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Florida Blueberries: The 2024 Season is Here!

Last Updated on March 14, 2024

Want to pick Florida blueberries? It’s time for the Florida blueberry season.

blueberry plants

They’re sweet, small, bite-sized, and ideal for enjoying with yogurt, on cereal, in muffins, pancakes, desserts, or smoothies. 

But the petite berries are also ideal for eating as is or even as a light snack. Sometimes they even have a tangy taste, so you can get the sweet and tart flavor, all in one bite. 

Photo of Florida blueberries coming out of basket

Whichever way you enjoy the fruit, most of us love these flavorful indigo-colored berries. Plus, they’re also good for us.

Florida Blueberries #DYK mailchimp

Packed with antioxidants and reported as one of the healthiest foods, this “superfood” is loaded with special nutrients and amino acids.

Photo of blueberry plants

According to experts, blueberries can enhance memory, reduce cancer risk and improve cardiovascular health.

Table of Contents

    Picking Florida Blueberries

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    Let’s see, they taste good and they’re good for you. Do you need any more convincing?

    Florida has always been known for its fresh, delicious citrus and sweet red strawberries, but blueberries?

    While blueberries have grown wild in Florida for hundreds of years, farmers only began commercially cultivating the crop in the last several decades. 

    Blueberries

    Over the years, with increased interest in healthy eating, blueberry production in Florida has climbed significantly.

    Florida farmers have found a niche in bringing early-season blueberries to market before farmers in Maine, Michigan, and Oregon even begin cultivating their crops.

    Blueberries

    It’s our fine Florida weather that allows our farmers to cash in on an early spring crop for all who love the fresh, delectable berries.

    So, now is the perfect time to grab your buckets and get ready to pick those precious berries. But don’t wait too long, because the season is here and gone in no time.

    Picking Florida Blueberries

    Generally the “picking window” or Florida blueberry season lasts from the end of March through the end of May (depending on where you are).

    If you’re interested in picking your own berries, check out: Where to Find the Best U-Pick Farms in Florida.

    Florida Blueberry Recipes

    Photo of Florida Blueberry Crumb Cake

    Try these delicious blueberry recipes to use your Florida blueberries:

    Florida Blueberry Demand is Growing

    blueberries on the bush

    Consumers are becoming increasingly conscious of the berry craze – both for the fruit’s delicious taste and its health benefits, and market demand is increasing. 

    Blueberries on the branch

    Central and North Florida farmers have stepped up production to meet the increased market demand.

    According to Gary England, University of Florida extension agent and fruit crop specialist, within the last 20 years the Florida blueberry industry has expanded from about 1,000 acres to around 5,500 acres farmed today.

    blueberries on the bushes

     Predictions are estimated that 150 million pounds of blueberries will be produced in 2024.

    Factors to Consider

    blueberries on a stem
    Blueberry season on the Space Coast
    1. Climate: Exchange of tropical and temperate climates for Florida results in 50% blueberry acreage.
    2. Weather: Temperature and precipitation impact the growth of the plant.
    3. Soil Quality: Effects on the overall health of the plants.
    4. Disease & Pests: Significant damage to the crops’ quality and quantity.

    Visiting a Farm & Picking Your Own

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    To find out where you can pick Florida blueberries, the Florida Blueberry Growers Association lists farms throughout Florida.

    Or you may wish to go to the Pick Your Own, select your Florida region, your county, and it will list all U-Pick farms in the area.

    blueberry farm - Kirkland Farms Blueberry Farm

    One thing to remember is to call before you plan your trip, as these are usually small mom-n-pop farms, and generally have specific days and hours they are open.

    Often, they have “picking” updates with hours on their voicemail.

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    U-Pick farms usually supply a bucket to make it easier to pick and store. Here are a few more tips to make your experience more fun:

    • Dress comfortably and wear sunscreen
    • Bring a hat
    • Bring a cooler to keep the berries cool after picking
    • Select firm, ripe berries
    • If you have an allergy to bees or wasps bring supplies needed to accommodate an allergic reaction as these natural pollinators exist in the blueberry fields.
    • Bring cash
    • Use long shallow containers to store berries. – Deep containers can lead to the mashing of blueberries.
    • Sort your berries at the farm. It will help you to throw out branches and unwanted berries before leaving.

    A List of U Pick-Blueberry Farms

    Take some time to contact these U Pick Blueberry farms in Florida. They have different rules and availability.

    U Pick Bluberry Sign
    Source: James Farm
    Blueberries in someone's hand at a blueberry field
    Source: Hatfield’s Orchard
    Bee in a flower at a blueberry field
    Photo Source: King Grove Organic Farm

    Get out there soon and enjoy a rising star among Florida’s famous fresh fruits.

    Looking for other things to do in Florida? Check out:

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