Strawberry Season in South Carolina: Growing Tips and Peak Timing

Who doesn’t love berries? The small fruit, in general, is a fan favorite throughout the United States. However, perhaps the quintessential summer fruit is the strawberry. Its bright red color and sweet flavor are enough to make you smile. But they taste even better when they get picked during their peak season. So, how do you get your hands on the freshest strawberries possible if you live in South Carolina? You start by learning when the peak strawberry harvest season is in the state.

When Is the Peak Harvest Season for South Carolina Strawberries?

Strawberry lovers, rejoice! The peak harvest season for South Carolina strawberries is fairly long. That means you can get your fill of this flavorful fruit for months! Some regions in the state may start harvesting slightly earlier than others. But most farms will start harvesting at about the same time.

Most strawberry fields in the state will start to harvest in April. And the season lasts through June in most areas. Plenty of farmer’s markets, farm-to-table opportunities, and “U” pick farms are available to ensure you can access strawberries at the height of their flavor.

Where Do Strawberries Grow in South Carolina?

The good news is that strawberries grow throughout the entire state. There is not one particular region that has an overabundance of this fruit. That also means that nearly anywhere you live in South Carolina, you will have access to freshly picked strawberries during the peak season. If you don’t have a “U” Pick farm nearby, try your local farmer’s market.

Are There Places to Pick Strawberries in South Carolina?

Now that you know when the peak strawberry season is in South Carolina, it is important to discover where one can find them. Thankfully, the state has plenty of “U” Pick strawberry fields. So, if you live in or near South Carolina, there is a strong chance of finding one of these farms within a reasonable drive.

Before you hit the road, though, make sure you are in comfortable clothes and shoes. Some farms will have pre-picked fruit for those who can’t venture out into the strawberry patch. But most will send you out with a basket in hand to pick your own.

Stop by one of these farms for the freshest strawberries imaginable.

• Cottle Strawberry Farm in Columbia
• Greyrock Farms And Green Acres Produce in Moore
• Pinebreeze Farm Strawberry Fields in Pelzer
• Stewart Farms in Enoree
• Buck And Ann’s Strawberry Farm in Greer 
• Windy Hill Orchard & Cider Mill in York
• Reedy River Farms in Easley
• Due West Strawberries in Donalds
• Strawberry Hill USA in Chesnee 
• Hunter Farms in Easley
• Callaham Orchards in Belton

Growing Strawberries in South Carolina?

Are you inspired to grow your own strawberries? Thankfully, that is easy to do if you live in South Carolina. The regional climate is ideal for growing this flavorful fruit. And the best part is that strawberry plants are relatively productive, so you can see a harvest before you know it!

But don’t head out to your local nursery quite yet. Not every type of strawberry plant will grow equally well in the entire state. 

Those living in the Central and Coastal regions should select June-bearing strawberry varieties. These grow best when treated as an annual. And their peak fruit development is in April and May. They don’t typically bear fruit a second time.

South Carolina residents in the Upstate region should opt for everbearing varieties. As the name suggests, these strawberry plants yield fruit during spring, summer, and fall. 

Plant your strawberry plants in soil that is well-draining and rich in organic matter. They can go in the ground as soon as it is soft enough to work. Depending on the winter, this could be as early as February. Pay close attention to your young strawberry plants to keep competitive weeds away. After a few weeks, add a thick layer of mulch for weed prevention.

Plant them in a location that receives full sun exposure for the best possible strawberries. Also, consider investing in some form of frost protection. Since they go in the ground so early in the year, they are at risk from spring frosts. 

As the plants send out runners, you can clip them, stick them in rooting hormone, and replant them. That will help grow your strawberry patch slowly over time without a significant up-front investment.