2024 Marion County, Florida Blueberry U-Pick Farms and Orchards - PickYourOwn.org
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Blueberry U-Pick Orchards in Marion County, Florida in 2024, by county
Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for blueberries that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have blueberries orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!
Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!
PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.
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Marion County
Abshier Blueberry Farm - blueberries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties, picnic area you may bring your own food 3960 Se 115th Street, Belleview, FL 34420. Phone: (352) 817-2660. Email: abshierblueberryfarm@gmail.com. Open: starting April 11, 2019 on Thursday, Tuesday to Saturday, 8 am to 6 pm; the season ends in early to mid-May. Directions: We are approximately 34 of a mile west of Belleview just off highway 467 or 36th Avenue. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, AmEx. Abshier Blueberry Farm . We are approximately 3/4 of a mile west of Belleview just off highway 467 or 36th Avenue. Blueberry season is typically: April 11 to May 26;. Our blueberries have been certified by the USDA as Pesticide Free. The website is here, but it is VERY slow to load. (UPDATED: April 10, 2019) Comments from a visitor on May 20, 2011: "5/20/11 I visited this farm today and picked almost 5 lbs of delicious blueberries. $3 per pound. Portapotty and handwashing sink available. Very friendly and helpful owners pointed out the best location for juicy berries and shady picking. Visitors can add themselves to an e-mail list. "
Amaru Berries - blueberries, restrooms, WiFi is available, Cell service cell phones work here 18510 NE
19th Ct, Citra, FL 32113. Phone: 17862296119. Email:
rico33126@live.com. Open: Monday to Fridays from 8 am to 7 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 7 am to 5 pm, from last
week of March to last week of May See website for updated dates and hours.Open:
Click here for current open hours, days and dates. Directions: If you are take 75 south, then take exit 368 and
make a left. If you are take 75 north, then take exit 368 and make a right. Drive approximately 10 minutes until
19th Ct. Make a left on 19th Ct, drive about 50 feet and farm will be on left hand side. If you take 301 north then
drive till 318 and make a left on 318. If you take 301 south then drive till 318 and make a right on 318. Drive 2
blocks until 19th, make a right on 19th Ct, drive about 50 feet and farm will be on left hand side.
Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Debit cards, All credit cards.
Amaru Berries Facebook page. (ADDED: November 29, 2024)
B & G Blueberries - blueberries, U-pick and already picked, concessions or refreshment stand, porta-potties are available, picnic area 10203 North East 100th Street, Fort Mccoy, FL 32134. Phone: 352-236-4410. Email: wdh47@embarqmail.com. Directions: From Silver Springs go east on State Road 40, to County Road 315. Go left 5 12 miles to Northeast 100th Street. Go left and follow the blueberry signs 14 miles to B & G Blueberries. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. B & G Blueberries . Picking times are 7 am until 1 pm Early Season(good crop) April 23, 26, 27, 30, May 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, 12, 14, 18, maybe May 21 ($3;50 per pound) Normal Season(great crop) June 4, 10, 11, 15, 17, 18, 22, 24, 25, maybe July 2, ($2;50 per pound) Check answering machine for any date changes We sell plants (Blueberry, Thorn - less Blackberry, and Persimmon), fertilizer and pinebark; Prepicked Blueberries - Call for details. From Silver Springs go east on State Road 40, to County Road 315. Go left 5 1/2 miles to Northeast 100th Street. Go left and follow the blueberry signs 1/4 miles to. Plants for sale year round. Comments from a visitor on June 10, 2011: "My friend and I had a fun time at B&G Blueberries on June 4. It was our first visit there, but not likely the last. I really didn't need any more blueberries, 'cause both my freezers were already full, but I picked some more anyway and squeezed another gallon bag in the freezer! I HAD to try the Ray's blueberry & orange ice cream (though it was more like sorbet) and it was refreshing." Comments from a visitor on June 06, 2009: "Just wanted to say they are the best! I was there twice last month and plan to go again next week. Friendly, helpful, and great blueberries. Highly recommended. " Comments from a visitor on June 06, 2009: "I visited this morning and despite the rain was able to pick 2 buckets full of blueberries. Everyone at the farm was very nice. They even had some youngsters with umbrellas offering to walk you to your car. The cost of the blueberries was reasonable, $2.50/lb. They accept cash or checks. They also had a small produce stand selling local produce. They have you sign in with your name, address and e-mail address so that they can notify you next year about picking. I did get to speak to the owner of the farm while waiting for the heavy rain to let up and he told me that he offered his fields to the U-pickers completely and did not do anything commercial. I would highly recommend this farm to everyone."
