When to Plant Strawberry in Cairns, Tropical Guide

Sow April to June. Right now in September it is out of season. The next sowing month is April.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Strawberry guide is written for the Tropical zone, which takes in Cairns, Townsville and Darwin. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Brisbane Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Strawberry

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Strawberries are one of Australia's favourite home garden fruits, producing sweet berries from compact plants that thrive in garden beds, pots, and hanging baskets. Understanding the difference between short-day, day-neutral, and everbearing types is critical for choosing the right variety for your zone. Plants produce via runners and need renovation every 2-3 years for best production.

Planting Calendar for Tropical

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - - S S S - - - - - -

S = Seed Tray   T = Transplant   D = Direct Sow

Want a nudge when it is Strawberry sowing time in Cairns?

One email a week with what is worth planting in the Tropical zone right now, Strawberry included, plus which veg has jumped in price at the supermarket. Free, and you can stop it in one click.

Current Growing Conditions

Soil temperature: 21.4°C (optimal range: 15–25°C) ✓ Ready to plant

Modelled from Open-Meteo forecast (Cairns), not a live sensor.

How to Grow Strawberry in Tropical Australia

When to Plant

Plant runners March-May (start of dry season). Treat as annual, replace each year. Day-neutral types preferred for extended production.

Soil
Well-drained, slightly acidic soil enriched with compost. Sandy loam is ideal. Raised beds or mounded rows improve drainage. Strawberries hate waterlogged roots.
pH Range
5.5-6.5
Sunlight
Full sun (minimum 6-8 hours). In tropical/subtropical zones, afternoon shade beneficial.
Spacing
30cm apart, 75cm between rows
Watering
Regular consistent moisture during flowering and fruiting, 2-3cm per week. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses preferred. NEVER overhead water when fruit is developing. Causes grey mould (Botrytis). Reduc

Companion plants: Borage (attracts pollinators, improves flavour, traditional companion), Lettuce, Spinach, Onion, Sage, Thyme

Avoid planting near: Brassicas, Fennel, Tomato, Capsicum

Tropical Growing Tips for Strawberry

Recommended Varieties

  • Redlands Joy (QLD-bred, subtropical/tropical adapted)
  • Ruby Gem
  • Sugarbaby

Key Challenges

  • Extreme heat reduces fruit quality
  • High disease pressure from humidity
  • Fruit fly pressure year-round
  • Short productive life, treat as annual

Pro Tips

  • Australian-bred varieties (Redlands Joy, Ruby Gem) are the only sensible choices
  • Morning sun with afternoon shade essential
  • Raised beds for drainage in wet season

Harvesting Strawberry

When ready: Fully red/coloured all over (no white shoulders). Slight give when gently pressed. Fragrant strawberry aroma. Berries do NOT continue ripening after picking.

How to harvest: Pick in the morning when cool. Pinch stem 1cm above berry with thumbnail or use small scissors. Handle gently, strawberries bruise easily. Place in single layer in container. Refrigerate immediately or eat within hours.

Worth growing?

A 2.4 m × 1.2 m bed fits 12 plants, about $54 worth at today’s Aldi and Coles prices, checked today.

That is roughly 6 kg at $8.99 a kilo.

Draw your strawberry bed → No account needed.

Where to next

What strawberry costs in the shops right now, retailer by retailer, updated daily.

Also worth sowing in the tropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Cucumber and Basil.

The pest most likely to find your strawberry: Botrytis / Grey Mould.

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Common Questions About Strawberry

When do you plant strawberry in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Does strawberry grow all year round in Cairns?

No. In the Tropical zone the planting months are Apr to Jun. Outside that window it either bolts, sulks or gets cut down by the weather.

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Tropical zone, Cairns is its reference city.