This invention relates to a new and distinct short-day variety of strawberry plant named `BG-959`. This new variety is primarily adapted to the growing conditions of the southern coast of California. A small plant with large uniformly shaped berries primarily characterizes the new variety. Foliage is small in size with short petioles producing very few bract leaflets. Production is early beginning as early as late December, producing upwards of 20% of 25% of it production by the end of February. The fruit is large in size, very firm, flat conical in shape with a smooth surface lacking creases and ridges.