Barbara's Blueberries - blueberries, U-pick and already picked, restrooms 12750 Northeast County Road 314, Silver Springs, FL 34488. Phone: 352-625-3445. Directions: From Ocala take State Road 40 to County Road 314, make left then go three miles and farm is on the right. The best exit from Interstate 75 is 352. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Call before you go - I haven't had an update from this farm in years and there is nothing current about them on the internet; (Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own? If so, please write me!); last reported was every day from 7 am to 12 pm then from 4 pm to 7 pm. Season begins in May and ends in July. You pick; Blueberries also available for purchase. Comments from a visitor on June 07, 2010: "At Barbara's Berrys today and picked 45 lbs of berries in 2 1/2 hours between the two of us. Loaded trees and many varieties of sweet fruit. Very nice owners who even brought us a cold bottle of water while in the field. We will definitely recommend this field to our friends and return again. "Note: a visitor reports: "The farm IS open; the phone does work, just leave a message. Was just there 5/7/2010 and picked 29 pounds of berries! Miss Barbara is a sweet lady. No frills, just blueberries."
Bay Lake Blueberry Farm - Certified Organic, blueberries, and prepicked produce, restrooms, picnic area 20525 hwy 315, Ft. McCoy, FL 32134. Phone: 352-546-3834. Email: gwaldron1219@aol.com. Open: UPDATE for 2021, Their website is gone; Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me, their last reported hours were Please see our Facebook page or call for dates and times. Directions: for a map to our farm, . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . Email . Crops are usually available in May, June, July. We are certified organic for all crops!
Blueberry Downs - blueberries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available, picnic area you may bring your own food, school tours, group reservations 2459 Ne 98th St, Anthony, FL 32617. Phone: (786) 419-6536. Email: Ritaevansweston@gmail.com. Open: Monday thru Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm Mid - March to Mid - May. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Checks. . . Blueberry season is usually March 15 to May 15. The blueberry fields at are well kept, clean and organized. The friendly staff offers personal attention for all of your blueberry picking needs. grows 4 varieties of blueberries, Emerald blueberries, Sweet Crisp blueberries, Farthing blueberries, and Meadowlark blueberries just waiting for you to pick. Walking is easy through the blueberry fields even with a stroller. The helpful staff will make picking easy by pointing out the best places to pick your blueberries. has no entrance or parking fee and ample parking.(UPDATED: May 07, 2020) (ADDED: January 07, 2017)
Blues Brothers Farm - blackberries, blueberries, grapes, peaches, gift shop, porta-potties are available, face painting, Inflatables or Bounce house 4290 NE 97 Street Rd, Anthony, FL 32617. Phone: 352-629-0039. Open: UPDATE for 2021, Their website is gone; Does anyone have current information, are they still offering pick your own or are even open? If so, please write me, their last reported hours were Monday - Saturday open 8 am to 4 Blueberries April - May Blackberries June - July Peaches Grapes Aug - Sept Go to our website for more detail hours. Directions: Exit 358 from 75, go north on 441301 for 2.5 miles to 95 Street follow road to dead end, Ruth left go to dead end turn right you will be on 97 Street Road go 12 mile to 4290 on right. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Exit 358 from 75, go north on 441/301 for 2.5 miles to 95 Street follow road to dead end, Ruth left go to dead end turn right you will be on 97 Street Road go 1/2 mile to 4290 on right. Monday - Saturday open 8 to 4 Blueberries April-May Blackberries June-July Peaches Grapes Aug-Sept Go to our website for more detail hours. Bring the family, fun for the kids. Vendors and gifts for all. A visitor writes on April 12, 2014: "We went on opening day and even though it was early in the season, I still came away with 10lbs of berries! It was so clean and nice but there is very little signage to show the way. And my GPS tried to take me in a back way which ended up in someone else's driveway! But the berries were so good and I am ready to go back again! It was worth the drive to Marion County" Comments from a visitor on June 12, 2010: "My young sons and I picked 6 pounds of thorn-less blackberries today. The owners said they would have berries through at least Wednesday of this week (i.e. June 16th). Call ahead to be sure. Absolutely beautiful location, pristine grounds, luscious and delicious ripe berries, and NO THORNS. Super nice owners, as well. "
