Key Takeaways
- Ozark Beauty is an everbearing strawberry variety with an extended harvest season.
- Plant in full sun (at least 8 hours/day) with well-drained soil and good airflow.
- Aim for soil pH around 5.6–6.5 and add compost for better structure.
- Give about 1 inch of water per week in season and keep leaves as dry as you can.
- Many gardeners grow everbearers in a hill system and remove runners to boost fruiting.
Choosing the Right Location for Growing Ozark Beauty Strawberry Plants
Location matters. Strawberries produce best in full sun. Morning sun helps leaves dry faster after dew or rain, which can lower disease risk.
Good air movement also helps. Avoid low spots where cold air settles, because frost can damage early blooms. Choose a site that drains well after rain.
Preparing the Soil for Planting Ozark Beauty Strawberry Plants
Strawberries like well-drained, loamy soil with lots of organic matter. A soil test can help you adjust nutrients and pH. Many extension guides recommend a soil pH of about 5.6 to 6.5 for strawberries (see the Oregon State University Extension strawberry guide).
Clear weeds and loosen the soil (about 6–12 inches deep). Mix in compost or well-rotted manure. If your soil stays wet, raised beds can improve drainage.
Planting and Caring for Ozark Beauty Strawberry Plants
| Metric | Practical guidance |
|---|---|
| Best planting time | Early spring, as soon as soil can be worked |
| Sunlight | Full sun (8+ hours/day) |
| Soil | Well-drained, fertile, high in organic matter |
| Spacing (typical hill system) | About 12–15 inches apart; keep aisles clear |
| Runner management | Remove runners often if you want more fruit from each plant |
Plant strawberries as soon as you can work the soil in spring. Planting depth is key: set the crown at soil level. If it is too deep, it can rot. If it is too high, it can dry out.
Mulch with clean straw or another organic mulch. Mulch helps hold moisture, slows weeds, and keeps fruit cleaner.
Watering and Fertilizing Ozark Beauty Strawberry Plants
Strawberries need steady moisture, most of all during bloom and fruiting. A common guideline is about 1 inch of water per week from rain or irrigation. Drip lines and soaker hoses are great because they water the roots and keep leaves drier.
Start with soil-test results if you have them. Avoid heavy nitrogen right before harvest because it can lead to soft fruit and too much leaf growth. If plants look pale or weak, use compost or a light, balanced fertilizer and follow the label.
Mulching and Weed Control for Ozark Beauty Strawberry Plants
Soil moisture and temperature
Mulch holds moisture and helps keep soil temperatures more even.
Weed control
Weeds steal water and nutrients. Pull weeds when they are small. In small beds, hand-weeding works well. Mulch can also cut weed growth.
Protecting Ozark Beauty Strawberry Plants from Pests and Diseases
Common pests include aphids, spider mites, and slugs. Check plants often so you can act early. Barriers and hand-picking can help with slugs. Beneficial insects can help with aphids.
Leaf diseases and fruit rots are more common when foliage stays wet. Improve airflow with good spacing and avoid overhead watering when you can. If problems keep coming back, ask your local extension office what works best where you live.
Propagating Ozark Beauty Strawberry Plants
You can expand your patch by using runners.
Strawberry plants produce runners—long stems that grow out from the parent plant and can form new plants when they root.
Let a runner plantlet root, then cut the runner once the new plant is growing well.
You can also divide older plants. In early spring or after harvest, lift a plant and split it into smaller clumps with several crowns, then replant right away.
Harvesting and Storing Ozark Beauty Strawberries
Pick berries when they are fully red. Harvest in the cool part of the day and handle fruit gently.
Strawberries do not store long. Refrigerate soon after picking, and wash right before eating. For longer storage, freeze hulled berries on a tray first, then move them to airtight bags or containers.
Pruning and Winter Care for Ozark Beauty Strawberry Plants
After the season, remove dead leaves and tidy runners. This helps reduce disease and keeps the bed neat.
In cold areas, protect plants with straw after they go dormant. A common method is to cover plants with about 4–6 inches of clean straw once temperatures stay below about 40°F.
Enjoying the Fruits of Your Labor: Using Ozark Beauty Strawberries in Recipes
Eat fresh berries as-is, or use them in shortcake, pies, jam, and smoothies. Frozen berries also work well in sauces and baking.
FAQs
What are Ozark Beauty strawberry plants?
Ozark Beauty is an everbearing strawberry variety. Everbearing types usually produce a main crop in late spring/early summer and a second crop in late summer or early fall.
How do you care for Ozark Beauty strawberry plants?
Give full sun, well-drained soil, and steady moisture. Keep weeds down, mulch to keep fruit clean, and try not to wet the leaves when watering.
When and how do you plant Ozark Beauty strawberry plants?
Plant in early spring as soon as soil can be worked. Set the crown at soil level and spread the roots out. In a hill system, space plants about 12–15 inches apart and remove runners as they appear.
How do you harvest Ozark Beauty strawberries?
Harvest when berries are fully red and come off easily. Pick often during harvest windows and refrigerate quickly.
Are Ozark Beauty strawberry plants resistant to any diseases?
Strawberries can get leaf diseases, fruit rots, and root rots. Some references describe Ozark Beauty as having generally good disease resistance, but results depend on weather and local disease pressure. Good airflow and drip/soaker watering help lower risk.
