Strawberry plants grow best in a well-drained sandy loam soil with plenty of organic matter. Flower buds form in the fall within the plant crown. The flower clusters emerge in late May and early June. Berries start to ripen 4-5 weeks after the first flowers open and continue to ripen for about 3 weeks. 'Everbearing' strawberries need about 3 cm of water every week. Although strawberry flowers are capable of self-pollinating, pollination by insects is necessary for best yield and quality.