It’s strawberry season in Texas!

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Strawberry season has arrived a little early in the Lone Star State, according to Texas A&M AgriLife.

“This year, the season started earlier than it has in the past three to four years, and perhaps by as much as two to three weeks,” said Russ Wallace, an AgriLife Extension horticulturist. “The first berries to come out of the field were large and very sweet, and the quality has been excellent.”

Texas A&M AgriLife said the strong start to the season was thanks to a milder winter in the state.

“This spring, I’ve traveled across the state visiting growers’ fields, looking at the strawberry crop,” he said. “The crops overall look fantastic and the weather, for the most part, has cooperated.”

In Texas, the average strawberry plant produces about one pound of fruit.

“Given the favorable growing conditions, those larger berries should translate to increased weight per plant, making for a good season for most growers,” Wallace said.

According to Texas A&M AgriLife, strawberries have become so popular in that state that some “pick-your-own” farms can be fully harvested within several hours.

“Sometimes customers are turned away,” Wallace said. “That just demonstrates the need for more growers and more acres dedicated to strawberries in Texas.”

The harvest season for strawberries is six to eight weeks, which is relatively short, according to Texas A&M AgriLife.

“Unlike some other fruit, strawberries will not ripen any further once picked. Berries should be at least 80% red before being picked but 100% is ideal to ensure the best taste,” Wallace said.