How to Grow The Premier
Wikimedia Commons
The Premier
Fragaria × ananassa 'Premier'
fruitThe Premier is a classic June-bearing strawberry variety known for its excellent flavor, firm texture, and reliable productivity. This heirloom cultivar produces medium to large berries with a bright red color and sweet taste, making it ideal for fresh eating and preserves. It has been a favorite among home gardeners since its introduction in the early 1900s.
When should you plant The Premier in your zone?
Get a personalized planting timeline — when to start seeds, transplant, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Free to start.
Example The Premier timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
-
Plant The Premier
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
-
Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
-
Harvest The Premier
Around Jun 16≈ 60 days after planting
Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact The Premier dates for your own zip code.
Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-8, with best performance in cooler to moderate climates
Sign up free to see if The Premier grows in your zone — and get a personalized planting timeline.
Get my The Premier timeline →Growth Stages
Planting & Establishment
2-4 weeksBare-root or potted strawberry plants are set in the garden with the crown at soil surface level. New roots begin developing and leaves establish.
Water thoroughly after planting. Apply 2-3 inches of straw mulch around (not touching) the crown. Remove any flowers the first year to encourage root development.
Vegetative Growth
4-8 weeksThe plant develops runners and new leaves. Foliage becomes lush and green; the plant expands its root system.
Allow runners to root and fill in the bed, or remove them for a matted row system. Keep soil consistently moist. Fertilize monthly with balanced or slightly higher potassium fertilizer.
Flowering
2-3 weeksWhite flowers with yellow centers appear in clusters on the plant. This signals the plant is ready to produce fruit.
Ensure adequate pollination by maintaining habitat for bees. Avoid excessive nitrogen, which promotes foliage over flowers. Keep weeds controlled.
Fruiting & Ripening
3-4 weeksSmall green berries develop and gradually enlarge, turning from white to pink to deep red as they ripen. Berries become sweeter and softer.
Mulch beneath berries with straw to keep them off wet soil and clean. Monitor for pests and diseases. Harvest regularly to encourage continued production.
Post-Harvest & Dormancy
4-6 months until dormancyAfter the main June harvest concludes, the plant's growth slows. Foliage may be cut back and runners allowed to develop for next year's crop.
Remove old, diseased leaves. Allow runners to establish new plants. Provide a light fertilizer and consistent moisture. Prepare plants for winter in cold zones.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
-
Remove affected plants; use diatomaceous earth; introduce beneficial nematodes; wrap row covers around plants in late summer to prevent egg-laying adults
-
and
Hand-pick, especially at night; create beer traps; maintain straw mulch that provides air flow; introduce ground beetles
-
Spray with water to dislodge; use neem oil or insecticidal soap; maintain humidity and air circulation
-
Ensure good air circulation; remove affected leaves; spray with sulfur or baking soda solution; avoid overhead watering
-
Remove diseased berries immediately; improve air circulation; mulch to keep berries dry; avoid overhead irrigation; apply fungicide if severe
Uses
Fresh Eating & Desserts
CulinaryThe Premier's excellent flavor and firm texture make it ideal for fresh eating straight from the garden, as well as in desserts, cakes, shortcakes, and pavlovas. Its natural sweetness requires little added sugar. [source]
Preserves & Jam
CulinaryHigh pectin content and firm flesh make The Premier an excellent choice for homemade jams, jellies, and preserves that set well and maintain fruit texture. [source]
Vitamin C & Antioxidants
MedicinalStrawberries are rich in vitamin C, ellagic acid, and anthocyanins, which support immune function and provide powerful antioxidant protection. One cup provides over 100% of daily vitamin C needs. [source]
Natural Teeth Whitener
HouseholdThe mild acids and enzymes in strawberries have traditionally been used in natural teeth-whitening remedies, though the effect is modest and best used in moderation. [source]
Pollinator & Wildlife Support
WildlifeStrawberry flowers attract bees and other beneficial pollinators, and the berries themselves provide food for birds and small mammals, supporting local ecosystem health. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Harvest berries when they are fully red and slightly soft to the touch—typically in June for this June-bearing variety. Pick in the morning after dew dries for best flavor and shelf life. Grasp the stem and twist gently, or use scissors to leave the cap on the berry. Harvest every 2-3 days during peak season. The Premier fruits over 2-3 weeks; regular picking encourages continued production.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The Premier strawberry was introduced in 1901 and quickly became one of the most popular home garden varieties in North America, earning its reputation as a classic heirloom cultivar.
- 🌱 Strawberries are not technically berries—the fleshy part is the swollen receptacle, and the true fruits are the tiny seeds on the outside. A single strawberry may have 200+ seeds.
- 🌱 The Premier is a June-bearing variety, meaning it produces one large crop in early summer, unlike day-neutral or ever-bearing varieties that produce multiple smaller harvests throughout the season.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
Join 30,000 gardeners planning their gardens with LizPlants.
Get your personalized The Premier planting timeline
Tell us your zip code and we'll calculate exactly when to start The Premier seeds, transplant seedlings, and harvest — based on your USDA zone and local frost dates. Includes calendar reminders and printable task lists. Free to start.
Get my The Premier timeline →