Fort Laramie

Strawberry

Zone 9b Save Garden

🌱 90d to harvest Shrub

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

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	Feb 9th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Feb 9th
Harvest Begins	May 10th
Harvest Ends	Dec 9th

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

Recommended Companions

Copra Onion

Yellow Sweet Spanish Onion

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.

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.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 40°F and nights stay above 28°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 7 days first.

Expert Note

For the best everbearing performance, plant crowns at soil level (not buried) and keep mulch evenly moist the first season to ensure steady summer-to-fall harvests.