Strawberries Won't Ripen

Season

• Strawberries grow in three varieties, and produce fruit according to cultivar. June-bearing strawberries grow to harvest in spring, while everbearing strawberries produce spring, summer and fall fruit flushes. Day-neutral strawberries maintain seasonlong harvest. Look for fruit ripening according to your cultivar's schedule.

Site and Air

• Strawberry plants grow in partial shade, but need full sun for blooming and fruit set. The strawberries themselves cannot ripen in partial to full shade, and rot in crowded conditions. Plant strawberries at 15 to 24 inches in the row, in sites with full, bright sunshine for the best growth and fruit production.

Soil, Nutrition and Water

• Purdue University's website notes that strawberries do best in loose, loamy soils with good nutrition. The plants require the rich base to grow and ripen their fruit. Mix organic compost into the soil at planting to provide rich nutrition and moisture. Feed strawberries 12-12-12 granular fertilizer at midseason to encourage fruiting, and water the plants with 2 inches of water every week. Poor soil, dry conditions and poor drainage all lead to crop failure.

Harvest

• All strawberry plants have specific maturity dates and ideal harvest times. Leave the berries to ripen on the vine for large, sweet and juicy berries, and have patience. Harvest the berries only when they turn deep red and reach desired size.