Florida is the second-largest producer of strawberries in the United States, following California. The state holds a unique place in the national market as a major supplier of fresh strawberries during the winter months. This production is a significant agricultural accomplishment, delivering fresh fruit to grocery stores across the eastern half of the country when northern regions are dormant. Florida’s ability to cultivate this warm-weather fruit during the cooler months defines its agricultural calendar.
The Peak Season Timeline
The commercial strawberry harvest in Florida begins around late November or early December. The season continues steadily until approximately late April, depending on weather conditions and market demand. The peak season, when fruit volume and quality are highest, occurs during January, February, and March. Growers often report their strongest production from mid-February through early March, coinciding with the popular Florida Strawberry Festival.
Florida’s Strawberry Capital
The vast majority of Florida’s strawberry production is centered in Plant City and the surrounding Hillsborough County in west-central Florida. This area is known as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. The region’s success is directly related to its unique climate conditions. Strawberries thrive best when temperatures remain between 50°F and 80°F, which the Tampa Bay region consistently provides. The short-day length in the fall and winter, less than 14 hours of sunlight, also signals the plants to flower and produce fruit.
Enabling the Winter Harvest
Florida’s consistent winter harvest relies on advanced agricultural techniques and specialized cultivars. Strawberry plants are treated as annuals; growers plant new stock every fall, typically from late September to early November. This annual system allows for the cultivation of varieties specifically bred for the Florida winter climate, such as ‘Florida Brilliance’ and ‘Sweet Sensation’.
The plants are established on raised beds, a technique known as annual hill planting, which promotes drainage and root aeration. These beds are covered in plastic mulch, or plasticulture, which manages soil temperature, conserves moisture, and prevents the fruit from touching the ground. If a severe frost occurs, overhead sprinkler irrigation is deployed to coat the plants in a layer of ice, insulating the delicate flowers and fruit.
Consumer Access and U-Pick
Consumers can find Florida-grown strawberries widely available in grocery stores from December through April. For a more direct experience, numerous farms open their fields for consumer U-Pick operations. U-Pick opportunities often start later in the season, usually from late January into March, once the commercial harvest is well underway. Visiting local farmers’ markets and roadside stands offers a chance to purchase the freshest fruit directly from the growers. Consumers should select berries that are fully red, as strawberries do not continue to ripen after they are picked.