Fertilizer Requirements for Everbearing Strawberries

About Everbearing Strawberries

• Everbearing strawberries are one of three types of strawberries, in addition to June bearing and spring bearing. They flower and produce fruit in three cycles -- spring, summer and fall. In between these periods, little flowering or fruit formation occurs. Everbearing strawberries, like other varieties, require full sunlight, about six hours or more per day. Plant them in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil that is free of weeds. Everbearing strawberries should be planted in rows of two or three with a minimum of 1 foot of spacing between them.

Soil Preparation

• Prepare the soil before you plant strawberries to boost nutrient levels. Apply a starter fertilizer containing equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium (NPK), such as 10-10-10, to the planting site. Spread it at a rate of 1 pound per 100 sq. ft. Once applied, use a shovel to dig the fertilizer into the soil so that the fertilizer penetrates at least 6 inches deep.

Promote Establishment

• Use either a water-soluble fertilizer or dilute a starter fertilizer with water to encourage transplants to establish. If you prepare a starter fertilizer solution, combine 1 or 2 tablespoons of a 10-10-10 fertilizer with 1 gallon of water and mix it until it fully dissolves. Apply 1 to 2 cups to strawberry plants soon after they're transplanted. Follow the instructions on the product label of the water soluble fertilizer for application.

During Production

• Fertilize everbearing strawberries about mid-way through production in late July or early August to provide plants nutrients needed for blossom development and fruit set. Use a fertilizer made with ammonium nitrate that contains about 33 percent nitrogen. Apply about 1 pound for every 100 square feet of plants. Spread it around the outer edge of plants and avoid getting on blossoms or fruit. Irrigate plants thoroughly to ensure the fertilizer penetrates plant roots. Never over-fertilize everbearing strawberry plants; too much fertilizer causes excess plant growth and diminishes fruit production.

Post-Harvest

• Once the final harvest is complete, clip plants about 1 inch above their crowns. Discard plant debris to prevent disease issues with future crops. Apply 1 pound of a balanced fertilizer (NPK) with ratios of 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 for every 100 square feet of planting space. The fertilizer application renovates the plants and ensures a productive crop next season.