When it comes to growing delicious, sweet strawberries, one of the most important factors is sunlight. Strawberry plants need ample sunlight to produce flavorful fruit and thrive. But when is the best time of day for strawberries to receive sun – morning or afternoon?
Quick Answer
Most strawberry experts recommend providing strawberries with morning sun rather than afternoon sun. The cool morning sun helps strawberries develop their sugars and flavor compounds. Hot afternoon sun can damage the berries and cause them to become soft and have less sweet flavor.
Morning Sun Benefits for Strawberries
Here are some of the key benefits of morning sun for strawberry plants:
- Cooler temperatures prevent overheating. Strawberry flowers and fruits are sensitive to high heat. Morning sun is gentler and less likely to create stress.
- Morning sun dries dew and moisture from nighttime. This helps prevent fungal diseases like gray mold.
- Sun early in the day kickstarts photosynthesis. This allows the plants to maximize their food production and growth.
- Strawberries develop more sugars and flavor compounds in cooler conditions. Morning sun is ideal for bringing out sweetness.
- Berries ripen more evenly with morning light. Afternoon sun can create lopsided ripening.
The moderate intensity and temperatures of morning sun allow strawberries to thrive. The berries absorb light energy and convert it into sugars and pigments that equal more flavor and nutrition.
Afternoon Sun Drawbacks
While plants do need a full day of sun, there are some disadvantages to having too much intense, hot sunlight on strawberry plants in the afternoon and early evening:
- Heat stress – Afternoon sun can scorch flowers and cause green or white patches on fruit. Temperatures above 85°F are detrimental.
- Sunburn – Berries can become sunburned, especially in peak summer. Sunburn causes dry, brown patches.
- Softer berries – High heat causes berries to ripen too fast and become overly soft and prone to rotting.
- Less flavor – The sugars that develop flavor break down more rapidly in hot conditions.
- Tip burn – Hot sun can dry out and damage leaf margins, causing browning.
While a little afternoon sun is fine, too much can have several negative impacts. Strawberries fare much better with a majority of sunlight exposure coming during the cooler morning hours.
Ideal Sun Conditions for Strawberries
Here is a summary of the optimal sun conditions for strawberry growth:
- At least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day.
- Morning sun from sunrise until early-mid afternoon.
- A little filtered or dappled afternoon sun is acceptable.
- Avoid hot mid-day sun that gets strawberries above 85°F.
- Eastern or northeastern exposure is ideal to get morning sun.
- Provide shade in peak summer afternoon if possible.
With these sun conditions, you’ll maximize the light energy strawberries need while minimizing any heat damage from intense afternoon rays.
Sun Requirements by Strawberry Variety
While most strawberries thrive with morning sun, some varieties have slightly different sun needs:
June-Bearing
These produce one crop per year. They perform best with eastern morning sunlight and afternoon shade when summer temperatures climb.
Everbearing
Everbearing strawberries fruit from early summer until fall. They can better tolerate afternoon sun but still prefer morning sun.
Alpine
Alpine strawberries are smaller but yield continuous harvests. Partial shade is better to prevent them from becoming overheated.
Day-Neutral
These “everbearing” types fruit throughout the season. Filtered light and partial shade are best to extend their fruiting window.
So in general, morning sun is best for nearly all strawberries. But some types like Alpine and day-neutral may appreciate a little more shade.
Using Row Covers for Sun Protection
In addition to locating strawberries where they’ll get morning sun, you can also protect them from excessive afternoon sun by using row covers:
- Floating row covers – Made of lightweight polypropylene fabric, these can shield plants from hot sun while allowing air, light, and water through.
- Low tunnels – Mini hoop tunnels covered in plastic sheeting can provide adjustable ventilation while filtering sunlight intensity.
- Shade cloth – Black shade cloth over a hoop structure blocks 30-80% of sunlight, depending on density rating.
Row covers primarily help conserve moisture and protect from pests. But they can also provide relief from intense midday and afternoon sun. This supplemental shade further protects strawberry flavor and productivity.
Sun Requirements by Growing Location
Where you are located also impacts the sunlight needs of strawberries:
Northern Climates
In cool northern regions like Canada and Alaska, strawberries appreciate as much sun as possible, including some afternoon light to extend the growing season.
Southern Climates
In hot southern zones like Florida and California, more shade is better, especially in peak summer. Morning sun is essential, but afternoon shade will prevent stress.
Coastal Regions
Coastal areas are ideal for growing strawberries thanks to cool air and morning fog. Fruit ripens slower, with excellent flavor. Afternoon shade is still recommended.
High Elevations
At higher elevations, strong sunlight helps compensate for the shorter growing season. But shelter from winds and afternoon shade are still needed.
Evaluate your specific climate and site factors to fine-tune the amount of sun versus shade that your strawberry plants will need to thrive.
Using Shade Structures
If afternoon shade from buildings, trees, or other plants isn’t available, you can construct shade structures to protect your strawberries:
Arbors
Open lattice arbors allow dappled light through while creating shade. Vining crops can be grown overhead.
Pole Beans
Use tall rows of pole beans as living sunscreens during summer. Beans tolerate heat well.
Umbrellas
Open patio-style umbrellas can shade individual strawberry containers from afternoon rays.
Mesh Netting
Drape lightweight mesh netting over strawberry beds to diffuse sunlight while allowing airflow.
Having solutions in place to provide adjustable shade will let you control sunlight intensity as needed for your strawberry crop.
Optimizing Other Factors with Sunlight
To fully optimize strawberry sun exposure, also make sure to focus on these factors:
Watering
Increase irrigation in hot afternoon sun to prevent drought stress. Drip irrigation works well.
Mulch
Use straw or pine needles to insulate soil and roots. This keeps berries from overheating.
Wind Protection
Block excessive winds to prevent flowers and fruits from becoming desiccated.
Soil Quality
Enrich soil with compost to retain moisture and nutrients for healthy plants.
Attention to sun, water, soil, and other factors will give your strawberries the best advantage.
Comparing Morning vs. Afternoon Sun for Strawberries
To summarize the benefits of morning sun versus afternoon sun for strawberries:
| Morning Sun | Afternoon Sun |
|---|---|
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It’s clear that prioritizing morning sun exposure for your strawberries will provide the most benefits for growth and fruit production.
Conclusion
To maximize the yield and flavor of homegrown strawberries, it’s ideal to situate plants where they will receive morning sun but limited harsh afternoon sunlight. Morning sun helps strawberries develop their sugars slowly and ripen evenly, while intense afternoon heat can be damaging. Providing shade with covers, structures, or plantings allows you to give your strawberries the best sun exposure for your local climate.
