Abstract While India is traditionally known for its mangoes, citrus fruits, and bananas, the strawberry ( Fragaria × ananassa ) has emerged as a high-value cash crop over the last two decades. Unlike temperate countries where strawberries ripen in early summer, India’s strawberry season is predominantly a winter crop (November to April). This paper examines the climatic requirements, regional cultivation hubs, seasonal timeline, agricultural practices, and economic significance of strawberry farming in India. 1. Introduction Strawberries are a perishable, cool-climate fruit requiring specific photoperiod and temperature conditions. In India, commercial strawberry cultivation is relatively recent, gaining momentum in the 1990s with the introduction of high-yielding varieties like ‘Chandler,’ ‘Sweet Charlie,’ and ‘Winter Dawn.’ Unlike Western markets where strawberries are a spring-summer fruit, India’s season aligns with the post-monsoon winter, making them a festive and wedding-season delicacy. 2. Climatic Requirements for Indian Strawberry Farming Strawberries thrive in temperatures between 15°C and 25°C (59°F–77°F) with plenty of sunlight. They require well-drained, slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5). In India, the ideal conditions occur after the retreat of the southwest monsoon (October) and before the onset of summer heat (April). Frost is harmful, but the mild winters of the Indian plains and plateaus provide a perfect growing window. 3. Regional Growing Zones and Their Seasons India’s strawberry season varies by region due to differences in altitude and latitude. The three primary growing regions are: