Best Cash Crops To Grow In Florida

Florida’s subtropical climate supports two distinct growing seasons for crops that thrive in sandy soil. When you are looking for the best cash crops to grow in florida, you need to consider heat tolerance, market demand, and quick turnaround times. The right crop can turn a small plot into a profitable venture within months.

Many new farmers make the mistake of planting what they like to eat rather than what sells well. In Florida, the key is to match your crop choice with local buyer needs. This guide covers the most profitable options for both spring and fall seasons.

Florida’s unique climate allows for year-round production of many high-value crops. The sandy soil drains quickly, which is perfect for root vegetables and certain fruits. However, you must irrigate regularly because sand holds less water than clay or loam.

The following crops have proven to be reliable money-makers for Florida growers. Each one has specific growing requirements and market windows that you need to understand.

Tomatoes

Tomatoes are arguably the most profitable cash crop in Florida. The state produces over one-third of all fresh market tomatoes in the United States. You can grow them in both spring and fall seasons.

Key points for tomato farming:

Plant after the last frost date in your area
Use drip irrigation to prevent fungal diseases
Stake or cage plants to keep fruit off the ground
Harvest when fruit is firm and fully colored

Determinate varieties like ‘Celebrity’ and ‘Better Bush’ work well for commercial production. They produce fruit all at once, making harvest easier. Indeterminate types keep producing over a longer period but require more labor.

You can expect yields of 20-30 pounds per plant with proper care. Local farmers markets and restaurants will pay premium prices for vine-ripened tomatoes. Wholesale prices fluctuate but generally range from $0.50 to $1.50 per pound.

Strawberries

Strawberries are a high-value crop that thrives in Florida’s winter season. The state is the second-largest producer of strawberries in the country. Plant in October for a December through April harvest.

Growing tips for strawberries:

Choose disease-resistant varieties like ‘Sweet Charlie’ or ‘Florida Radiance’
Plant on raised beds covered with black plastic mulch
Use drip tape for irrigation and fertilization
Apply row covers if temperatures drop below freezing

Strawberries require significant initial investment in plants and plastic mulch. However, the returns can be substantial. A well-managed acre can produce 15,000 to 20,000 pounds of fruit. U-pick operations often charge $2-4 per pound, while wholesale prices range from $1-2 per pound.

You need to harvest every 2-3 days during peak season. This labor-intensive crop works best if you have reliable help or a small family farm.

Watermelon

Watermelon is a classic Florida crop that loves hot weather and sandy soil. The state produces more watermelons than any other state except Texas and Georgia. Plant in March for summer harvest.

Watermelon growing essentials:

Space plants 3-4 feet apart in rows 6-8 feet apart
Apply nitrogen fertilizer at planting and again when vines start to run
Control weeds with shallow cultivation or mulch
Harvest when the tendril nearest the fruit turns brown

Seedless varieties like ‘Tri-X 313’ and ‘Fascination’ command higher prices at market. You will need to plant pollinator varieties alongside seedless types for fruit set. Expect yields of 30,000-40,000 pounds per acre under good conditions.

Watermelons are heavy feeders and require consistent moisture. They are susceptible to fusarium wilt, so rotate crops every 3-4 years. Wholesale prices vary from $0.10 to $0.30 per pound depending on season and quality.

Sweet Corn

Sweet corn is a quick-growing cash crop that can be planted in both spring and fall. It matures in about 70-80 days, allowing for multiple harvests per year. Florida’s warm springs allow for early corn that commands premium prices.

Sweet corn production tips:

Plant in blocks of at least 4 rows for good pollination
Use varieties like ‘Silver Queen’ or ‘Kandy Korn’
Apply side-dress nitrogen when plants are knee-high
Control corn earworms with BT or spinosad sprays

You can expect 12,000-15,000 ears per acre with proper spacing. Fresh market corn sells for $0.25-0.50 per ear at wholesale. Early season corn can bring double that price.

Sweet corn requires consistent water during tasseling and ear development. Sandy soil needs frequent irrigation, sometimes every 2-3 days. Plan your planting dates to avoid peak heat during pollination.

