Growing Conditions – Growing strawberries requires temperatures between 50°F–80°F and less than 14 hours of daylight for the strawberries to flower and produce fruit. In Florida, these conditions occur throughout the fall, winter, and spring. Strawberries in Florida are planted in September to early November, and flowering and fruit continue through April or May.
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What is strawberry season in Florida?
What month is strawberry picking in Florida? Although you can pick strawberries in Florida from November to April, the best months to do so are December and January.
Where do strawberries grow in Florida?
Last Updated on February 12, 2023 You may associate strawberries with California, but did you know Florida is second in strawberry production? Florida strawberry farmers consist of 65 growers and over 10,000 acres that make up the Strawberry Growers Association! Source: Floral City Strawberry Festival Most Florida berries are grown in Plant City, also known as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World. This is because Florida strawberry season runs from Thanksgiving to Easter with planting beginning in October! Florida’s moderate winter temperatures are perfect for growing the berries!
What month is best for strawberry picking in Florida?
How great is it that we live right next door to the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World – Plant City, Florida! That means we have an abundance of places for U Pick Strawberries within an hour’s drive and it is easy to find somewhere for strawberry picking near you.
- Strawberry picking in Florida is a GREAT family activity to do with kids.
- The berries grow in raised beds on the ground (unless they are hydroponic strawberry plants) so they are easy for kids to reach.
- We try to go pick our own strawberries in Tampa / Lakeland / Plant City area every year.
- Strawberry season in Florida typically runs from December – March, with the Plant City Strawberry Festival as the annual celebration of all things berry! Don’t miss our Strawberry Picking Tips at the bottom of this post, and check out our Blueberry and Peach U-pick Guides, as well as a list of Sunflower Farms,
If you’re looking for fresh produce, there are also numerous Farmers Markets happening weekly around Polk County, you can find them all in our Farmers Market Guide, IMPORTANT:
We will do our best to keep an updated list below of who is currently open, however we cannot begin to keep track of ever-changing Strawberry U-Pick days/hours so a website and/or Facebook page is included for each farm so you can check yourself when you plan to go, (Facebook is typically the best source for updated info) There are some strawberry picking farms open all season for you pick strawberries (December – April) Many farms will not open for u-pick strawberry picking season until their commercial season ends, which is typically in March and is dependent on the weather. Be sure to pull up the address before you make plans, some of these Strawberry farms in Florida are a 1+ hour drive from Lakeland and Polk County.
Jump to: Map – Find U Pick Strawberries Near You
What is Florida most famous fruit?
Citrus – Florida is known for its outstanding citrus and accounts for 56 percent of the total U.S. citrus production. The earliest references of oranges date all the way back to 2200 B.C. in ancient Chinese manuscripts and documents, but Christopher Columbus is credited with bringing citrus to the New World.
- It is likely that Spanish explorers, including Ponce de León, planted the first orange trees between 1513 and 1565 in the St.
- Augustine area.
- Throughout the ages, the fruit of citrus trees have been recognized as a symbol of eternal love, happiness and holiness.
- Today, the citrus industry spans 437,000 acres, generates more than $8.6 billion in economic activity and employs almost 4,000 citrus growers across the state.
The industry also employs more than 45,000 industry-related workers. In 2005, huanglongbing, also known as citrus greening disease, was detected in Florida and has been affecting citrus groves across the state since. Nurseries around the state, including, who use spinach proteins to combat the disease, are working to fight off citrus greening. 
Photo via istock.com/luchioly
Do strawberries grow in winter in Florida?
Most will be surprised that the Florida strawberry season is during the Winter ; however, the cooler (but not freezing) temperatures are what provide the ideal climate for strawberries to thrive.
Do strawberries go out of season in FL?
4. Florida strawberries grow in the winter. – The growing season runs from about Thanksgiving to Easter (typically the end of March). Planting begins in October, and harvesting begins in mid-November. Harrell said most people are surprised to learn it’s during winter, but Florida’s moderate temperatures provide an ideal climate. Subscribe to our free Taste newsletter Get the restaurant and bar news, insights and reviews you crave from food and dining critic Helen Freund every Thursday. “There was a large gap — two to three weeks of the plant sitting there without producing,” Harrell said.
Can you go strawberry picking in Florida?
Can you go strawberry picking in Florida? – U-pick strawberry farms are available throughout Florida’s season (December – April). Commercial farms generally do not open their fields to u-pickers until the end of the season, usually in April, depending on the weather.
What fruit is in season in Florida in December?
December. Grapefruit, oranges, strawberries, tangerines, carambola, guava, passion fruit, collard greens, lettuce and other leafy greens, peppers, tomatoes, avocados, cabbage, cauliflower, celery, cucumbers, eggplant, mushrooms, radishes, snap beans and squash.
Do strawberries go out of season in FL?
4. Florida strawberries grow in the winter. – The growing season runs from about Thanksgiving to Easter (typically the end of March). Planting begins in October, and harvesting begins in mid-November. Harrell said most people are surprised to learn it’s during winter, but Florida’s moderate temperatures provide an ideal climate. Subscribe to our free Taste newsletter Get the restaurant and bar news, insights and reviews you crave from food and dining critic Helen Freund every Thursday. “There was a large gap — two to three weeks of the plant sitting there without producing,” Harrell said.
When and where is Strawberry Festival in Florida?
Experience the fun of the Florida Strawberry Festival for 11 days and nights. March 2nd – March 12th, 2023 in Plant City, Florida. Adults (ages 13+): $10 Children (ages 6-12): $5 Children (ages 5 and under): FREE with paid adult admission Kiddie Korral: Daily from 10:00 a.m.