Strawberry season in Florida typically runs from December through April, offering an abundance of sweet and juicy berries that are perfect for eating straight off the vine. Florida’s warm climate and long growing season make it an ideal place to grow strawberries, and the state’s sunny weather encourages big, ripe berries. Whether you’re picking your own or buying from a local farm stand, strawberries from Florida are sure to be some of the best you can find.Strawberry season in Florida typically starts around late December and runs through April.
What Months are Best for Strawberry Picking in Florida?
Strawberry picking is a popular activity in Florida, especially during the spring and summer months. The best months for strawberry picking in Florida are typically March, April, and May. During these months, the weather is warm and sunny and the strawberries are ripe and sweet. During this time of year, you can find plenty of strawberry farms throughout the state offering pick-your-own experiences.
In addition to March through May, June can also be a great month for strawberry picking in Florida. The weather is still warm and pleasant, but there may be fewer strawberries available as some farms have already picked their crop. However, with a bit of searching you may be able to find farms still offering pick-your-own experiences during this time of year.
If you’re looking for a longer strawberry picking season, then mid-October through December might be the best time for you. While the weather may be cooler than it is during the spring and summer months, many farms continue to offer pick-your-own experiences until the winter season arrives. This gives you plenty of time to get out into the fields and enjoy some fresh strawberries before they’re gone for another year!
No matter when you choose to go strawberry picking in Florida, it’s important to check with local farms ahead of time for availability and other details such as hours of operation or pick-your-own fees. With a bit of planning and research, you can make sure your experience is enjoyable no matter what time of year you decide to go!
Where Can You Pick Strawberries in Florida?
The Sunshine State of Florida is home to some of the most delicious strawberries you could ever imagine. Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity or just want to take advantage of the sweetest seasonal fruit, strawberry picking is a great way to spend your day in the Sunshine State. With its mild climate and abundance of farms, Florida is home to some of the best strawberry picking spots in the country. From farm markets to U-Pick farms, here are some of the best places to pick your own strawberries in Florida.
One great place for strawberry picking is Long & Scott Farms located in Mount Dora, FL. This family-owned farm has been growing strawberries since 1952 and offers a variety of activities for visitors, including hayrides, fishing, and their famous “Strawberry Shortcake” festival every year in May. You can pick your own strawberries here from December through April every year.
Another great spot for strawberry picking is The Berry Patch Farm located in Plant City, FL. This farm has been growing organic strawberries since 1997 and offers U-Pick fields during the peak season (typically from December through June). The Berry Patch also offers other activities such as hayrides and a petting zoo for kids.
If you’re looking for a more urban experience, check out Sweetfields Farm located in Pasco County near Tampa Bay. This family-run fruit farm has been growing berries since 2004 and offers U-Pick fields from November through April each year. Sweetfields Farm also offers other activities such as hayrides and corn mazes that make it an ideal spot for families looking for a day out in nature.
Whether you’re looking for an old-fashioned farm experience or just want to take advantage of seasonal produce, there are plenty of places around Florida where you can pick your own strawberries. With its mild climate and abundance of farms, Florida is home to some of the best strawberry picking spots around!
How Long Does the Strawberry Season Last in Florida?
Strawberries are one of the most popular fruits in Florida, and they are grown across the state. Every year, the strawberry season in Florida typically begins in December and ends in April or May. The exact start and end dates vary from year to year depending on weather conditions, but generally speaking, you can expect to find fresh strawberries available from December through April or May.
The strawberry season usually starts with the earliest plantings of winter strawberries in December. These types of strawberries are known for their sweetness and tend to be smaller than other varieties. As you move into January and February, new varieties of strawberries will start to become available. In March and April, you’ll find some of the sweetest and most flavorful strawberries as the season nears its end.
During peak season, local farmers’ markets throughout Florida offer a variety of locally grown strawberries at reasonable prices. You’ll also find fresh berries at many grocery stores throughout the state during this time as well. Additionally, many roadside stands and U-pick farms offer fresh-picked berries during this time as well.
Overall, strawberry season in Florida is an exciting time for those who love this sweet and juicy fruit! Whether you’re looking for locally grown berries or want to pick your own at a farm or roadside stand, you’re sure to find plenty of options during this time of year. Enjoy your strawberry picking adventures!
How to Find U-Pick Strawberry Farms and Orchards in Florida
Florida is known for its wide variety of fresh fruits, and strawberries are no exception. If you want to pick your own strawberries, there are plenty of u-pick strawberry farms and orchards located throughout the state. Here’s how to find them.
The best way to find a u-pick strawberry farm or orchard near you is by searching online. Many farms and orchards have websites that list their locations, hours of operation, and what types of strawberries they have available for picking. You can also search for local farms and orchards on social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram.
Another great way to find u-pick strawberry farms and orchards is by talking to people in your local area who may be familiar with the local farms and orchards in the area. Ask your friends, family members, neighbors, co-workers, or even your local farmers market vendors if they know of any nearby u-pick strawberry farms and orchards.
You can also check with your county extension office for information on local u-pick strawberry farms and orchards in the area. They often have a list of nearby farms that offer u-pick strawberries as well as other types of fruits and vegetables. Additionally, many counties in Florida have agricultural centers that can provide information on where to find nearby u-pick strawberry farms and orchards.
Finally, you can use online search engines such as Google Maps to locate nearby u-pick strawberry farms and orchards. Simply type “u-pick strawberry farm near me” into the search bar for a list of results in your area.
Finding a u-pick strawberry farm or orchard in Florida doesn’t have to be a difficult task. By using these tips, you should be able to easily locate one near you so you can enjoy all the sweet berries that Florida has to offer!