Green Beans

Green beans are a low-maintenance cash crop that grows well in Florida’s sandy soil. They mature in just 50-60 days, making them perfect for quick cash flow. Plant in spring after soil warms to 60°F.

Bean growing guidelines:

Use bush varieties for mechanical harvest or pole beans for hand picking
Inoculate seeds with rhizobium bacteria for better nitrogen fixation
Space rows 30-36 inches apart for bush beans
Harvest every 2-3 days to maintain quality

Bush beans yield 2-3 pounds per 10-foot row. Pole beans produce 4-6 pounds per 10-foot row but require trellising. Wholesale prices range from $0.50-1.00 per pound for fresh beans.

Green beans are sensitive to root rot in wet conditions. Plant on raised beds to improve drainage. They also need consistent moisture during flowering and pod development.

Peppers

Bell peppers and hot peppers both perform well in Florida’s climate. They thrive in heat and produce fruit over several months. Plant in spring for summer harvest or in late summer for fall harvest.

Pepper production tips:

Start plants indoors 6-8 weeks before transplanting
Space plants 18-24 inches apart in rows 3-4 feet apart
Use black plastic mulch to warm soil and control weeds
Support plants with stakes or cages to prevent breakage

Bell peppers yield 20-30 fruits per plant over the season. Hot peppers like jalapeños and habaneros produce even more. Wholesale bell pepper prices range from $0.50-1.50 per pound, while specialty peppers can fetch $2-4 per pound.

Peppers need consistent water and regular fertilization. They are susceptible to blossom end rot from calcium deficiency. Apply calcium nitrate if you see this problem.

Cucumbers

Cucumbers are a fast-growing cash crop that can be harvested within 55-65 days. They love Florida’s heat and produce heavily in summer. Plant in spring for summer harvest or in late summer for fall harvest.

Cucumber growing essentials:

Use slicing varieties for fresh market or pickling types for processing
Space plants 12-18 inches apart in rows 4-6 feet apart
Train vines on trellises for straighter fruit and easier harvest
Harvest every 2-3 days when fruit reaches desired size

Slicing cucumbers yield 20-30 pounds per 10-foot row. Pickling cucumbers produce even more but require more frequent harvest. Wholesale prices range from $0.30-0.80 per pound for slicing cucumbers.

Cucumbers are prone to powdery mildew in humid conditions. Choose resistant varieties and provide good air circulation. Drip irrigation helps keep foliage dry.

Squash

Yellow squash and zucchini are productive cash crops for Florida growers. They produce fruit continuously once they start. Plant in spring after frost danger passes.

Squash production tips:

Use bush varieties for easier management
Space plants 24-36 inches apart in rows 4-6 feet apart
Harvest fruit at 4-6 inches for best quality
Check plants daily during peak production

Squash yields 20-30 pounds per 10-foot row over the season. Wholesale prices range from $0.40-1.00 per pound. Early season squash commands higher prices.

Squash vine borers are a major pest in Florida. Use row covers early in the season and rotate crops. Plant resistant varieties when possible.

Herbs

Fresh herbs are a high-value cash crop that requires less space than vegetables. Basil, cilantro, parsley, and mint all grow well in Florida. They can be grown year-round with proper management.

Herb growing guidelines:

Start herbs from seed or transplants
Space plants according to mature size
Harvest by cutting stems rather than pulling leaves
Store herbs in water or refrigerate immediately

Basil yields 1-2 pounds per plant over the season. Cilantro produces multiple harvests if you cut it properly. Wholesale herb prices range from $2-5 per pound for common varieties.

Herbs require less fertilizer than vegetables but need consistent water. They are susceptible to fungal diseases in humid conditions. Provide good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

Market Considerations For Florida Crops

Growing the crop is only half the battle. You also need a reliable market for your produce. Consider these options for selling your crops.

Farmers Markets

Farmers markets are excellent for direct-to-consumer sales. You can charge retail prices and build customer relationships. Most markets require vendors to grow what they sell.

