What month is it usually for picking strawberries

Strawberry picking is generally concentrated from December to May of the following year, and the specific time is affected by factors such as climate conditions, variety differences, planting methods, regional distribution, and maturity standards.

The natural ripening period for strawberries in most parts of China is from March to May in spring, during which the strawberries grown outdoors gradually enter their peak fruiting period. Due to the high winter temperatures in southern regions such as Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, the first crop of strawberries can mature around December. Bases grown in greenhouses can achieve harvesting around New Year's Day. Outdoor strawberries in northern regions such as Shandong and Liaoning usually reach their optimal harvesting state after mid April, while greenhouse planting can advance the harvesting period to February to March. Strawberries in high-altitude areas with large temperature differences between day and night accumulate more sugar, and rich flavored fruits can still be harvested from May to June.

Some special varieties can be harvested out of season, such as four season strawberries that can achieve multi season fruiting under suitable temperature conditions. Due to the late rise in temperature in high-altitude mountainous areas, the harvesting period may be postponed to June to July. Off season cultivation, through techniques such as greenhouse temperature control and supplementary lighting, can create a small harvest peak in some strawberry bases in November or September, but the fruit flavor and yield are usually lower than those of seasonal strawberries.

It is recommended to confirm the characteristics and planting methods of strawberry varieties in advance when choosing a picking garden. Different varieties have different cycles from flowering to maturity. When picking, the optimal maturity standard is to have more than 80% color change on the surface of the fruit and a slight whiteness around the stem. Early picking can affect the accumulation of flavor compounds. After rainy weather, fruits with high moisture content are prone to rot. It is recommended to avoid picking immediately after continuous rainfall. Strawberries should be avoided from being squeezed and refrigerated as soon as possible after harvesting. They should not be stored at room temperature for more than 8 hours to maintain freshness.