Claire's Blueberry Farm - blueberries, 12750 North East Highway 314, Silver Springs, FL 34488. Phone: (352) 625-3445. Open: Monday through Sunday, from 7 am to 7pm, April 15 to August 15. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. . (ADDED: June 02, 2015)
Douglass Farm / Wet Hammock Nursery - Certified Organic, blackberries, blueberries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available, picnic area 4500 E highway 318, Citra, FL 32113. Phone: 352-817-9996. Email: TavisDouglass@gmail.com. Open: Wednesday Saturday and Sunday 8 am to 5 pm; Open Memorial Day, From late May through June; Call or check our website for exact dates; Our crop of southern highbush blueberries are coming along nicely and we expect to be open towards the end of April and We are excited to say that we recently planted some Rabbiteye blueberries which are heavier producers and can extend our season well into July. Directions: From Gainesville: Head south on I-75 to exit 368 and head east, cross over 441 and 301 in Citra. We are 2 miles on right past 301 OR Head south on 441 to Highway 318 in Orange Lake, head east on 318 cross over 301, the farm is 2 miles past 301 on right. From Ocala: Head north on US441301, stay right on 301 at Sparr, turn right onto 318 in Citra, in 2 miles turn right into farm. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Fax: 352-595-4223. . wethammockfarm@gmail.com. From Gainesville: Head south on I-75 to exit 368 and head east, cross over 441 and 301 in Citra. We are 2 miles on right past 301 OR Head south on 441 to Highway 318 in Orange Lake, head east on 318 cross over 301, the farm is 2 miles past 301 on right. From Ocala: Head north on US441/301, stay right on 301 at Sparr, turn right onto 318 in Citra, in 2 miles turn right into farm. Nursery is open year round on Saturdays only 9 am to 3 pm. We are certified organic for some crops. U-Pick Blackberries are ready late May and June. We have a young field of Southern Highbush blueberries for U-Pick next year. Our nursery sells many native plants, large trees, fruit trees and shrubs of all sorts. Inquire about other crops we are growing as we grow and sell many fruits/vegetables some organic and hydroponic. We are a family farm Since 1918. Our crops are grown with BMPs (Best Management Practices). Along with U-Pick crops we raise cattle, grow various other agricultural crops and manage stands of timber. (UPDATED: May 01, 2016) (ADDED: May 19, 2015) Comments from a visitor on May 16, 2016: "The farm is now (late May 2016) open for blueberries, $3.00lb for upick. Typically open Fri-Sun. Should have blackberries around Memorial Day according to the owner."
Fiddle Leaf Farm - blueberries, U-pick and already picked 17401 S.e. County Highway 475, Summerfield, FL 34491. Phone: (352-245-9269. Email: fiddleleafblueberryfarm@gmail.com. Open: Wednesday to Sunday, from 7:30 am to 1 pm during April, May, and maybe the beginning of June. Directions: Located on County Road 475 in Marion County between County Road 466 and County Road 42. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Alternate Phone: (615) 300-4263. . blueberryflf@aol.com. Picking updates: Click here for picking updates. Blueberries are ready for picking from the middle of April through the end of May You May want to call ahead when you're going to visit to see what the situation May be. Their website appears to be gone.
Indigo Farm - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, U-pick and already picked, farm market, porta-potties are available, picnic area 22651ne 77th Terrace Road, Citra, FL 32113. Phone: 352-871-3181. Email: indigofarm@hughes.net. Open: Tuesday through Sunday from 8am to 3pm, May 1 to early July. Directions: South of Gainesville, Florida from Interstate 75, US441 or US301 take County Road 318 East. Indigo Farm is located 7 miles east of US301 and County Road 318 intersection. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Indigo Farm . We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. We are a 35 acre Blueberry Farm in Citra, Florida. We grow our Blueberries using natural, environment friendly methods. We offer u-pick and retail sales. Our season typically is from May to early July. Check back for open dates as the season nears.
