California is a beautiful patchwork of mountains, beaches, valleys, and deserts. This remarkable diversity not only draws visitors from around the world but also makes California the most productive agricultural state in the nation. It’s the reason there’s always something fresh and delicious in season.
Seasonal produce is always spectacular, but you can’t beat a just-picked berry, still warm from the sun – and there’s certainly no substitute for a perfectly ripened mandarin, plucked straight from the tree. When you visit a U-pick farm, you not only enjoy the freshest, most nutritious (and delicious) produce possible, but you also get an up-close and personal look at where your food really comes from.
Here’s a general guide to when some of California’s most popular U-pick crops are in season, along with a few of our favorite farms to visit. Start planning your weekends accordingly!*
*Be sure to check each farm’s website to see what’s in season before planning your U-pick adventure, as available berry varieties and U-pick dates are subject to change.
Citrus – November through March
Need proof that there’s always something in season in the Golden State? Look no further than California citrus! Mandarins, lemons and grapefruit are at their peak all winter long. If you’re in Northern California, Sunset Ridge Fine Fruits offers some of the juiciest sun-ripened citrus we’ve ever tasted. Southern California natives should check out the U-pick citrus offerings at Cal Poly Fruit and Crops – the San Luis and Pomona locations both offer U-pick at the campus farm.
Berries – March through October
U-pick berries are the OG agritourism experience. California’s U-pick berry season runs from March through October, with different varieties of berries ripening at different times throughout the state. Southern California farms, like Carlsbad Strawberry Company, kick off the fun with strawberries in March, while Northern California farms like Gizdich Ranch don’t start their season until closer to May.
Strawberries – March through August
Blueberries – June through July
Boysenberries – July through August
Raspberries – June through October
Blackberries – June through October
Pineberries – July through September
Ollalieberries – June through July
Stone Fruits – May through October
Plump peaches, sweet tart cherries and honey-scented apricots are synonymous with summer – and they’re even sweeter when you pick your own. Head to these U-pick farms to see for yourself.
Cherries – May through June
Peaches – July through October
Apricots – June through August
Apples – August through March
Apple picking is the quintessential wholesome fall activity. Apples thrive in the California foothills and the cooler coastal areas, which makes a trip to your favorite U-pick apple farm the perfect excuse for a quick weekend getaway.
Pumpkins – September through November
Not all pumpkin patches are created equally. While most offer the chance to pick the perfect pumpkin, not all offer the opportunity to actually pick your own pumpkin. If you want a true U-pick, straight-from-the-vine pumpkin experience, here’s where you need to head.
Flowers – Always in Season
Is there anything more romantic than strolling through a California U-pick flower farm, gathering a bouquet of freshly cut blooms? Thanks to the Golden State’s temperate climate, you can get your U-pick flower fix virtually all year long.
Article by Hilary Rance and photography by James Collier + Hilary Rance for CA GROWN.
Resources:
Video – U-Pick Farm – Davis Ranch in Sloughhouse
Video – U-Pick Farm – Davis Ranch in Sloughhouse (Spanish/español)