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Why Florida Strawberries are the ‘Berry Best’!

Last Updated on March 5, 2024

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!

Florida Strawberry Festival Strawberries
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!

Grow Your Own Florida Strawberries – Tips & Tricks

Photo of Parkesdale Strawberries in Plant City
Delicious Ruby Red Strawberries from Parkesdale Farm Market in Plant City

While the farmers of Plant City have perfected the art of growing strawberries, you can also grow your own in a home garden!

  • The current recommended varieties of strawberries for home gardening include ‘Camarosa’, ‘Sweet Sensation’, and ‘Festival’, with ‘Camarosa’ berries best for North Florida and ‘Festival’ berries best for Central Florida.
  • Strawberry plants require temperatures between 50°F–80°F and less than 14 hours of daylight. This only occurs in our Sunshine State in fall, winter, and spring!
Photo of a strawberry in the field
  • Begin planting your strawberries in September to early November, with March being the perfect time to begin harvesting the fruit.
  • Temperatures below 32°F will damage the fruit and flowers, but the leaves are able to survive up to temperatures in the low 20s! If a freeze does come along, cover your plants with old sheets during the afternoon and evening.
  • Your strawberries are ready to harvest when three-fourths of the berry is red. Don’t wait until the strawberry is completely red, because it will rot soon after!

For more in-depth instructions, make sure to check out the University of Florida’s strawberry growing resource here!

Parkesdale Farm Market – Plant City

Parkesdale Market in Plant City
Become a Strawberry King or Queen and Take a Seat in the Strawberry Throne

Located in Plant City, one of our favorite spots to pick up delicious strawberries and strawberry products is Parkesdale Farm Market!

Not only does this market sell delicious fresh produce that you can pick up curbside, but they also offer preserves, salsas and sauces, seasonings, pickled items, gift baskets, house plants, garden decor, and more!

Shop local at Parkesdale in Plant City

Make sure to stop by their market to see all of their amazing products in person, and to also get a chance to sit on the Strawberry throne and become the Strawberry King or Queen!

U-Pick Strawberry Farms in Florida

Photo of Plant City Strawberry Water Tower
Orange Bird with the Plant City Strawberry Water Tower

Instead of growing the berries, would you like to just pick and enjoy them? Look no further than these U-Pick Farms across the state where you and your family can spend the day picking delicious fresh and local strawberries!

Please make sure to check with each farm before you head out on your berry-picking adventure! U-Pick dates vary based on the season.

Fancy Farms Inc.

Fancy Farms Strawberry Drink
  • U-Pick Dates: Dates vary depending on weather and other factors. (It is best to check their Facebook page for more information)
  • Containers will be provided
  • Questions: Text/Call 813.478.9186
  • Fancy Farms Address: 3524 Futch Loop, Plant City, FL 33566

JG Ranch U-Pick Strawberries

JG Ranch Strawberries
  • U-Pick Dates: November – April
  • If you have any questions visit their website at www.jgranch.com or call their office at (352) 799-0556, or visit their Facebook for more details.
  • JG Ranch Address: 17200 Wiscon Rd, Brooksville, FL 34601

Wish Farms Strawberry U-Pick

Wish Farms Strawberries
  • U-Pick Dates: February – March
  • Please check their Facebook for limited dates and times, before you go, or call (813) 752-5111.
  • Wish Farms Address: 1301 S Frontage Rd, Plant City, FL 33563
Photo of Branch Ranch Dining Room Sign in Plant City
We miss the iconic Branch Ranch Dining Room in Plant City

We would be remiss if we didn’t mention one of our favorite Plant City restaurants that are no longer around – Branch Ranch Dining Room. The Branch Ranch menu was full of delicious comfort food that we love and miss, especially the homemade desserts.

Plant City Strawberry Festival Promotional Flyer
Source: Florida Strawberry Festival

Don’t miss the 2024 Strawberry Festival February 29th – March 10th, 2024, in Plant City. For more info, visit: http://flstrawberryfestival.com/

Looking for more strawberry content?

Don’t miss another Florida produce favorite: Where to Find Fresh Florida Citrus.

1 thought on “Why Florida Strawberries are the ‘Berry Best’!”

  1. Fall is the best time for growing strawberries in Florida. This period has moderately warm weather (around 50 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit), perfect for helping these crops spread roots and bear fruits.

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