Organic Blueberries - ORGANIC, blueberries 11713 N.E. County Road 315, Fort McCoy, FL . Phone: 352-236-4600. Open: from Friday, June 11 and then open Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 3 pm. Click here for a map and directions. .
Sugar Hill Blueberries - Uses natural growing practices, blueberries, U-pick and already picked, porta-potties are available 12690 Southeast 36th Avenue, Belleview, FL 34420. Phone: (352) 209-0819. Email: sugarhill303@aol.com. Open: Harvest typically begins during the first week of April and runs through the middle to end of May until we run out of berries; We are open Tuesdays - Sundays from 8am to 1pm, and closed on Mondays; Children are welcome. Directions: Interstate 75, take the Belleview exit \(exit 341\) head East on County Road 484, turn left on County Road 467 \(also listed as 36th Avenue\), the entrance to the farm will be approximately three quarters of a mile on the left and is well marked. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. . Harvest typically begins during the first week of April and runs through the middle to end of May (until we run out of berries); We are open Tuesdays - Sundays from 8am to 1pm, and closed on Mondays; Children are welcome. Interstate 75, take the Belleview exit (exit 341) head East on County Road 484, turn left on County Road 467 (also listed as 36th Avenue), the entrance to the farm will be approximately three quarters of a mile on the left and is well marked. We use natural practices, but are not seeking organic certification. Children are welcome. Come enjoy a day on the farm and the clean fresh air of the country.
Wagon Blueberry and Chestnut Farm - No pesticides are used, blueberries, chestnuts, persimmons, porta-potties are available 14201 Sw 16th Place, Ocala, FL 34481. Phone: 352 489 1441. Email: joansblueberries@aol.com. Open: Friday and Saturday Beginning early June; From 7 am to 12 Noon during June. Directions: From I-75 Take highway 40 West of Ocala to SW 140th Avenue, turn right \(North\) at the blinker light, about 1 mile to SW 16th Place, turn left to the farm, about 500 feet. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, only. Wagon Blueberry and Chestnut Farm . From I-75 Take highway 40 West of Ocala to SW 140th Avenue, turn right (North) at the blinker light, about 1 mile to SW 16th Place, turn left to the farm, about 500 feet. Blueberries in June; Persimmons harvested in mid-September thru October; Chestnuts in mid-October thru November; Persimmons and Chestnuts are not u-pick; They are harvested to your order. We do not use pesticides on the crops. $2.50 per lb. Picking buckets available, bring shallow containers to take your bounty home. Wear shoes, no open sandals or flip flops. Bring water and bug spray, a hat. Not recommended for small children. The Wagon Farm uses natural growing practices - we do not spray. Comments from a visitor on June 08, 2010: "Wonderful! Mature, plump organic blueberries at only $2.99/lb. Joan, the owner, is a marvelous and sweet lady who will guide you to the most prosperous part of her organic farm. Organic blueberries may very well be the perfect food, and this small farm is a real pleasure. Drove two hours to get there, but worth every mile. As of this early June, there was plenty of blueberries to be had. Wife and I picked 30 lbs. within two hours. Nice day!"
Yancey's Blueberry Farm - blueberries, U-pick and already picked 11821 SE 1st Street Road, Silver Springs, FL 32641. Phone: (352) 562-2583. Email: Yanceysblueberryfarm@gmail.com. Open: See their website for dates and times. Directions: From Ocala go east on SR-40 over the Ocklawaha bridge, go through the next light and turn right on 118th Avenue Road There is a sign there and follow the signs to the farm. From Daytona direction coming from the east headed toward Ocala, go through the small town of Lynn and look for the 118th Avenue Road that has the sign and turn left \(south\). Follow the signs to the farm. . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check. Yancey's Blueberry Farm Facebook page. . From Ocala go east on SR-40 over the Ocklawaha bridge, go through the next light and turn right on 118th Avenue Road There is a sign there and follow the signs to the farm. From Daytona direction coming from the east headed toward Ocala, go through the small town of Lynn and look for the 118th Avenue Road that has the sign and turn left (south). Follow the signs to the farm. Blueberry Season April 1st - May 15th. Florida's First U-PICK Blueberry Farm since 1965, We are located 13 minutes from the Silver Springs Park. Great Sweet Blueberry Varieties. Give us a call. a.k.a. Ferguson Farms(ADDED: March 28, 2023) Comments from a visitor on May 24, 2011: "Went to Yancey's this past weekend and was very pleased. This was my first trip to this farm, have been to other farms to pick in the area. Price was reasonable, blueberries were great . "
Blueberry
Blueberry Picking Tips, Recipes and Information
Blueberries are one of the easiest fruit to prepare and serve.
