Festival

Strawberry

Zone 1b Save Garden

🌱 90d to harvest Perennial_Crown

Sweet, bright fragrance leads the way—Festival strawberries ripen to a vivid, glossy red with a tender, juicy bite and a balanced…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Jun 1st
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 1st
Harvest Begins	Aug 30th
Harvest Ends	Aug 1st

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	90
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Perennial_Crown
Support Needed	None
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	40
Min Night Temp (°F)	32
Harden Off (days)	Not Required

Recommended Companions

Lemon Basil Basil

Durango Red Marigold

White Sweet Spanish Onion

Moonsong Deep Orange Marigold

Marigold Marigold

Braddock Onion

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the most common strawberry (Fragaria × ananassa) disease problem, and how do I stop it?

Leaf scorch and gray mold (Botrytis) are common in home strawberry beds, especially in humid, crowded plantings. Remove and dispose of any spotted/browning leaves and promptly pick any rotting berries, then thin plants so air moves through the crown area. Water at the soil line (not the leaves/berries) and keep mulch in place to reduce berry contact with wet soil.

How often should I water my Festival strawberries during peak growing and fruiting?

During active growth and fruiting, keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged—aim for about 1–2 inches of water per week depending on heat and rainfall. Check by pushing a finger 1–2 inches into the soil: if it’s dry there, water deeply; if it stays damp, hold off. Avoid frequent light sprinkling that leaves foliage wet and increases Botrytis risk.

How can I tell when Festival strawberries are ready to harvest?

Harvest when the berries are fully red (no white or pale green at the tip), glossy, and come off easily with a gentle twist. Pick every 1–2 days at peak ripeness because ripe berries soften quickly and can turn to gray mold. For best flavor, harvest in the morning after they’ve dried from dew, then refrigerate promptly.

Sweet, bright fragrance leads the way—Festival strawberries ripen to a vivid, glossy red with a tender, juicy bite and a balanced, berry-forward flavor. The fruit forms in attractive clusters on sturdy plants, offering a satisfying softness that shines whether enjoyed straight from the garden or turned into luscious preserves and vibrant sauces. Ideal for home growers seeking a reliable, season-long performer with classic strawberry character and beautiful color.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 32°F before moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Plant strawberry crowns at soil level (don’t bury the crown) and keep soil evenly moist until established for best conical fruit size.