What Grows When in Marion County

Florida's growing calendar surprises people who move here from up north. Our peak vegetable season runs straight through the cool months, while summer belongs to tropical fruit, okra and field peas.

Cool season (October through April)

This is when Marion County farm stands are at their best. Look for collards, kale, cabbage, broccoli, carrots, radishes, strawberries and the first sweet corn of the year.

Warm season (May through September)

Blueberries kick things off in April and May, followed by peaches, watermelon, okra, southern peas, sweet potatoes and muscadine grapes late in the summer.

How to shop it

Ask your farmer what was picked that morning. Anything harvested within a day travels the shortest distance from field to plate and holds its flavor far longer than shipped produce.