Florida is a significant contributor to the nation’s supply of fresh strawberries, consistently ranking as the second-largest producer in the United States. Florida’s unique climate allows it to be the source for virtually all domestically grown strawberries available in grocery stores from late fall through early spring. This specialized winter production occurs when other major domestic areas are dormant. The cultivation is highly concentrated in one primary agricultural region.
The Primary Commercial Growing Region
The vast majority of Florida’s strawberry cultivation is centered in the west-central part of the state, with Hillsborough County serving as the geographical hub. This area is responsible for over 95% of Florida’s commercial strawberry acreage, making it the focal point of the entire industry. The city most closely associated with this production is Plant City, historically recognized as the “Winter Strawberry Capital of the United States.”
The core growing area extends beyond Plant City, encompassing surrounding communities like Dover and influencing the broader Tampa Bay agricultural landscape. This region has a long history of strawberry farming, building up significant agricultural infrastructure and expertise. The volume of berries produced here results in an annual economic impact on Hillsborough County alone that exceeds $1.1 billion.
The Florida Strawberry Growing Season
Florida’s strawberry season occurs during the cooler months, contrasting with the typical summer harvest in northern states. Growers plant the annual crop between September and early November to prepare for the winter harvest. The harvest window generally opens in late November or early December and continues steadily through April.
This timing fills a gap in the national market when production from California, the country’s largest producer, is at its lowest. The mild Florida winter temperatures provide the conditions for the plants to flower and fruit while other regions are too cold. The peak season for harvesting typically falls between February and March. This period is celebrated annually in Plant City with the Florida Strawberry Festival.
Environmental Factors Supporting Florida Production
The success of winter strawberry production depends heavily on specific environmental factors, most notably temperature and daylight hours. Strawberries thrive when temperatures range between 50°F and 80°F. The plants also require less than 14 hours of daylight to stimulate flowering and fruit development, a combination naturally provided by Florida’s winter climate.
Growers utilize specialized agricultural practices to manage the crop in this environment. Strawberries are grown as an annual crop on raised beds covered with black plastic mulch. This system suppresses weeds, keeps the fruit clean, and regulates soil temperature and moisture. While the region is generally warm, occasional cold snaps necessitate frost protection, often involving overhead irrigation systems that coat the plants in a layer of ice to insulate the tissue from freezing temperatures.