- The big, plump strawberries sold in grocery stores most likely come from June-bearing strawberry plant varieties. As the name implies, June-bearing varieties produce one large crop in late spring and early summer. The large size of these plants requires adequate spacing. Plant June-bearing strawberry plants 18 to 24 inches apart. As the plants grow, the spacing will close to 6 to 8 inches between plants. Space multiple rows of June-bearing strawberries 36 inches apart.
- Everbearing strawberries produce three crops a year. The main crop comes ripe in late spring, the second in summer, and the final crop in the fall. Everbearing strawberry varieties are well suited for the home gardener who wants a season-long supply of fresh strawberries. The plants are smaller than June-bearing types and require less space. Plant everbearing strawberry plants 8 to 12 inches apart in rows. This variety is also well suited to grow in a patio planter or a window box.
- Ornamental hybrid strawberry plants make a good ground cover under shrubs and in perennial flowerbeds. Ornamental hybrids often produce small, insignificant fruit but make up for it with larger or colored flowers. The hybrid Fragaria x ananassa, or Pink Panda, produces delicate pink flowers. To create a lush ground cover, scatter the plants over the garden bed keeping 8 inches between plants. Ornamental strawberries can fill in a large planter or create a delicate, perennial border.
- Wild strawberry plants are small, often growing just 3 to 6 inches tall. The fruits are small and sweet. Plant wild strawberries in native-plant gardens, or as a low-growing ground cover. The pretty white flowers and delicate fruit make the wild strawberry both a tasty treat and an attractive ornamental. Space wild strawberry varieties 6 to 8 inches apart, as the plants mature and send out runners, the spaces between the plants will diminish.
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