There's no peeling, pitting, coring or cutting. They have few natural pests,
(other than birds), so pesticides are generally unnecessary! This year's crop is
fantastic (see
related news story), thanks both to the weather and to
more farms planting more blueberry bushes due to increased consumer demand
over the past few years as more studies proclaim the anti-oxidant and other
health properties of blueberries.
If you are looking for information about a similar
berry, the saskatoon (also called the June berry or Serviceberry)
see this page about
saskatoons.
Picking
tips:
Select plump, full blueberries with a light gray-blue color. A berry with any
hint of red isn't fully ripened.
Ripening AFTER picking?
First, it is key to know that once picked, blueberries will NOT become any sweeter, nor will the flavor improve. The only change that occurs
is the color. They will APPEAR to ripen, but it is only a color change, from white to green to rose to red to pale blue to fully blue. So, white and green colored blueberries will not
"ripen" after they are picked; while blueberries that have already turned purple,
red or blue-ish usually DO change color after they are picked (if they are kept at room
temperature to "ripen").
As the blueberries ripen ON THE BUSH, the flavor goes from tastless to bitter to tasteless tart to tart blueberry flavor to sweet blueberry flavor.
Grocery stores sell blueberries that are tart, not sweet because they had them picked unripe by machine so they are very firm and can handled being
bumped around in shipping. They may look good, but are not as tasty as those picked when actually ripe.
So, the key is, PICK ONLY RIPE BERRIES!
How to pick blueberries
Since blueberries hang on the bushes in bunches a but like
grapes do, the easiest and fastest way to pick them is hold your bucket under
them in one hand and with your other hand, cup a ripe bunch and gently rub them
with your fingers. The ripe berries will drop into your bucket, while the
unripe ones will remain attached to the bush.
When the bushes are at peak, I can easily pick 2 gallons per
hour (if I'm not being distracted by the kids and the sun isn't too hot!).
A newbie might do 1 gallon per hour.and at the beginning or end of the season it
takes more time as the berries are not as plentiful nor concentrated
in clusters.
Tips for storing blueberries after harvesting:
Once picked, don't place the berries, still warm from the sun, in a
closed bag or container. Leave the container open so moisture doesn't form
in the container.
Don't wash berries until just before using, to prevent berries from
becoming mushy.
Chill berries soon after picking to increase shelf life. Store
your fresh blueberries in the refrigerator as soon as you get them home,
without washing them, in a covered bowl or storage container. If
refrigerated, fresh-picked blueberries will keep 10 to 14 days.
Freeze berries in freezer containers without washing to keep
the skins from toughening. Place berries one layer deep. Freeze,
then pour the frozen berries into freezer containers. Because unwashed
blueberries freeze individually, they can be easily poured from containers
in desired amounts. Remember both frozen and fresh berries should be
rinsed and drained just before serving. Just before using, wash the berries
in cold water.
Blueberry Measurements and Conversions
Keep in mind that blueberries vary considerably in density and moisture
content, so these ranges are approximates.
1 gallon of blueberries weighs about 7.5 lbs or (4
liters of blueberries is about 3.5 kg)
1 pint of fresh blueberries weights about 3/4 of a pound. (1
liter of blueberries is about 700 grams)
1 pound of fresh blueberries is usually between about 2 and
3 cups
of berries.
If you have trouble with blueberries settling to the bottom of muffins and
blueberry breads, try one or more of these tips:
Coat them with flour before adding to the batter. Just gently shake the
blueberries in a bag (plastic or paper) with 1/2 cup of flour, then dump
them mix in a sieve to remove excess flour.
It may just be that your batter is too thin. try making the batter a
little thicker!
Fill the muffin cups or baking pan up to 1/4 full with batter (which
hasn't had blueberries added to it yet); then stir the blueberries into the
remaining batter, and continue to fill the muffin cups or bread pan. The
blueberries will start off higher in the mix!