June-bearing Strawberry 'Earliglow' Growing Tool

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Showing dates for June-bearing Strawberry 'Earliglow' in USDA Zone 7

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June-bearing Strawberry 'Earliglow' · Zones 4–8

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Growing Details

Difficulty

Easy

Spacing12-18 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart

SoilWell-drained, fertile soil rich in organic matter

pH5.8-6.5

Water1-1.5 inches per week, avoid wetting foliage

SeasonPerennial, fruiting early summer

FlavorExceptionally sweet with perfect balance, intense strawberry flavor

ColorBright glossy red

SizeMedium, 1-1.25 inches

Zone-by-Zone Planting Calendar

Zone	Indoor Start	Transplant	Direct Sow	Harvest
Zone 4	—	April – May	—	June – July
Zone 5	—	March – May	—	June – July
Zone 6	—	March – April	—	May – July
Zone 7	—	February – April	—	May – June
Zone 8	—	February – March	—	April – June

Complete Growing Guide

Start your Earliglow strawberry bed by selecting the sunniest spot in your garden with morning sun exposure to help dry dew quickly and prevent disease. Test your soil pH and aim for 6.0-6.8 — slightly acidic soil brings out Earliglow's legendary flavor. Work in 2-3 inches of compost and aged manure to a depth of 8 inches, creating the rich, well-draining foundation these heavy producers demand.

Plant dormant crowns in early spring, 2-3 weeks before your last frost date, or in late summer for zones 7-9. Set crowns so the growing point sits exactly at soil level — too deep and they'll rot, too shallow and roots dry out. Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet wide, allowing room for the vigorous runner production that makes Earliglow so productive.

Feed with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer at planting, then switch to lower nitrogen (5-10-5) after establishment to encourage fruit over foliage. Side-dress with compost in early spring and again after harvest. Water deeply once weekly, providing 1-1.5 inches total, keeping moisture consistent but never waterlogged.

Remove all flowers the first year to establish strong root systems — this sacrifice pays dividends in second-year yields. Allow 4-5 of the strongest runners per plant to develop, pinching off excess to maintain plant vigor. In zones 6 and colder, mulch crowns with 4 inches of straw after the first hard frost.

Avoid the common mistake of planting in poorly drained clay or low spots where water pools. Earliglow's disease resistance doesn't extend to root rot from soggy conditions. Renovate beds immediately after harvest by mowing foliage to 1 inch and thinning overcrowded plants to maintain the 12-18 inch spacing that maximizes air circulation and fruit size.

Harvesting

Harvest Earliglow berries when they turn deep red all the way to the shoulders — this variety's exceptional flavor only reaches its peak when fully colored. Unlike many strawberries that soften quickly, Earliglow maintains firmness even when fully ripe, so don't pick too early thinking you're preventing overripening.

Pick in the cool morning hours after dew has dried but before heat builds up, typically between 8-10 AM. Grasp the stem about half an inch above the berry and twist gently — properly ripe Earliglow berries will release easily without tugging. If you have to pull hard, the berry needs another day or two.

Harvest every other day during peak season to catch berries at their prime. Look for the characteristic glossy skin and full red color extending to the green cap area. Earliglow's medium size means berries are ready when they're about 1-1.5 inches long and feel firm but give slightly to gentle pressure. Leave the green caps attached when picking to extend storage life and prevent juice loss.

Storage & Preservation

Store unwashed Earliglow strawberries in the refrigerator immediately after harvest, spreading them in a single layer on paper towels in a shallow container. Their excellent firmness allows 5-7 days of fresh storage when kept at 32-35°F with high humidity — longer than most strawberry varieties.

For freezing, hull and slice larger berries or freeze smaller ones whole on parchment-lined trays before transferring to freezer bags. Earliglow's intense flavor concentrates beautifully when frozen, making exceptional smoothies and baked goods. The variety's natural sweetness and firm texture make it ideal for jam-making — you'll need less sugar than recipes typically call for. These berries also dehydrate well in a food dehydrator at 135°F for 6-12 hours, creating intensely flavored dried strawberries that retain their shape better than softer varieties.

History & Origin

Developed by the USDA and University of Maryland in the 1970s, Earliglow represents the culmination of decades of strawberry breeding focused on combining exceptional flavor with practical growing characteristics. Released in 1975, this variety was bred from a cross between Midland and Premier varieties, specifically selected for its ability to produce outstanding flavor in the challenging early-season growing conditions.

