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When to plant Alpine Strawberries in Franklin County, FL

In Franklin County, Alpine Strawberries is a single-season spring crop — there's no second fall window. Plant March 11–March 25 for an 90–180-day harvest, finishing well before the November 28 first frost.

When to Plant Alpine Strawberries in Franklin County, FL

Alpine strawberries are small, intensely flavored wild-type strawberries that fruit continuously from spring to frost. They do not produce runners and make excellent edging plants.

Franklin County, Florida is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 25 and the first fall frost is November 28, giving you a growing season of approximately 276 days.

At an elevation of 487 feet, Franklin County receives approximately 59.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly sand soil. Summer highs average 96°F, so Alpine Strawberries may need afternoon shade and extra watering during peak heat. Sandy soil warms quickly in spring — great for early planting — but Alpine Strawberries will need more frequent watering and organic matter to retain nutrients. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Alpine Strawberries root diseases.

Franklin County, FL (Zone 9a) Year-round
276 days
Last Spring Frost February 25
276 growing days
First Fall Frost November 28

Franklin County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Sand

Soil pH

4.9-6

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Alpine Strawberries

Alpine Strawberries needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Alpine Strawberries Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan 2.6" 0" ❄️ Dormant
Feb 4.3" 2.8" 1.5" 💧 Light watering
Mar 4.3" 3.2" 1.1" 💧 Light watering
Apr 4.3" 2.6" 1.7" 💧 Light watering
May 4.3" 4" 0.3" 💧 Light watering
Jun 4.3" 7.6" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Jul 4.3" 9.2" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Aug 4.3" 10" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Sep 4.3" 7.4" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Oct 4.3" 4.9" 0" ✅ Rainfall sufficient
Nov 4.3" 2.9" 1.4" 💧 Light watering
Dec 2.8" 0" ❄️ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Feb–Nov in Franklin County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall — actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Alpine Strawberries Planting Timeline — Franklin County, FL

Alpine Strawberries Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Transplant Outdoors March 11 Mar 11 – Mar 25
Harvest June 10 Jun 10 – Sep 23

· 12" apart · Rows 24" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February
March Transplant Outdoors
April
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Partial Shade (3-6 hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

90–180 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 5.5–6.8 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

276 days in Franklin County

Growing Tips for Franklin County

Start seeds indoors 8-10 weeks before transplanting. Unlike regular strawberries, alpines do not spread by runners. Harvest tiny, intensely aromatic berries frequently. Grow well in partial shade.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Cabbage

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Alpine Strawberries in Franklin County, FL?

Franklin County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of February 25. Plan your Alpine Strawberries planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Franklin County, FL?

Franklin County, Florida is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is February 25 and first fall frost is November 28.

When should I plant Alpine Strawberries in Franklin County, FL?

In Franklin County, FL, plant Alpine Strawberries after the last frost (around February 25) and before the first frost (around November 28). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Franklin County, FL for Alpine Strawberries?

Franklin County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Alpine Strawberries grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Alpine Strawberries grow in Franklin County's climate?

Yes — Alpine Strawberries grows well in Franklin County's temperate climate. Franklin County averages a 277-day frost-free season, with last frost around February 25 and first frost around November 28.

🌱

Your Franklin County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Franklin County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Franklin County, FL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: June 2026.

Sources & credits

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