While both June-bearing and everbearing strawberries are perennial plants that return year after year, they differ in when they produce fruit, berry size, and overall harvest style.

Understanding these differences will help you select the best strawberry plants for your garden and harvesting goals.

What Are June-Bearing Strawberries?

June-bearing strawberries produce one large harvest each year, typically from late spring into early summer. Instead of spreading fruit production throughout the season, the plants focus their energy on producing a heavy crop over a few weeks.

This makes June-bearing varieties a favorite for gardeners who want large harvests all at once for:

• Fresh eating
• Homemade jams and jellies
• Freezing
• Baking
• Sharing with family and friends

Because June-bearing strawberry plants concentrate their energy into a single harvest, they often produce larger and, on average, sweeter berries than everbearing varieties—but not always.

What Are Everbearing Strawberries?

Everbearing strawberries produce multiple harvests throughout the growing season, typically beginning in spring and continuing through summer into early fall. However, it is normal for everbearing strawberries to temporarily stop producing during the summer when temperatures consistently exceed 85–90°F.

Instead of one large crop, you will enjoy smaller flushes of fresh strawberries every few weeks, making them perfect for gardeners who prefer a continuous supply of berries.

Everbearing varieties are ideal for:

• Snacking straight from the garden
• Fresh desserts
• Smoothies
• Container gardening
• Small family gardens

Although peak berry size and sweetness may not reach the level of some June-bearing varieties, you will be able to harvest fresh fruit over a much longer period.

June-Bearing vs. Everbearing Strawberries

Which Strawberry Variety Should You Choose?

The best strawberry variety depends on how you plan to enjoy your harvest.

Choose June-bearing strawberries if you want:

• Large berries
• A heavy harvest for preserving
• Plenty of fruit all at once
• A traditional strawberry season

Choose everbearing strawberries if you want:

• Fresh berries throughout the growing season
• Multiple harvests
• A steady supply for snacking
• Strong container-growing performance

Many home gardeners choose to grow both types together. This provides a large harvest in late spring followed by fresh strawberries throughout the rest of the growing season.

Are Both Types Perennials?

Yes. Both June-bearing and everbearing strawberries are perennial plants, meaning they can return year after year with proper care.

To keep strawberry plants healthy and productive:

• Plant them in full sun with 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
• Water consistently during dry periods.
• Mulch around the plants to retain moisture and protect the roots.
• Remove old or damaged foliage after harvest when needed.
• Renovate or replace older plants every few years to maintain production.

Do Strawberry Plants Need Frost Protection?

In many growing regions, strawberry plants naturally survive winter dormancy. However, gardeners in colder climates may benefit from applying a layer of straw or mulch after the ground freezes. This helps protect the crowns from repeated freezing and thawing.

In areas with late spring frosts, covering flowering plants with frost cloth or lightweight row covers can help protect blossoms and preserve the upcoming harvest.

For additional seasonal care instructions, read our How to Prepare Your Berry Bushes for Winter guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do all June-bearing varieties produce larger and sweeter berries than everbearing varieties?

The short answer is no. The variety you choose will influence the size and flavor of the berries. When selecting a variety, consider your growing goals and region. Other factors that affect your strawberries include the maturity of the plants and their growing environment. Mature plants typically produce more berries, as well as larger fruit. Growing conditions, including watering, nutrients, sunlight, and soil quality, will also affect the final size and flavor of your strawberries.

Are June-bearing and everbearing strawberries perennial?

Yes. Both types are perennial plants that can return each year with proper care. However, peak production typically occurs during the second and third years, which is why many strawberry gardeners replace older plants after this period.

Can I plant June-bearing and everbearing strawberries together?

Absolutely. Many gardeners grow both types to enjoy a large late-spring or early-summer harvest followed by additional berries later in the growing season.

Do June-bearing strawberry plants produce more runners?

Yes! Runners are shoots produced by the mother plant that develop into new plants nearby. This is a good thing, but it is also something to consider when growing June-bearing strawberries. You will eventually have many more plants than you started with, but you will also need to thin the strawberry bed from time to time. Too many surrounding plants will negatively affect your harvest. 

Final Thoughts

Both June-bearing and everbearing strawberries have their own advantages, and there is no wrong choice. If you love filling baskets with large, juicy berries for preserving, June-bearing varieties are an excellent option. If you would rather enjoy fresh strawberries during several parts of the growing season, everbearing varieties are hard to beat.

For the longest possible harvest season, consider planting both. You can enjoy an abundant early crop followed by additional fresh berries as the season continues.