Texas A&M AgriLife Extension statewide fruit specialist Tim Hartmann, Ph.D., says fall, not spring, is the best time to plant strawberries in Texas. In the state, strawberries are mainly grown as an annual crop. Plants go in the ground in fall, grow through the cool months, and then produce fruit before summer heat ends production.
Hartmann said September and October are the best months to plant. Planting can continue through early December, but earlier planting gives plants more time to grow, which can mean bigger harvests by spring. He said the plants can handle cold, but flower buds and fruit need protection once they form in late winter.
According to Hartmann, fruit can start as early as February in the southern part of the state and during mild weather. Harvest usually continues until late May or June, when it gets too hot. He also advised choosing varieties suited to Texas' fall-to-spring growing season.