Fort Laramie

Family: Rosaceae Fruit

Sun-warmed berries of Fort Laramie burst with a bright, classic strawberry fragrance and a juicy, medium-firm bite that holds its shape beautifully.

Expect vivid red, conical-to-heart forms with a glossy surface and a sweet-tart balance that feels freshly picked from the first harvest through the season. Ideal for fresh enjoyment and for turning into vibrant preserves and spoonable sauces—grow a bed that looks as good as it tastes.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 90 DaysHabit: Shrub

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Apr 25th
Harvest Begins	Jul 24th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Shrub
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	28
Harden Off (days)	7

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Fort Laramie strawberries have a medium-firm, juice-forward bite that stays intact—ideal when you want berries to look beautiful and still taste freshly picked. Their sweet-tart profile reduces well into jam and glossy sauces without collapsing into watery sweetness.

Best Uses

fresh eating where the berries stay plump (no weeping into the bowl)
stirred preserves and thick spoonable jam
quick strawberry sauce for pancakes or vanilla yogurt—reduce just enough to gloss and cling

Flavor Profile

bright, classic strawberry fragrance sweet-tart balance with a juicy snap medium-firm flesh that keeps shape

Kitchen Pairings

basil vanilla lemon Greek yogurt dark chocolate balsamic vinegar

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common disease problem for Fragaria × ananassa (strawberries) like ‘Fort Laramie’, and how can I prevent it?

A frequent issue is gray mold (Botrytis) after cool, humid weather, which causes soft, gray fuzzy spots on berries. Keep plants spaced for airflow, water at the soil level (not the leaves/fruit), and remove any rotting berries immediately. Mulch with straw to keep fruit off the soil and reduce splash-spread during wet periods.

How often should I water Fragaria × ananassa during peak fruiting, and what soil moisture level should I maintain?

During the main growing and fruiting period (roughly spring through the first harvest flush), keep the soil consistently evenly moist—aim for about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting for hot weather and rain. Water deeply 2–3 times per week rather than light daily watering, so the crown and upper roots stay hydrated without leaving the surface soggy. If the top 1 inch of soil dries out between waterings, it’s time to irrigate again.

How do I tell when ‘Fort Laramie’ strawberries are ready to harvest (Fragaria × ananassa)?

Harvest when berries are fully red from the tip to the stem end and they come off with a gentle twist—don’t pick if the shoulders are still pale or white. For the best flavor, pick during the cooler part of the day and refrigerate right away. If berries taste tart and remain firm with light-colored patches, leave them 1–3 more days.