The Florida strawberry season is a significant period in the national produce market, making the state a major supplier of fresh berries during the winter months. Florida’s unique climate allows for a consistent harvest when most of the United States cannot grow strawberries due to cold temperatures. This production window ensures consumers across the country have access to fresh strawberries when summer-producing regions are dormant.
The Official Florida Strawberry Season Timeline
The Florida strawberry season begins in late November and continues through late March or early April. Farmers plant the crops, which are treated as annuals, between September and early November to prepare for the winter harvest. The initial fruit is typically ready for picking around Thanksgiving, signaling the start of the commercial season.
The peak of the Florida strawberry season occurs between January and February, when weather conditions are most optimal for fruit development. Strawberries grow best when temperatures range from 50°F to 80°F and with less than 14 hours of daylight, which the central Florida winter provides. The harvest remains strong into March before tapering off toward the end of the season.
Florida’s Primary Strawberry Growing Region
The majority of Florida’s strawberry production is concentrated in the central part of the state, with Hillsborough County at the center of the industry. The area surrounding Plant City is recognized as the “Winter Strawberry Capital of the World” due to its agricultural output. This region’s mild winter climate is suited for the crop, allowing for production in a system known as winter-plasticulture.
The combination of warm days and cooler evenings promotes the development of varieties like ‘Sweet Sensation.’ Florida supplies between 10 and 15 percent of the total U.S. strawberry crop, with almost all of that volume hitting the market during the winter. The economic impact of the strawberry harvest on Hillsborough County alone is estimated to exceed $1.1 billion annually.
Finding the Freshest Berries
The seasonal harvest offers several ways to find the freshest berries, which often possess a more intense flavor than those shipped long distances. Farm stands and local farmers’ markets in the growing regions provide direct access to fruit picked just hours before sale. Many commercial farms also offer U-Pick opportunities, allowing the public to harvest their own fruit directly from the fields, typically beginning in mid-December and running through March.
The season is celebrated with annual events, most notably the Florida Strawberry Festival in Plant City. This event typically runs for 11 days in late February or early March, showcasing the region’s agricultural heritage and featuring strawberry-themed treats. Visiting these local markets and festivals allows consumers to taste the difference that comes from purchasing berries at the peak of seasonal ripeness.