The world of Stardew Valley is filled with vibrant seasons, each offering unique opportunities and challenges for aspiring farmers. Among these seasons, fall is crucial for crop cultivation and profitability.
This article will explore the best crops to grow during fall and strategies for maximizing profits during the game’s bountiful season.
3 Best Crops for the Fall Season
1. Cranberries
The fall season in Stardew Valley brings forth a bountiful harvest of cranberries, creating a vibrant tapestry of red across the fields. These small, juicy fruits are visually appealing and pack a punch in terms of flavor and economic potential.
Cranberries | Cranberry Seeds | |||||
Energy | Health | Selling Price | Tiller (+10%) | |||
Base Quality | +38 | +17 | 75g | 82g | Pierre’s General Store | 50g |
Silver Quality | +53 | +23 | 93g | 102g | JojaMart | 62g |
Gold Quality | +68 | +30 | 112g | 123g | Days to Grow | 7 days |
Iridium Quality | +98 | +44 | 150g | 165g | Regrowth | 5 days |
Cranberries: A Profitable Delight
Cranberries, with a growth time of seven days, are another highly profitable option for fall farming. What makes cranberries particularly enticing is their unique ability to produce multiple harvests.
While the initial planting yields a modest crop, subsequent harvests yield significantly more. This continuous yield makes cranberries an excellent long-term investment. With proper planning and maintenance, cranberries can provide a steady income stream throughout fall.
Extending the Berry Harvest Season with the Greenhouse
One of the significant advantages of farming in Stardew Valley is the availability of the greenhouse. This valuable structure allows for year-round cultivation, enabling farmers to extend the berry harvest season well beyond the fall months.
By dedicating a section of your greenhouse to berry crops, you can continue to reap the profits of blueberries and cranberries even during the winter. To make the most of the greenhouse for berry cultivation, optimizing its use during the winter is essential.
Ensure the greenhouse is adequately stocked with Sprinklers to automate the watering process and save time for other farm tasks. You can focus on managing and expanding your farm efficiently by minimizing manual labor.
Tips for Maximizing Profits from Cranberries
While cranberries are already highly profitable, there are a few strategies you can employ to maximize their profitability further.
Firstly, consider using quality fertilizer to enhance the growth quality of your cranberry plants. Applying fertilizer at the right time can accelerate their growth and possibly increase its chances to get a quality crop, yielding additional harvests and increased overall yield.
Speed-Gro, in particular, can be highly effective when applied to cranberry crops in the greenhouse, as it accelerates their growth rate by 10% and allows for even more frequent harvests.
Investing in quality fertilizer and optimizing its use can significantly boost your cranberry crops’ profitability.
Another way to increase the profits from your cranberries is by preserving a portion of your harvest. Utilizing a Preserves Jar or a Keg can transform your cranberries into valuable products that fetch higher prices.
Cranberry Jelly, made in the Preserves Jar, and Pickled Cranberries, produced in the Keg, are excellent options for preserving your cranberry harvest. These value-added products increase the overall value of your crops.
Cranberry Wine | Cranberry Jelly | |||
Selling Price | Artisan (+40%) | Selling Price | Artisan (+40%) | |
Base Quality | 225g | 315g |
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Silver Quality | 281g | 393g | ||
Gold Quality | 337g | 471g | ||
Iridium Quality | 450g | 630g | ||
2. Pumpkins
Pumpkins, with their iconic association with the fall season, are a highly profitable crop in Stardew Valley. Their popularity during fall festivals and various uses make them valuable additions to any farmer’s field.
Pumpkin | Pumpkin Seeds | |||||
Energy | Health | Selling Price | Tiller (+10%) | |||
Base Quality | Inedible | 320g | 352g | Pierre’s General Store | 100g | |
Silver Quality | 400g | 440g | JojaMart | 125g | ||
Gold Quality | 480g | 528g | Days to Grow | 13 days | ||
Iridium Quality | 640g | 704g | Regrowth | No | ||
High Profitability of Pumpkins
Pumpkins experience a significant surge in demand during the fall festivals in Stardew Valley, such as Spirit’s Eve or the Stardew Valley Fair. The villagers’ enthusiasm for pumpkins drives their prices, resulting in higher profits for farmers.
