahoma heat fairly well but will need some protection from the harshest afternoon sun.
3. Honeoye: This is a very productive variety that is known for its large, firm berries and early harvest. Honeoye is very adaptable and performs well in a range of conditions. It has decent disease resistance. The flavor is good but can be a bit tart if not fully ripe.

Everbearing Strawberries: Extended Harvest for Oklahoma Gardens

Everbearing strawberries produce two or three crops of berries throughout the growing season: one in spring, one in summer, and sometimes one in fall. They are a great option for gardeners who want a continuous supply of fresh strawberries. Everbearing strawberries are less day-length sensitive than June-bearing varieties, and they will produce fruit as long as temperatures are moderate. In Oklahoma, this means you can often get a spring crop, a smaller summer crop (during the cooler periods), and another crop in the fall.

Top Everbearing Strawberry Picks for Oklahoma:

1. Ozark Beauty: This is a popular everbearing variety known for its large, flavorful berries. It's a reliable producer and is fairly adaptable to different growing conditions. This is a good choice for beginners.
2. Albion: Albion is a more recent everbearing introduction that has quickly become popular. It produces large, firm, and very flavorful berries throughout the season. It also has good disease resistance.
3. Seascape: This is another excellent everbearing variety with very good flavor and productivity. Seascape is known for its tolerance to heat, making it a great choice for Oklahoma summers.

Day-Neutral Strawberries: Consistent Production in Oklahoma

Day-neutral strawberries are the least sensitive to day length and will produce fruit whenever temperatures are favorable. They're not technically everbearing, but they behave similarly, producing multiple crops throughout the growing season. They are another good choice for extending the harvest season in Oklahoma.

Oklahoma's Best Day-Neutral Strawberry Options:

1. Tristan: Noted for its striking pink blooms and delicious, red berries, 'Tristan' offers an attractive option that's both beautiful and productive. The flavor is sweet and aromatic, making it a delight for fresh eating.
2. Seascape: As mentioned above, 'Seascape' is an excellent choice and is technically day-neutral. It is known for its ability to produce reliably even during the heat of summer, making it a solid pick for Oklahoma gardens.

Tips for Growing Strawberries Successfully in Oklahoma

No matter which variety you choose, here are some essential tips for growing strawberries successfully in Oklahoma:

1. Soil: Strawberries need well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. Amend your soil with compost or other organic material before planting. A slightly acidic soil p H (between 5.5 and

   6.5) is ideal. Consider raised beds if your native soil has poor drainage.

2. Sunlight: Strawberries need at least 6-8 hours of sunlight per day. Choose a location that receives plenty of sun.
3. Watering: Strawberries need consistent moisture, especially during fruit development. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry spells. Avoid overhead watering, which can promote disease.
4. Fertilizing: Fertilize your strawberry plants in the spring with a balanced fertilizer. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can lead to excessive foliage growth and reduced fruit production.
5. Mulching: Mulch around your strawberry plants with straw, wood chips, or other organic material. Mulch helps to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and keep the berries clean.
6. Pest and Disease Control: Monitor your plants regularly for pests and diseases. Take action promptly if you notice any problems. Common strawberry pests include aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Common diseases include leaf spot, verticillium wilt, and red stele.
7. Winter Protection: In Oklahoma, it's important to protect your strawberry plants during the winter months. Cover them with straw or other insulating material to protect them from freezing temperatures.

Soil Preparation for Oklahoma Strawberries

Proper soil preparation is crucial for growing healthy and productive strawberry plants in Oklahoma. Before planting, test your soil to determine its p H and nutrient levels. Amend the soil as needed to achieve a slightly acidic p H (between 5.5 and

6.5) and adequate levels of essential nutrients.

Here's a step-by-step guide to soil preparation:

1. Soil Testing: Collect a soil sample from your garden and send it to a local university extension service or a commercial soil testing lab. The results will provide valuable information about your soil's p H, nutrient levels, and organic matter content.
2. Amending the Soil: Based on the soil test results, amend the soil as needed. If the p H is too high (alkaline), add sulfur or peat moss to lower it. If the p H is too low (acidic), add lime to raise it. Incorporate compost, well-rotted manure, or other organic matter to improve soil structure, drainage, and fertility.
3. Tilling or Digging: Till or dig the soil to a depth of at least 12 inches to loosen it and improve drainage. Remove any rocks, roots, or other debris.
4. Creating Raised Beds (Optional): If your soil has poor drainage, consider creating raised beds. Raised beds provide better drainage and aeration, which are essential for strawberry health.
5. Incorporating Fertilizer: Before planting, incorporate a balanced fertilizer into the soil according to the manufacturer's instructions. Choose a fertilizer that is specifically formulated for strawberries or other berry-producing plants.

Protecting Your Strawberry Plants

One challenge to garden is always how to organize all of your tools! Keeping your yard in tip-top shape requires the right tools, and keeping those tools organized can be a challenge. A sturdy storage solution like a Keomaisyto Garden Tool Organizer with Basket - essentially a heavy-duty holder with slots for long-handled tools - can make a huge difference. Check it out here to get a better idea of how you can make your shed or garage tidier: https://amzn.to/4d0g LFg.

Successfully growing strawberries in Oklahoma requires choosing the right varieties for your specific growing conditions. By selecting heat-tolerant, disease-resistant varieties and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious, homegrown strawberries. Happy gardening!