Each winter close to 300 million pounds of strawberries are grown in Central Florida, most within a 20-mile radius of Plant City. Florida’s berry business started here after the Civil War, when northern farmers discovered that our winter climate and sandy soil were ideal for producing good strawberries. Today, about 100 farmers tend nearly 11,000 acres of Radiance and Festival strawberries, giving the area the title of Winter Strawberry Capital of the World.
Insider tip: Harvest season runs from December through March. For the ultimate berry bonanza, head to Plant City’s Florida Strawberry Festival and make a bee-line for the booths selling strawberry cookies.