This increased profitability during the fall season is due to the community’s preference for pumpkins as a symbol of autumn and harvest festivities.
By capitalizing on this demand, you can make the most of the season and maximize your profits. You can expect substantial returns on your investment if you sell your pumpkins directly or use them to create pumpkin-related products, such as pumpkin juice or pumpkin pie.
The versatility of pumpkins and their popularity among the villagers ensure a steady demand and a favorable market for these crops.
2. Growth Time and Harvesting Strategy
Pumpkins require a growth time of 13 days before they can be harvested. Planning your planting schedule is essential to ensure your pumpkins are ready for the fall festivals.
Timing is crucial, as harvesting a bountiful crop during these events will allow you to fetch higher prices and earn greater profits.
To optimize your pumpkin harvest, consider the use of fertilizer. Applying fertilizer, such as Speed-Gro, can accelerate the growth of your pumpkins, allowing for an earlier harvest.
You can ensure a successful and profitable pumpkin harvest by strategically applying fertilizer and planning your planting schedule. Additionally, consider the space requirements for pumpkins.
These crops require more significant plots compared to other crops, and have a chance to grow a giant crop as well.
Allocating adequate space for your pumpkins ensures optimal growth and allows for larger yields. Planning your farm layout accordingly and dedicating sufficient space to pumpkin cultivation will contribute to your overall profitability during the fall season.
Additional Uses of Pumpkins in Recipes and Bundles
Pumpkins have versatile applications beyond being sold as raw produce. They serve as essential ingredients in various cooking recipes and are often required to complete community center bundles.
By incorporating pumpkins into your cooking or fulfilling bundle requirements, you can gain additional benefits and rewards and strengthen your ties with the community. Cooking recipes that feature pumpkins include Autumn’s Bounty, Pumpkin Pie, and Pumpkin Soup.
These recipes provide sustenance and offer valuable buffs, energy restoration, and temporary bonuses to your character. Consuming these pumpkin-based dishes can enhance your gameplay experience [1] by increasing your stamina, allowing you to perform more daily actions.
Moreover, utilizing pumpkins in your cooking can also improve your relationships with the villagers. Sharing food with them, especially dishes they love, can increase their friendship and unlock new dialogue options and events.
Regularly cooking and sharing pumpkin-based recipes can foster more robust bonds with the community and deepen your immersion in the game world. Apart from cooking, pumpkins are significant in fulfilling the Fall Crops Bundle at the Community Center Pantry.
The Community Center bundles act as overarching goals for players, requiring them to collect and contribute specific items to complete each bundle. Once an area bundle is completed, the player is granted access to new areas, unlockable features, or rare items.
By growing and contributing pumpkins to the Community Center bundles, you progress in the game’s storyline and unlock various rewards and benefits.
Completing bundles not only contributes to the overall development of your farm but also enriches the gameplay experience by providing a sense of accomplishment and discovery.
Pumpkins are highly profitable crops during the fall season in Stardew Valley. It is highly recommended to take advantage of their high demand during fall festivals, optimize their growth through proper timing and fertilization, and utilize them in cooking recipes.
Pumpkin Juice | Pickled Pumpkin | ||
Selling Price | Artisan (+40%) | Selling Price | Artisan (+40%) |
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3. Sweet Gem Berry
Regarding the most profitable crop in Stardew Valley, the elusive Sweet Gem Berry takes the crown. Because of its rarity and high value, it’s a highly sought-after and lucrative crop for experienced farmers.
Pumpkin | Rare Seed | |||||
Energy | Health | Selling Price | Tiller (+10%) | |||
Base Quality | Inedible | 3,000g | N/A | Traveling Cart | 1,000g or 600-1,000g | |
Silver Quality | Inedible | 3,750g | N/A | |||
Gold Quality | Inedible | 4,500g | N/A | Days to Grow | 24 days | |
Iridium Quality | Inedible | 6,000g | N/A | Regrowth | No | |
The Rarity and High Value of Sweet Gem Berries
Sweet Gem Berries are among the game’s rarest and most valuable crops. These mystical berries fetch an exceptionally high selling price, making them highly coveted by players.
