Where to Find Charlotte Strawberry Plants for Sale

The Charlotte strawberry is an everbearing variety that produces incredibly sweet, flavorful berries all season long. Its excellent fruit quality and heat tolerance have made it a favorite for home growers and commercial producers alike If you want to experience this top strawberry cultivar for yourself, here’s where you can find Charlotte strawberry plants for sale

Overview of Charlotte Strawberries

Before jumping into sources, let’s take a quick look at what makes Charlotte strawberries so special:

• Everbearing – Bears fruit continuously from early summer through fall frosts

• Sweet flavor – Rich, sweet, candy-like strawberry flavor. One of the tastiest varieties.

• Attractive fruit – Glossy red exterior and firm texture. Great for fresh eating and preserving.

• Heat tolerance – Sets and ripens fruit even in hot summers unlike many everbearers.

• Vigorous plants – Fast growing with some runner production for new daughter plants.

• Ornamental value – Pretty pinkish-white blooms add early season color.

• Wide adaptability – Thrives in zones 3-8 across North America.

With yields of large, sugary berries over an extended season, it’s easy to see why gardeners seek out Charlotte strawberry plants. Now let’s look at some sources for purchasing.

Where to Buy Charlotte Strawberry Plants

Online Nurseries

Ordering Charlotte plants from online nurseries is convenient and provides the widest selection. Reputable online sellers include:

• Gurney’s Seed & Nursery – Offers Charlotte bare root plants in bundles of 10 for $20. Zones 3-8.

• Burpee – Sells individual Charlotte plants for $6 each. Zone 5-9.

• Stark Bro’s – Bare root plants sold in packs of 10, 25, or 50 starting at $29.99. Zones 4-8.

• Henry Fields – Bare roots available in quantities of 10 for $24.95. Zones 3-8.

• Jung Seed – Sold as bundles of 10 bare root crowns for $27.95. Zone 4-8.

Most of these nurseries ship nationwide and provide spring shipping right for your region. Order early for the best selection.

Local Garden Centers

Your local independent or chain garden center may carry Charlotte strawberry plants in stock during spring planting time. Supply and selection will vary by location. Ask if they can special order Charlottes if not in stock.

Benefits of buying locally include:

• Support small businesses in your community

• Avoid shipping costs

• Inspect plants in person before purchasing

• Get expert advice from staff

Check for tags or signs advertising Charlotte or call ahead to availability. Berries labeled “everbearing” likely include Charlottes.

Farmer’s Markets & Fruit Stands

Some small fruit growers sell strawberry plants at farmer’s markets and fruit stands, especially in spring. This is a great way to get locally adapted plants.

• Ask vendors if they have Charlotte or everbearing varieties.

• Inspect plants carefully for health and root development.

• Expect to pay premium prices for small volumes.

University Extension Services

In some states, university agricultural extensions sell select berry plants propagate from their research fields. These are great for finding regionally appropriate cultivars.

• Contact your local extension office to inquire.

• Extensions may offer workshops on strawberry growing.

• Limited selection but very reliable plants.

• Prices are affordable since they are non-profit.

Strawberry Festivals

Many towns host annual strawberry festivals that draw local growers. These events often have plant sales.

• Attend a festival near you and ask vendors about Charlottes.

• Expect small quantities but good quality.

• Enjoy food, entertainment, and celebrating the strawberry!

What to Look for When Buying Plants

To ensure you get quality Charlotte strawberry plants:

• Buy certified disease-free bare root crowns for best success. Avoid potted plants.

• Look for well-developed root systems and avoid dried out roots.

• Choose crowns with some attached leaves to confirm health.

• Inspect for damage from diseases, pests, handling, or temperature extremes.

• Source plants locally if possible to match your growing conditions.

• Ask sellers for details on the plants like origin and care.

Reputable sellers stand behind their plants with guarantees, so always check policies. With healthy Charlotte crowns planted properly, you’ll be rewarding with buckets of big, juicy berries all season!

Growing and Caring for Charlotte Strawberry Plants

Once you’ve procured your Charlotte strawberry plants, proper planting and care is vital. Here are some key tips:

• Prepare garden beds with rich, well-draining soil in full sun. Raised beds work great.

• Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart.

• Dig holes deep enough so crown sits just above soil level.

• Apply balanced fertilizer at planting and monthly during growing season.

• Water 1-2 inches per week for best fruiting, adjust for rain.

• Use mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds.

• Remove runners to focus growth on fruit production.

With optimal conditions, you’ll be harvesting sweet Charlotte berries within a couple months of planting. Enjoy them fresh, frozen, or baked into pies and jams!

Favorite Charlotte Strawberry Recipes

Once your Charlotte patch starts producing, you’ll want delicious ways to enjoy your harvest. Here are some classic strawberry recipes highlighting the Charlotte flavor:

Charlotte Strawberry Shortcake – Sweet biscuits layered with sliced Charlottes and whipped cream. The perfect summer dessert!

Balsamic Charlotte Caprese Salad – Alternate Charlotte slices, mozzarella, and basil leaves. Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic.

Charlotte Strawberry Lemonade – Puree Charlottes in a blender, then mix into lemonade for a refreshing berry twist.

Charlotte Strawberry Ice Cream – Churn a custard base flavored with Charlotte puree. Delicious on its own or in milkshakes.

Charlotte Strawberry Jam – Simmer mashed Charlottes with sugar and lemon juice, then jar. Makes a great gift too!

With some creativity, it’s easy to highlight the fantastic flavor of Charlotte strawberries. Now that you know where to find plants for sale, you can soon be enjoying your own harvests. Get your Charlotte patch started this spring!