The breeding program aimed to create a strawberry that could deliver premium taste while resisting the diseases that plagued commercial and home growers. Earliglow quickly earned recognition among strawberry enthusiasts and commercial growers alike, becoming the benchmark against which other early-season varieties are measured. Its name reflects both its early ripening habit and the distinctive glossy sheen of its perfectly ripe berries. Today, nearly 50 years after its release, many strawberry experts still consider Earliglow the gold standard for flavor, proving the lasting success of this carefully crafted hybrid.

Advantages

+Exceptional disease resistance to red stele, verticillium wilt, and common leaf diseases that plague other varieties
+Maintains sweetness and flavor even in cool, wet spring conditions when other berries turn bland
+Produces heavy, consistent yields starting early in the season through mid-summer
+Berries hold their firmness longer than most varieties, extending harvest window
+Develops strong, vigorous runner systems that naturally renovate the bed
+Performs reliably across USDA zones 4-8 with consistent quality
+Intense strawberry flavor that many consider the best-tasting variety available

Considerations

-Medium-sized berries may disappoint gardeners expecting large, showy strawberries
-Requires full renovation every 3-4 years as bed productivity declines with age
-Can be challenging to find as many nurseries focus on newer, less flavorful varieties
-Runners can become aggressive and overcrowd beds if not managed properly
-Susceptible to gray mold in humid conditions despite general disease resistance

Companion Plants

Plant Together

Thyme

Repels strawberry root weevils and other harmful insects while attracting beneficial pollinators

Borage

Attracts pollinators, repels tomato hornworms, and may improve strawberry flavor and growth

Chives

Deters aphids, spider mites, and slugs while improving soil health

Garlic

Natural fungicide that helps prevent fungal diseases and repels various pests

Spinach

Shallow roots don't compete with strawberries and provides living mulch

Lettuce

Acts as ground cover to suppress weeds and retain soil moisture

Marigolds

Repel nematodes, aphids, and other pests while attracting beneficial insects

Nasturtiums

Act as trap crops for aphids and cucumber beetles while deterring ants

Keep Apart

Black Walnut

Releases juglone toxin that inhibits strawberry growth and can kill plants

Brassicas

Compete for nutrients and may stunt strawberry growth due to allelopathic compounds

Fennel

Inhibits growth of strawberries through allelopathy and attracts harmful insects

Pests & Disease Resistance

Resistance

Excellent resistance to red stele, verticillium wilt, and leaf diseases

Common Pests

Slugs, aphids, spider mites, strawberry root weevil, birds

Diseases

Gray mold, powdery mildew, leaf scorch (resistant to most common diseases)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does Earliglow strawberry take to produce fruit?▼

Earliglow strawberries will produce some fruit 60-90 days after planting, but reach full production in their second year. Remove first-year flowers to establish strong roots — this sacrifice results in significantly higher yields starting the following spring.

Can you grow Earliglow strawberries in containers?▼

Yes, Earliglow grows well in containers at least 12 inches deep and 18 inches wide. Use high-quality potting mix with added compost, ensure drainage holes, and water more frequently than ground-planted berries. Container growing also makes it easier to protect from pests.

What does Earliglow strawberry taste like?▼

Earliglow offers exceptionally sweet flavor with perfect acid balance and intense strawberry taste that many consider the gold standard. The berries are notably sweeter than most varieties while maintaining the classic strawberry tartness that makes them excellent for both fresh eating and cooking.

When should I plant Earliglow strawberry crowns?▼

Plant Earliglow crowns in early spring, 2-3 weeks before your last frost date, or in late summer (August-September) in zones 7-9. Early spring planting is preferred in colder zones, while fall planting works well in warmer areas for earlier establishment.

Is Earliglow strawberry good for beginners?▼

Yes, Earliglow is excellent for beginners due to its exceptional disease resistance, consistent production, and forgiving nature. It tolerates various growing conditions better than many varieties and provides reliable harvests even with basic care, making it ideal for new strawberry growers.

Earliglow vs Honeye strawberry — what's the difference?▼

Earliglow ripens 7-10 days earlier than Honeye and has superior flavor and disease resistance. Honeye produces larger berries but with less intense taste. Earliglow is better for fresh eating and preserving, while Honeye offers more impressive berry size for appearance.