The scarcity and increased demand for Sweet Gem Berries contribute to their allure, and growing them can yield substantial profits.
However, obtaining Sweet Gem Berry seeds is not a straightforward task. These seeds are incredibly scarce and can only be acquired through consistently checking if it’s available at the Traveling Cart’s randomized stock. Obtaining these seeds requires luck, exploration, and sometimes significant investments.
Despite the challenges in acquiring the seeds, the potential profits from a successful Sweet Gem Berry harvest far outweigh the initial obstacles.
Once a Sweet Gem Berry is obtained, players can place the crop in a Seed Maker to have a continuous supply of the Rare Seed without relying on the Traveling Cart.
Rarity and Growth Time of Sweet Gem Berries
Sweet Gem Berries have a growth time of 24 days, making them a long-term investment for patient farmers. It is essential to plan and allocate resources effectively to ensure successful cultivation of these valuable crops.
To increase the chances of obtaining Sweet Gem Berries, consider dedicating a section of your farm or utilizing the greenhouse for their cultivation. Pay close attention to their growth requirements, such as adequate watering, fertilization, and proper spacing.
Providing the necessary care and attention throughout their growth cycle will maximize the chances of a rewarding harvest of Sweet Gem Berries. Since Sweet Gem Berries have a relatively long growth time, planning their cultivation in advance is advisable.
Consider staggering their planting and growth periods to ensure a continuous supply of berries throughout the year. By doing so, you can establish a reliable source of income and fully capitalize on their high value.
Additional Benefits and Secrets Associated with the Crop
In addition to their immediate effects, Sweet Gem Berries may hold more secrets and surprises. Exploring and experimenting with these rare crops can lead to unexpected discoveries and hidden rewards.
Pay close attention to any hints or clues scattered throughout the game world, as they may reveal additional uses or secrets related to Sweet Gem Berries. These discoveries can further enhance the profitability and enjoyment of cultivating this unique crop.
Cranberries, Pumpkins, and Sweet Gem Berries are three of the best fall crops in Stardew Valley, offering high profitability and unique advantages.
Cranberries are multiple-yield crops that provide different opportunities for profit, while Pumpkins thrive during fall festivals and have versatile applications in cooking recipes and bundle completions.
On the other hand, Sweet Gem Berries, although rare and challenging to obtain, are incredibly valuable and provide additional benefits when consumed. Incorporating these crops into your farming strategy can significantly boost your profits and enhance your gameplay experience.
Whether you focus on the high demand for pumpkins during fall festivals or embark on the quest to grow the elusive Sweet Gem Berries, these crops will undoubtedly bring success and excitement to your Stardew Valley farm.
Crop to Avoid in the Fall
While fall is a bountiful season for farming in Stardew Valley, a few crops are best avoided during this time.
Sunflower
One such crop is sunflowers, which, despite their visual appeal, offer different profitability and value than other crops during the fall season.
Low Profitability and Value Compared to Other Crops
When maximizing profits during the fall season, sunflowers fall short compared to other crops. While they may be visually stunning and have charm, their selling price is relatively low compared to other crops that thrive during this time.
This makes them less desirable for farmers looking to make the most out of their efforts and investments.
Investing time, energy, and resources into growing sunflowers may not provide the best return on investment in profitability. Other crops, such as berries, pumpkins, or Sweet Gem Berries, offer higher selling prices and more significant potential for earning substantial profits.
Therefore, focusing on these more profitable crops is advisable to ensure a successful and lucrative fall harvest.
Requirement for the Dye Bundle at the Community Center
Some farmers may choose to grow sunflowers in the fall to fulfill the requirement for the Dye Bundle at the Community Center. The Dye Bundle is one of the many bundles that players can complete to unlock rewards and progress in the game.