Tips for farmers market success:

Arrive early for best booth location
Display produce attractively
Offer samples to encourage purchases
Accept credit cards and mobile payments

Restaurant Sales

Local restaurants often seek fresh, locally grown produce. Build relationships with chefs who value quality over price. Deliver consistently to maintain accounts.

Restaurant sales tips:

Contact chefs during slow hours (2-4 PM)
Bring samples and a price list
Deliver on scheduled days without fail
Communicate about availability and shortages

Wholesale Markets

Wholesale markets handle large volumes but pay lower prices. You need significant acreage to make wholesale profitable. Consider joining a cooperative to pool products.

Wholesale tips:

Grade and sort produce carefully
Package in standard containers
Deliver to market early in the day
Understand market pricing before negotiating

Seasonal Planning For Florida Growers

Florida’s two growing seasons allow for multiple crops per year. Plan your planting schedule to maximize income. The following table shows optimal planting windows.

Spring Season

Plant after last frost, typically February to March in most areas. Harvest from April through June. This season works well for warm-season crops like tomatoes, peppers, and squash.

Fall Season

Plant in August to September for harvest from October through December. This season is ideal for cool-season crops like broccoli, cabbage, and lettuce. Many warm-season crops also produce well in fall.

Winter Season

South Florida can grow crops through winter. Strawberries, leafy greens, and root vegetables perform well. North Florida may need protection from frost.

Soil Preparation For Florida Sand

Sandy soil presents challenges but also advantages. It warms quickly in spring and drains well. However, it requires more frequent irrigation and fertilization.

Soil improvement tips:

Add organic matter like compost or aged manure
Use cover crops to build soil structure
Apply slow-release fertilizers to reduce leaching
Test soil pH annually and adjust as needed

Most Florida soils are acidic with pH between 5.0 and 6.5. Add lime to raise pH for crops that prefer neutral soil. Sandy soil also needs micronutrients like zinc and manganese.

Irrigation Systems For Florida Farms

Reliable irrigation is essential for Florida farming. Sandy soil holds little water, so crops need frequent watering. Drip irrigation is the most efficient method.

Irrigation options:

Drip tape delivers water directly to roots
Overhead sprinklers work for some crops
Soaker hoses are good for small gardens
Automated timers ensure consistent watering

Most vegetables need 1-2 inches of water per week. In sandy soil, you may need to water every 2-3 days during hot weather. Monitor soil moisture with a probe or by feel.

Pest Management In Florida

Florida’s warm climate means pests are active year-round. Integrated pest management (IPM) is the best approach. Monitor crops regularly and act early.

Common Florida pests:

Whiteflies on tomatoes and peppers
Thrips on onions and leafy greens
Spider mites in dry conditions
Armyworms on corn and grass crops

Use beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings when possible. Apply pesticides only when thresholds are reached. Rotate chemical classes to prevent resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most profitable cash crop in Florida?

Tomatoes and strawberries are among the most profitable cash crops in Florida. They have high market demand and can produce significant income per acre. However, they also require more labor and inputs than other crops.

Can you grow cash crops year-round in Florida?

Yes, Florida’s climate allows for year-round crop production. South Florida can grow crops through winter, while north Florida has a shorter winter season. Using season extenders like row covers can help in colder areas.

What crops grow best in Florida sandy soil?

Root vegetables like carrots and potatoes, as well as melons and tomatoes, grow well in sandy soil. The key is to irrigate frequently and add organic matter to improve water retention. Crops that prefer well-drained soil thrive in Florida sand.

How much land do you need for a profitable cash crop farm in Florida?

You can start with as little as 1-2 acres for high-value crops like strawberries or herbs. For row crops like corn or beans, 5-10 acres is more realistic. The key is to match your acreage with your market and labor availability.

What is the easiest cash crop to grow in Florida for beginners?

Green beans and cucumbers are among the easiest cash crops for beginners. They grow quickly, have fewer pest problems, and require less specialized equipment. Both crops have reliable markets and can provide quick returns.

Starting a cash crop farm in Florida requires planning and hard work. The best approach is to start small, learn the market, and expand gradually. Choose crops that match your resources and local demand. With careful management, you can build a profitable farming operation in the Sunshine State.