Grow Strawberry 'Allstar' for a dependable, flavorful early-summer harvest and a tidy, low planting that also works in raised beds and containers. This June-bearing strawberry stays compact at about 6-8 inches tall and spreads with runners, forming a dense rosette that can fill in over time. In spring you will see small white flowers, followed by large, sweet, juicy red berries that ripen in a concentrated crop.
Choose a site with full sun for best fruiting, though part shade is acceptable, especially where afternoons are hot. Plant into rich, well-drained soil amended with organic matter, and keep moisture steady (strawberries have shallow roots and dry out quickly). Space plants about 12 inches apart so air can move through the foliage and berries stay cleaner. A layer of mulch helps conserve moisture, moderates soil temperatures, and reduces splashing that can dirty fruit.
Through the season, keep your bed weeded and water at the base of the plants. In the first year, you can pinch off blooms to help the plant establish, then let it fruit heavily in following seasons. Expect runners to root and expand the patch; you can guide them to fill gaps, or remove some runners to concentrate energy into fruit production. After harvest, remove tired leaves if needed, refresh mulch, and continue regular watering so plants build strength for next year.