Sunflowers are needed explicitly for this bundle, and if completing bundles is your priority, then growing sunflowers becomes necessary. However, if your primary goal is profitability, it is crucial to consider the opportunity cost of growing sunflowers.
While fulfilling the Dye Bundle is undoubtedly rewarding, it may not be the most profitable use of your resources during the fall season.
The Sunflower Seeds cost 200g at Pierre’s and 125g at JojaMart, and you take a hit at your profitability as its base sale price is only 80g, and the maximum selling price at 160g.
Growing it near a Bee House to create Sunflower Honey or using an Oil Maker to create Sunflower Oil makes it a versatile crop.
It is essential to evaluate your priorities and determine whether the potential rewards from completing the Dye Bundle outweigh the potential profits from growing other, more lucrative crops.
Exploring other crop options that offer better investment returns and contribute to a more financially successful fall season is advisable.
While sunflowers are visually appealing and have their role in Stardew Valley, there are more good choices for fall farming. Their low profitability and value compared to other crops make them less desirable for maximizing earnings during this season.
However, if you chose the Community Center route, completing bundles is essential to your game, and growing sunflowers becomes necessary.
Ultimately, assessing your priorities and choosing crops that align with your profitability goals and overall farming strategy in Stardew Valley is crucial.
Other Fall Crops: Expanding Crop Options for a Bountiful Harvest
While Cranberries, Pumpkins, and Sweet Gem Berries undoubtedly steal the limelight during the fall season in Stardew Valley, several other viable options are worth exploring for those seeking to diversify their crop selection.
Let’s take a closer look at these additional fall crops and their opportunities:
1. Corn
Versatile and Nutritious With its moderate profitability, corn is a versatile and valuable addition to your fall or even summer farm.
With a growth time of 14 days, it requires a bit of patience, but the rewards are well worth it.
Corn | Corn Seeds | |||||
Energy | Health | Selling Price | Tiller (+10%) | |||
Base Quality | +25 | +11 | 50g | 55g | Pierre’s General Store | 150g |
Silver Quality | +35 | +15 | 62g | 68g | JojaMart | 187g |
Gold Quality | +45 | +20 | 75g | 82g | Days to Grow | 14 days |
Iridium Quality | +65 | +29 | 100g | 110g | Regrowth | 4 days |
Corn can be used to create Oil through an Oil Maker, Pickled Corn through a Preserves Jar, and Corn Juice through a Keg. This yellow vegetable is also a requirement for the Fall Crops Bundle at the Community Center Pantry.
Corn Artisan Goods | ||
Selling Price | Artisan (+40%) | |
Corn Juice | 112g | 165g |
Pickled Corn | 150g | 210g |
Corn Oil | 100g | 100g |
2. Eggplant: A Small Wonder
Eggplants offer a moderate level of profitability, making them a reliable choice for fall crop cultivation. With a quick growth time of just five days, they allow for multiple harvests throughout the season.
In Stardew Valley, eggplants find their place in many cooking recipes, adding a delightful flavor and texture to dishes like the Survival Burger and Eggplant Parmesan.
This purple vegetable is also a requirement in the Fall Crops Bundle at the Community Center Pantry and an option for the Quality Crops Bundle (Remixed).
Eggplant |
Eggplant Seeds | |||||
Energy | Health | Selling Price | Tiller (+10%) | |||
Base Quality | +20 | +9 | 60g | 66g | Pierre’s General Store | 20g |
Silver Quality | +28 | +12 | 75g | 82g | JojaMart | 25g |
Gold Quality | +36 | +16 | 90g | 99g | Days to Grow | 5 days |
Iridium Quality | +52 | +23 | 120g | 132g | Regrowth | 5 days |
Eggplant can be used to create Pickled Eggplant through a Preserves Jar, and Eggplant Juice through a Keg.
