Discover the 6 U.S. States That Grow the Most Strawberries

Who doesn’t love a ripe, juicy, sweet strawberry during summertime (other than those who are allergic, of course)? If you are a fan of this delicious berry, there are a few places in the United States that dominate the strawberry world. Some have specific growing seasons while others produce fruit all year long.

If you are lucky enough to live in one of these states, you can probably find local strawberries at your farmer’s market or farm stand. Fortunately for those further away, many of the largest strawberry producers ship throughout the country to grocery stores and other vendors. You can enjoy a tasty strawberry grown in the U.S. from one of these states.

#1 California

This state is the powerhouse of strawberry production. The climate is ideal for growing large, juicy berries throughout most of the year. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, California is responsible for roughly 90% of all strawberries grown in the United States each year.

California can grow this tasty fruit all year long. However, there are peak seasons. May and June remain the best times for strawberry production. These months are milder than the scorching hot temperatures in the middle of summer and cooler temperatures in the winter months. Most parts of California enjoy temperate climates, however, and don’t have to worry too much about weather extremes.

New varieties that produce more on the same amount of land have helped increase the number of strawberries grown, especially in the off-season. Fall production has noticeably increased between 2000 and 2019 when the USDA conducted detailed studies. They also found that overall demand for these berries increased, with California providing the majority of the supply.

Farm Fresh Strawberries in California

Not all strawberry growers in California are big-time commercial farms. One of the best ways to enjoy strawberries is to look for a smaller local farm that picks them fresh each day or allows visitors to pick their own berries. You can also check out one of the many farmer’s markets for the freshest berries out there.

Oxnard, California gets special mention as the strawberry capital of the world. The surrounding central coastal region of California is one of the best for strawberry production and Oxnard is a true gem. Each year, they host the California Strawberry Festival. The two-day celebration includes rides, games, music, crafts, and treats. Of course, you can also eat as many of the fresh berries as you can handle and purchase plenty more to take home for later.

#2 Florida

Florida is a distant second to California for strawberry production. But it does provide a crucial backup if weather anomalies in California limit the number of berries grown in the season. Florida provides around 8% of the strawberries grown in the entire United States. These are almost always grown in the winter, while California can grow all year long.

The growing season in Florida is much more limited than in California. The Sunshine State has plenty of sunshine but also heat and humidity that makes conditions difficult for strawberries in the summer months. December through March are the peak production months. Florida-grown strawberries actually outnumber California-grown ones during these months. If you want fresh strawberries in the winter, there’s a good chance they came from Florida.

#3 New York

According to the USDA, New York ranks third in the nation for strawberry production. Other sources, including studies out of Cornell University, put them lower on the list. Either way, strawberries in New York are strictly limited to the summer months. May through July are the peak times for berry production. New York experiences harsh winters, making crops like these almost impossible to grow outdoors during these times.

Strawberries are one of the first summer crops in this region, giving them special importance in the local culture. Going strawberry picking is a popular activity that heralds the beginning of summer. The majority of berries in New York are sold locally rather than processed and shipped. This means that you have to trek to New York to enjoy them. But, you’ll be rewarded with a perfect strawberry right from the field.

#4 North Carolina

North Carolina has some seriously great agricultural crops, including tasty strawberries in the late spring and early summer months. This part of the United States grows berries as early as late April. They tend to grow and produce through the end of May or possibly early June. The vast majority grown in North Carolina are sold locally. They also have plenty of you-pick farms for the absolute freshest strawberries available. Just pop them off the plant and enjoy!

North Carolina weather can be tricky and greatly impacts the crop each year. Plants are put in the fields as small plugs, just a few inches tall, in the late fall. Some growers plant them in early spring instead. They go dormant over the winter and blossom starting in March. Each blossom produces a fruit, assuming it survives any spring frosts or colder temperatures. While the weather in North Carolina generally isn’t extreme, it can be unpredictable. Growers have to watch for frost and take steps to protect the plants if needed.

#5 Oregon

Strawberries grown in Oregon tend to be in home gardens or small local farms. The state doesn’t produce a lot for commercial purposes but is still a fantastic place to enjoy these berries in the summer. Most varieties get planted in late spring and peak for harvest in July. There are a few varieties that continue growing through the end of summer and even into the fall. But these tend to produce fewer strawberries at one time.

Oregon has different growing zones throughout the state. For example, coastal Oregon experiences different weather from further inland. This can be a difference in temperature, dates of the last freeze, and precipitation. It’s important to get a variety that is made for the right climate and zone.

#6 Washington

A neighbor to Oregon, Washington is another great place for strawberries. They have similar growing seasons. Just like in Oregon, Washington growers need to choose the right variety for the best results. You can choose between a plant that produces a lot of fruit during the peak growing season (usually June), one that produces fewer over a longer period of time, or one with two peak seasons (usually June and late July or early August).

Frost and freezing soil are two things to consider in this part of the United States. Container gardens are popular because you can control the soil and more easily protect it from the elements. A hill system, that relies on mounds placed a foot or two apart, is great for varieties that don’t have a lot of runners or excess foliage. You can also plant strawberries in rows, although be ready to prune back excess runner if needed.

Summary of the Top States that Grow Strawberries