---
title: Can strawberries grow in the UAE?
url: https://heavenlyplants.ae/questions/can-strawberries-grow-in-uae
updated: 2026-10-08
type: question
---

# Can strawberries grow in the UAE?

**Short answer:** Yes, but only in the cool season. Plant strawberries in October or November and they fruit from around January to March, then finish when the heat arrives in April or May. Grow them in full winter sun in a pot or rail planter, water often and feed fortnightly once flowers appear. Treat them as a winter annual.

Strawberries are a temperate plant, and the UAE's temperate months are October to March. Planted now, a [strawberry plant](https://heavenlyplants.ae/products/strawberry-plant) roots in the mild autumn, flowers as nights cool and ripens fruit through late winter and early spring. Once daytime temperatures stay above the mid-30s it stops flowering, and it will not survive a Gulf summer outdoors, so plan to replace it next October rather than nurse it through July.
Give it the sunniest spot you have. Winter sun in the UAE is gentle enough that a south- or west-facing balcony, which would cook it in summer, is ideal from November to March. A rail planter or hanging pot keeps the fruit clear of the soil, which stops it rotting and keeps it away from ants.
Water whenever the top of the compost is dry, which for a small pot in winter sun is often daily. Feed every two weeks once flowers appear. For the rest of the winter edible calendar — tomatoes, herbs and greens — see [growing vegetables and herbs in the UAE](https://heavenlyplants.ae/blog/growing-vegetables-herbs-uae-planting-calendar), or browse the [edible garden collection](https://heavenlyplants.ae/collections/edible-garden).

## Why do my strawberry leaves go brown at the edges in the UAE?

Usually salt. Strawberries are sensitive to the minerals in UAE tap and irrigation water, and they build up in a small pot over a season. Water thoroughly so some drains out of the bottom every time, flush the pot with plenty of water every few weeks, and never use well or salty irrigation water on them.

## Do strawberries need bees to produce fruit on a balcony?

Most garden strawberries set some fruit on their own, but poorly pollinated flowers give small, misshapen berries. On a high-rise balcony with few insects, brush the centre of each open flower lightly with a small soft paintbrush every day or two. It takes a minute and noticeably improves the fruit.

## Are strawberry plants safe for children and pets?

Yes. Strawberry plants are non-toxic to cats and dogs, and the fruit is safe to eat straight from the plant once washed, which is why we include one in the [kids' grow kit](https://heavenlyplants.ae/products/kids-grow-kit) with a cherry tomato and a herb tray.