Florida holds a unique position in the North American blueberry market because its growing season begins significantly earlier than nearly every other state. This early production window is made possible by the state’s mild winters and the development of specialized cultivars suited to the subtropical climate. Growing blueberries in the state requires specific agricultural practices, such as managing sandy soils and ensuring proper pollination, but the payoff is being the first to market. This allows Florida growers to provide fresh, domestically grown berries to consumers before other states begin production.
The Primary Harvest Period
The peak harvest season for Florida blueberries generally begins in late March and runs through May. This period represents the commercial window when the majority of the crop is picked and shipped, often bringing the highest prices for growers. For consumers, this means the freshest, local berries are abundant on store shelves and at farmers’ markets throughout April and into early May.
The u-pick season, a popular way for the public to access the fruit, often aligns with this timeframe, typically opening in April. Earlier warm temperatures may push the start date into mid-March.
Regional Differences in Florida Seasonality
Florida’s long geographic span creates distinct differences in when the blueberry harvest begins across the state. The earliest berries are consistently found in the south-central and central regions, including areas like Hardee, DeSoto, Highlands, and Polk counties. Growers in these warmer areas can start picking as early as the first weeks of March.
Moving north, the season starts progressively later because these regions experience cooler winter temperatures. In North Central Florida, around counties like Alachua and Putnam, the peak harvest typically begins in April and can extend further into May. The Panhandle, which is the coolest part of the state, may even see some late-season berries from different varieties lasting into June.
Understanding Florida Blueberry Varieties
The state’s ability to produce the first domestic crop is a direct result of decades of plant breeding focused on low-chill varieties. Blueberries require a certain number of “chill hours,” or hours below 45 degrees Fahrenheit, during winter dormancy to properly set fruit. Since Florida has a mild winter, traditional Northern Highbush varieties cannot be grown successfully.
The solution was the development of the Southern Highbush blueberry, a hybrid cross between northern varieties and native Florida wild blueberries. Cultivars like ‘Avanti,’ ‘Emerald,’ and ‘Jewel’ have extremely low chill requirements, some needing as few as 150 to 200 chill hours, allowing them to bloom and fruit much earlier. Many of these varieties are also self-unfruitful and require cross-pollination from a different, compatible cultivar. For this reason, commercial fields often plant multiple varieties side-by-side to ensure a successful yield. This biological adaptation is key to Florida’s early market advantage.
Finding Local Blueberries
Once the season is underway, consumers have several direct avenues for finding the freshest local blueberries. U-pick farms are a popular option, allowing families to pick their own fruit directly from the bush, often for a lower price per pound. These operations are scattered throughout the state, particularly near population centers in Central Florida.
Farmers’ markets across the state become stocked with fresh blueberries during April and May, offering berries that were often picked within the last day or two. Roadside stands, especially in major growing counties, also provide a direct link between the farm and the consumer. Checking with local extension offices or farm websites is the best way to confirm opening dates, as the harvest can fluctuate year-to-year based on weather conditions.