When is Florida strawberry picking season? Winter u-pick dates and tips

Updated Nov 2026 · 3 min read · By the U-Pick Near team

Quick answer

Short version: Florida strawberries are a winter crop. Hillsborough County says harvest begins in November and runs through late March or early April, and UF/IFAS Extension puts the peak around December through March. That is the main U.S. window for winter strawberry u-pick, weeks before most northern farms open.

When does Florida strawberry season start and peak?

Hillsborough County (home to Plant City) says fresh local strawberries are available from November through late March or early April. UF/IFAS notes growers in Hillsborough, Manatee and Polk counties harvest through winter into late March, and UF/IFAS Extension lists peak season as December through March. Newer UF varieties can produce strong early yields in November and December, so some farms open as soon as the first ripe berries appear. Call ahead: cold snaps and rain can pause picking for a few days.

Where in Florida is strawberry u-pick concentrated?

Commercial production clusters in central Florida, especially Hillsborough County around Plant City (often called the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World), plus nearby Manatee and Polk counties, per UF/IFAS. That is also where many roadside stands and u-pick fields sit. Browse the Florida farms page and filter for berries when you plan the drive.

Which Florida farms on U-Pick Near mention strawberries?

Many berry farms are tagged only as berries, not strawberries, so this list matches names and descriptions that mention strawberr. Farms that only host a strawberry festival or similar event are filtered out. Confirm open dates on each farm's own site before you go.

Ergle Farm, Dade City, FL
Strawberries, You Pick, Lithia, FL
Strawberry Fields of Kendall, The Crossings, FL
Strawberry Passion Organic Farms, Thonotosassa, FL
The Girls Strawberry U-pick, Delray Beach, FL
AnnaPearls Strawberry Patch, Pace, FL
Brooks Farm Produce and Strawberry Patch, Baker, FL
Strawberries of Kendall Country Walk U-pick, Kendall, FL
Strawberries of Kendall U-pick, Miami, FL
Sweet Southern Farms Sweet Southern Farms Strawberry Farm Baker, Baker, FL

Also see all berry farms and the strawberries hub.

Can you pick strawberries in Southern California in winter?

Sometimes, but less reliably than in Florida. UC ANR's harvest calendar lists strawberries in California from January through May. Coastal Southern California u-pick fields often open later in winter or in early spring, depending on weather. Inland and northern California runs are mostly spring into summer. Farms on our list in California that mention strawberries:

Be Wise Ranch – Strawberry Picking San Diego, Escondido, CA
Carlsbad Strawberry Company, Carlsbad, CA
Chan's Strawberry Farm, Brentwood, CA
Kenny's Strawberry Farm, Fallbrook, CA
Saevang Strawberry Farm, Lockeford, CA
Temecula Valley Strawberry Farms, Fallbrook, CA
Bob's Vegetable Stand and Pumpkin Farm, Half Moon Bay, CA
Chaos Strawberry Upick, Brentwood, CA

For the nationwide spring window, read when strawberry picking season is by region.

How do you pick and keep strawberries fresh?

Pick berries that are red all the way around with no white tips; strawberries do not ripen after picking. Pinch the stem above the green cap so you do not crush the fruit. Refrigerate them unwashed and rinse just before you eat. More detail in how to pick ripe strawberries. FDA produce guidance is the same idea: keep them cold and wash only when you are ready to serve.

What should you bring?

A flat or berry basket, a cooler for the ride home, sunscreen (Florida winter sun is still strong), water and closed-toe shoes for sandy rows. Read what you can pick in winter for other warm-state farm ideas, including citrus.

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