New-to-Florida Crops Include Artichokes, Finger Limes and Blackberries

In partnership with: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services

If variety is the spice of life, it also contributes to the continuing success of Florida agriculture. Farmers, extension agents and researchers play vital roles in adding artichokes, blackberries and finger limes to Florida’s ag offerings.

Mimicking the Mediterranean

Most American-grown artichokes come from California. Its climate mimics the moderate winters and low humidity of the Mediterranean, where artichokes originated.

“We’re pushing environmental barriers by attempting to produce artichokes here, but North Florida seems like an ideal opportunity,” says Evelyn “Prissy” Fletcher, St. Johns County commercial agriculture extension agent.

Her work was started by Dr. Shinsuke Agehara at Wimauma’s Gulf Coast Research and Education Center (GCREC). Of several varieties grown, a curb appeal test at St. Augustine Amphitheatre Farmers Market revealed the top yielding was also the most visually appealing.

“This variety was donated to local restaurants for flavor feedback, and we had positive remarks,” Fletcher says. “I’m thrilled with that feedback from local chefs and the growing demand by consumers.”

Fletcher won a National Association of County Agricultural Agents award for her work and continues honing pest management methods while offering nutrient management advice and production plans.

Florida-grown artichokes ultimately mean they’ll be fresher for chefs and consumers alike.

“That’s important for those of us who pride ourselves on supporting local agriculture and seasonably available produce,” Fletcher says.

See more: Soil, Seed, Soul: Improving Diversity in Florida Agriculture

Citrus Caviar

While Florida may be synonymous with citrus, finger limes are new to the state’s citrus offerings.

“Finger limes are a specialty crop, and we’re one of a few producers,” says Tamer Harpke of Harpke Family Farm in Fort Lauderdale.

The fruit’s popularity as a garnish for cocktails, desserts, seafood and more could increase demand as more local chefs discover its uses.

“Finger limes are unique, filled with juice vesicles often called lime caviar,” Harpke says. “Ours come in four colors – clear, green, pink and red – all with slightly different flavors. That variety and vesicle size differentiate ours from others available in the U.S.”

The farm encourages patronage of restaurants that support Florida farmers.

“We’re a chef-driven farm, growing produce for chefs who prioritize sourcing local,” says Harpke, whose farm also grows microgreens and edible flowers.

Although not its only crop, Harpke’s finger lime orchard represents the farm’s first foray into citrus growing.

The family incorporates natural techniques throughout their farming practices. Consulting University of Florida researchers, Harpke Family Farm uses beneficial nematodes, weed mats and drip irrigation on its finger limes, and they do not use pesticides.

While pest and weed management present challenges, research shows finger limes, more than other varieties, resist citrus diseases like greening. Harpke says their partnership with University of Florida researchers has been instrumental in their success.

See more: The Spicy Datil Pepper Is a Local Florida Favorite

Berry Beginnings

Another GCREC researcher, Dr. Zhanao Deng, studies ways to take blackberry crops statewide.

“We work on blackberry genetics, plant management techniques, pest control and more to make the blackberry a productive crop statewide,” he says.

Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the University of Florida SEEDIT grants, research focuses on two aspects: trials of cultivars developed outside the state and the creation of new cultivars. Both are essential because blackberry challenges vary statewide.

“Heat, especially warm winters with few chill hours, is the biggest barrier in Central Florida,” Deng says. “In North Florida, where winter is cooler, frequent rains make berry harvest difficult. Bright sunlight can also cause damage to berries.”

Agehara finds urea increases budbreak and berry yield, so spraying urea benefits blackberry production in Florida.

“Farmers have made good stewardship efforts from the beginning,” he says.

North Florida already has more than 100 acres in production.

“Blackberries are a superfood,” Deng says. “Consumer demand is high, and prices are good. Our greatest advantage is being able to harvest and ship ripe berries before other growers in the continental U.S.”

See more: State Farmers Markets Ship Florida Commodities Across the Country