If you’re eager for the sweet taste of fresh strawberries when spring comes around, you’re in luck. Other than rhubarb, strawberries are the first fruit to ripen in the spring and early summer months.
Advances in transportation and refrigeration have allowed for strawberries to become a seasonless fruit. They can be grown in any state and then trucked all over the country.
Large-scale growers are most interested in size, firmness and resistance to disease and pests, and not so much with taste. So remember this: Strawberries grown in a hot-house, or grown in California or Florida and then trucked to Illinois, aren’t the same as those grown at a local farm such as Eckert’s where they can be picked and eaten in season. You can taste the difference.
Ever wondered when’s the perfect time to grab those juicy red strawberries without breaking the bank? I’ve spent years tracking strawberry prices and seasons and I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned about getting the best deals on these delicious berries.
TL;DR – Quick Answer
The best time to buy strawberries is during mid to late winter (February-March) when prices are lowest due to peak supply from California Florida and Mexico. You’ll often find deals like 4 containers for $5.
Why Winter is Actually the Best Time to Buy
Despite what many folks think, winter is surprisingly the prime time to buy strawberries. Here’s why:
-
Peak Supply Multiple growing regions are producing simultaneously
- California (largest producer)
- Florida (second largest)
- Mexico
-
Lower Prices: More supply = better deals
- Winter prices: Often under $2/lb
- Summer prices: Can reach $4-5/lb
- Holiday season (December): Most expensive at $4-5/lb
When to Buy Based on Your Location
For Local Fresh-Picked Berries
Here’s when local strawberry seasons typically start in different states:
Early Season (March-April)
- Texas: Early March
- New Mexico: Early March
- Georgia: Mid April
- South Carolina: Mid April
- Louisiana: Early April
Mid Season (May-June)
- Kentucky: Late May
- Tennessee: Early May
- North Carolina: Early May
- New Jersey: Mid May
- Oregon: Mid May
- Ohio: Early June
- Illinois: Early June
Late Season (June-July)
- Michigan: Mid June
- Wisconsin: Mid June
- Maine: Mid June
- Minnesota: Late June
- Montana: Early July
Pro Shopping Tips
-
Holiday Sales: Look for deals around:
- Valentine’s Day
- Memorial Day
- Fourth of July
- Labor Day
-
U-Pick Savings:
- Average cost: $2-4 per pound
- Best flavor and freshness
- Fun family activity
-
Farmers Markets:
- Usually available during local season
- Higher prices than u-pick
- Superior taste to store-bought
What to Watch Out For
Avoid Buying During:
- Christmas season
- Early winter (December)
- When berries look:
- Whitish or pale red
- Too firm
- Lacking fragrance
Regional Price Differences
I’ve noticed West Coast folks typically pay more in January since Florida strawberries don’t make it out there. If you’re in Utah or Oregon, expect higher winter prices than East Coast peeps.
New Developments in Strawberry Shopping (2025)
Greenhouse-Grown Options
- Sunset WOW berries available in late fall/winter
- Ocean Spray entering greenhouse market
- Higher price but better flavor than conventional winter berries
Special Varieties Now Available
-
Pineberries
- White exterior/interior
- Unique flavor profile
- Can be tricky to pick at perfect ripeness
-
Driscoll’s Premium Lines (June-September):
- Rose Strawberries (pink color, white inside)
- Sweetest Batch (extra sweet)
- Tropical Bliss (light colored, pineapple-like flavor)
Money-Saving Storage Tips
When you find a good deal, buy extra and:
- Freeze them for smoothies
- Make jam
- Use in baking
- Make strawberry sauce
Bottom Line
We’ve found that timing your strawberry purchases right can save you serious money. My family’s strategy is to stock up during February-March when prices are lowest, then supplement with local berries during our regional season. Don’t forget to check those holiday sales too!
Remember – just because strawberries are available year-round doesn’t mean they’re always worth buying. Use this guide to get the tastiest berries at the best prices, and your wallet (and taste buds) will thank you!
P.S. – If you’re really serious about your strawberries, consider growing your own! Plants are usually available in winter (warm climates) or spring (cooler areas). It’s a fun project that’ll give you the freshest berries possible.
Last updated: January 2025 based on current market trends and pricing data
Would you like me to explain more about any specific aspect of strawberry shopping?
Strawberries Have Such Variety
Strawberries are one of the most cultivated fruits in the country. There are about 600 varieties. The many types differ in size, taste and texture. The smaller berries normally have stronger flavor, and large berries contain more water and have a weaker flavor. The ideal growing conditions are a bit different for every one of the types. Because of that, and the varied locations where they are grown, the national strawberry season is said to run January through November, a great time to pick strawberries!
In the Deep South, when to harvest strawberries will usually be late April and May. In the middle part of the country, at Eckert’s, May and June are typically best. In the far north and in Canada, the peak time will normally be in late June. The natural growing season in Illinois and through most of the country is April through June.
When is the Strawberry Picking Season?
The peak harvest season only lasts about three weeks, so be sure to keep up with conditions frequently. If you’re picking, call your local farm. If you’re shopping, take a close look at what’s at your favorite store. The timing is not an exact science, and it varies every year depending on weather conditions such as moisture and temperatures.
When is the Best Time to Plant Strawberry Plants in Your Garden?
FAQ
When are strawberries in season?
“Strawberries are in season from mid-May to early July in the eastern and midwestern northern states,” says Dr. Gail Nonnecke, a horticulture professor at Iowa State University and member of The North American Strawberry Growers Association. Winter production occurs in the southern states, such as Florida, from late November through early April.
Should you buy strawberries during peak season?
Buying strawberries during peak season ensures you get the best ones. When buying strawberries, look for freshness and quality. This way, you can enjoy their sweet taste all season long. Weather plays a big role in how strawberries grow and when they’re ready to pick.
When should you buy fresh strawberries?
Timing is key when buying fresh strawberries. The peak season for strawberries is in the spring and early summer. Knowing when strawberries are available in your area helps plan your shopping. To pick quality strawberries, look for berries that are bright red and shiny.
When is the best time to pick strawberries?
The best time to pick strawberries is during a warm afternoon as that is when the fruits are at their most flavorsome. The hotter and sunnier it is when the berries are picked will mean the fruits are softer and at an increased risk of bruising. It is also recommended to pick the fruits on a dry day and to keep them in a cool spot after harvesting.
When do strawberries come out?
Strawberry harvest times vary by region. But generally, they come in spring and early summer. To enjoy the best strawberries, knowing the strawberry season calendar is key. This guide is for both seasoned gardeners and strawberry fans. It offers insights and tips for enjoying strawberries all year.
Can you grow strawberries locally?
U.S. fresh strawberry production expands with newer varieties. USDA Economic Research Service. You’ll get the sweetest fruit if you buy locally grown during strawberry season. We have tips for picking market strawberries and growing your own.