How to Grow Spring Dew
Wikimedia Commons
Spring Dew
Fragaria × ananassa 'Spring Dew'
fruitSpring Dew is a day-neutral strawberry cultivar that produces fruit throughout the growing season rather than only in spring. This everbearing variety yields medium-sized, sweet berries with excellent flavor and is well-suited to container growing and home gardens.
When should you plant Spring Dew in your zone?
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Example Spring Dew timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Spring Dew
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Spring Dew
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Spring Dew dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Zones 4-8; can grow in zone 3 with winter protection and in zone 9 with afternoon shade
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Establishment
4-6 weeksYoung plants develop runner stolons and establish root systems. Foliage is limited and growth is focused on root development.
Remove initial flower buds in the first 4-6 weeks to encourage stronger plant development. Ensure consistent moisture and protect from stress.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksPlants develop robust foliage with multiple crowns. Runners may be produced depending on day length and cultivar tendencies.
Allow some runners to develop or remove them to focus energy on the main plant. Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer.
First Flowering & Fruiting
3-4 weeks per cycleWhite flowers appear in clusters on flower stalks. Small green berries develop and gradually enlarge and ripen to red.
Support fruit-laden branches with straw mulch to prevent soil contact. Water consistently. As a day-neutral variety, this can occur multiple times in a season.
Summer to Fall Production
6-12 weeks depending on climateContinuous flowering and fruiting cycles occur throughout warm weather. Plant vigor gradually decreases in late summer if not maintained.
Deadhead spent flowers and remove damaged berries. Maintain fertilization and consistent watering. Monitor for pests and disease.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Increase humidity, spray with water, use neem oil or insecticidal soap; ensure good air circulation
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and
Remove debris, use straw mulch, beer traps, hand-pick, apply copper barriers or diatomaceous earth
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Remove infested plants, apply beneficial nematodes to soil, use row covers on young plants
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Spray with water, use neem oil, insecticidal soap, or attract natural predators like ladybugs
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Improve air circulation, avoid overhead watering, apply sulfur dust or fungicide, remove infected leaves
Uses
Fresh eating and desserts
CulinarySpring Dew berries are excellent for eating fresh, adding to yogurt, salads, and desserts. Their sweet flavor and tender texture make them ideal for immediate consumption. [source]
Jam and preserves
CulinaryThe high pectin content makes Spring Dew suitable for jam, jelly, and preserve making. Freeze excess berries for later processing. [source]
Vitamin C and antioxidant source
MedicinalStrawberries are rich in vitamin C, ellagic acid, and anthocyanins with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Fresh berries support immune health and cardiovascular function. [source]
Container and ornamental gardening
HouseholdDay-neutral varieties like Spring Dew are excellent in hanging baskets, containers, and vertical gardens due to their compact habit and everbearing nature. They provide both aesthetic appeal and productivity. [source]
Pollinator attraction
WildlifeStrawberry flowers attract bees and other pollinators to the garden, supporting biodiversity. The plants also provide habitat and food for beneficial insects. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Pick berries when fully red and ripe; they do not continue to ripen after harvest. Harvest in the morning when berries are cool and firmest. Gently twist or cut berries to avoid damaging the plant. Day-neutral varieties produce continuously in warm weather, so harvest every 2-3 days during peak season. Stop harvesting in late fall (zones 3-7) to allow the plant to prepare for dormancy.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Spring Dew is a day-neutral strawberry, meaning it flowers and fruits based on temperature rather than day length, allowing for continuous production from spring through fall unlike traditional June-bearing varieties.
- 🌱 Strawberries are the only fruit with seeds on the outside; each tiny 'seed' is actually a complete achene (individual fruit), making each berry technically an aggregate of up to 200 individual fruits.
- 🌱 A single Spring Dew plant can produce 200+ berries per season in ideal conditions, making it highly productive for home gardeners despite its smaller individual fruit size compared to June-bearing types.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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