The Best Varieties of Strawberries to Grow in Florida
Growing strawberries in Florida can be a rewarding experience. With the right variety and proper care, you can enjoy a plentiful harvest of sweet, juicy strawberries all season long. When choosing the best varieties of strawberries to grow in Florida, it’s important to consider the climate and soil conditions of your specific area.
One of the most popular varieties for growing in Florida is the Chandler strawberry. This variety is highly productive and produces large, sweet berries with excellent flavor. It is resistant to disease and thrives in warm climates like Florida. The Strawberry Festival strawberry is another popular variety for growing in Florida. This variety produces large, juicy berries with a sweet flavor that ripens early in the season.
The Seascape strawberry is another great option for growing in Florida. This variety has high yields and produces medium-sized fruits with an excellent flavor that ripen over a long period of time. It is also resistant to disease and does well in warm climates like Florida. The Sweet Charlie strawberry is also well suited for growing in warmer climates like Florida. It produces large, sweet berries with great flavor that ripen early and continue producing throughout the season.
The Camarosa strawberry is another great option for growing strawberries in Florida. This variety has high yields and produces large, sweet berries with excellent flavor that ripen over a long period of time. It has good disease resistance and does well in warm climates like Florida’s climate conditions. The Oso Grande strawberry is also a good choice for growers who live in warmer areas of the state like south or central Florida as it does well under those conditions as well as having high yields and producing large, sweet berries with an excellent flavor that ripen over a long period of time too.
For those living on the coast or near beaches, then the Selva strawberry might be an ideal choice as this variety thrives under coastal conditions while still offering high yields with medium-sized fruits that have an excellent flavor when ripe over a long period of time too! Finally, if you’re looking for something more unique then consider the Albion strawberry which has been specifically developed for use in warmer climates such as those found throughout much of southern and central parts of Florida because it offers good disease resistance along with high yields while still producing large fruits with an excellent taste when ripe over a longer period than other varieties too!
Select the Right Variety
When it comes to growing strawberries in Florida, selecting the right variety of strawberry is key. There are several varieties available that are suited to the warm climate of Florida, including ‘Sweet Charlie,’ ‘Festival,’ ‘Camarosa,’ and ‘Winter Dawn.’ Selecting a variety that is well suited to your growing conditions will ensure a successful harvest.
Choose an Ideal Location
When selecting a location for growing strawberries in Florida, be sure to choose an area that gets plenty of sunlight. Strawberries need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day in order to produce high-quality fruit. Additionally, make sure the soil is well-drained and not overly wet or dry.
Fertilize Regularly
Strawberry plants need regular fertilization in order to produce high yields of sweet fruit. Be sure to use a fertilizer that is specifically designed for strawberries, as this will provide them with the essential nutrients they need for healthy growth and development. Additionally, if you are using a liquid fertilizer, be sure to follow the instructions on the package carefully.
Water Appropriately
Strawberry plants require adequate water in order to remain healthy and produce good yields of fruit. It’s important to water your strawberry plants deeply at least once per week during dry spells or during periods of extreme heat so that the soil remains moist and not overly dry. Be careful not to overwater your strawberry plants as this can cause root rot and other problems.
Provide Proper Support
In order for your strawberry plants to produce their best yield of fruit, it’s important to provide them with proper support. This includes providing support for the vines so they don’t become tangled or damaged by wind or animals. You can use stakes or trellises made from wood or metal for this purpose.
Control Pests and Diseases
It’s important to regularly inspect your strawberry plants for signs of pests and diseases such as aphids, mites, mildew, rusts, and more. If any pests or diseases are present, treat them immediately with an appropriate pesticide or fungicide according to label instructions. Additionally, removing any diseased leaves promptly can help keep your strawberry plants healthy.
Storing Fresh Strawberries after Picking in Florida
When it comes to storing fresh strawberries after picking in Florida, there are a few easy steps you should take to ensure that your strawberries stay as fresh as possible. First, it’s important to pick the strawberries at the peak of ripeness. This means that they should be firm but not rock-hard, and they should have a bright red color. Once you’ve picked the strawberries, it’s time to store them properly.
The best way to store freshly picked strawberries is to put them in an airtight container or bag. This will help keep moisture out and prevent mold from forming on the berries. You can also place a paper towel or two in the container with the strawberries to absorb any excess moisture that may be present. If you have a refrigerator available, you can also store your strawberries there for up to five days.
When storing your freshly picked Florida strawberries, it’s important to wash them first before placing them in an airtight container or bag. Washing the berries helps remove any dirt and bacteria that may be present on them and will help keep them from spoiling prematurely. It’s also important to check the container or bag regularly for signs of mold or spoilage, as this could indicate that your strawberries need to be discarded before they become unsafe to eat.
Finally, if you plan on freezing your freshly picked Florida strawberries for later use, make sure that you dry them completely before placing them into freezer-safe containers or bags. When freezing your berries, make sure that you spread them out evenly in a single layer so that they freeze evenly and don’t stick together when frozen. This will help keep your frozen strawberries fresh for up to six months when stored properly at 0°F (-18°C).
Following these tips will help ensure that your freshly picked Florida strawberries stay as fresh as possible for as long as possible!
Conclusion
The strawberry season in Florida usually begins around December and ends in April. Different areas of the state have different harvest dates, depending on the weather and other factors. It’s important to check with local farms before making plans to pick your own strawberries to ensure that you don’t miss out on the season. Although Florida strawberries are available year-round, there is nothing quite like the experience of harvesting your own ripe and juicy strawberries during peak season. Enjoying fresh strawberries is one of life’s simple pleasures that should be taken advantage of while it lasts!
Whether you plan on buying or picking your own, make sure to get the most out of strawberry season while it lasts. Get out there and enjoy nature’s bounty while it’s still around!