Eggplant Artisan Goods | ||
Selling Price | Artisan (+40%) | |
Eggplant Juice | 135g | 189g |
Pickled Eggplant | 170g | 238g |
3. Grapes: A Path to Vintage Riches
Grapes present a unique opportunity for farmers interested in winemaking. While their profitability remains moderate, the potential for increasing your earnings through wine production is significant.
With a growth time of 10 days, grapes can be harvested multiple times during the fall. However, it’s essential to note that grapes require a trellis to grow, so allocating space and setting up the necessary infrastructure is crucial for successful cultivation.
This sweet fruit is also a requirement for the Summer Foraging Bundle in the Community Center Crafts Room.
Grape | Grape Starter | |||||
Energy | Health | Selling Price | Tiller (+10%) | |||
Base Quality | +38 | +17 | 80g | 88g | Pierre’s General Store | 60g |
Silver Quality | +53 | +23 | 100g | 110g | JojaMart | 75g |
Gold Quality | +68 | +30 | 120g | 132g | Days to Grow | 10 days |
Iridium Quality | +98 | +44 | 160g | 176g | Regrowth | 3 days |
Using a keg to process grapes into wine, you can transform this humble fruit into a highly profitable artisan good.
Grape wine fetches a considerably higher price than raw grapes starting at 240g with a maximum selling price of 672g. Its production offers an opportunity to maximize your profits.
Grape Wine | Grape Jelly | |||
Selling Price | Artisan (+40%) | Selling Price | Artisan (+40%) | |
Base Quality | 240g | 336g |
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Silver Quality | 300g | 420g | ||
Gold Quality | 360g | 504g | ||
Iridium Quality | 480g | 672g | ||
4. Artichoke: Cultivating Culinary Delights
Artichokes offer a moderate level of profitability with a growth time of 8 days. While they require a bit more patience, their unique flavor and versatility in cooking make them a worthwhile addition to your fall crops.
Artichoke is used for the recipes of Artichoke Dip and Super Meal, which significantly boost Energy and Health.
Artichoke | Artichoke Seeds | |||||
Energy | Health | Selling Price | Tiller (+10%) | |||
Base Quality | +30 | +13 | 160g | 176g | Pierre’s General Store | 30g |
Silver Quality | +42 | +18 | 200g | 220g | Traveling Cart | 100-1,000g |
Gold Quality | +54 | +24 | 240g | 264g | Days to Grow | 8 days |
Iridium Quality | +78 | +35 | 320g | 352g | Regrowth | No |
This green vegetable can be used to create Pickled Artichoke through a Preserves Jar, and Artichoke Juice through a Keg.
Artichoke Artisan Goods | ||
Selling Price | Artisan (+40%) | |
Artichoke Juice | 360g | 504g |
Pickled Artichokes | 370g | 518g |
5. Bok Choy: A Quick and Profitable Option
Bok Choy stands out among fall crops due to its short growth time of just four days. This fast-growing vegetable offers a moderate level of profitability, making it a reliable choice for farmers seeking quick returns.
Its vibrant green leaves and crisp texture adds freshness and vitality to the Super Meal dish, which buffs players with +40 Max Energy and +1 Speed when consumed.
Bok Choy | Bok Choy Seeds | |||||
Energy | Health | Selling Price | Tiller (+10%) | |||
Base Quality | +22 | +11 | 80g | 88g | Pierre’s General Store | 50g |
Silver Quality | +35 | +15 | 100g | 110g | JojaMart | 62g |
Gold Quality | +45 | +20 | 120g | 132g | Days to Grow | 4 days |
Iridium Quality | +65 | +29 | 160g | 176g | Regrowth | No |
This green vegetable can be used to create Pickled Bok Choy through a Preserves Jar, and Bok Choy Juice through a Keg.
Bok Choy Artisan Goods | ||
Selling Price | Artisan (+40%) | |
Bok Choy Juice | 180g | 252g |
Pickled Bok Choy | 210g | 294g |
6. Amaranth: Nurturing Nourishment
Amaranth, with its moderate profitability and a growth time of 7 days, provides an excellent option for fall crop cultivation. This versatile grain can be used in cooking recipes and ground into flour for baking.
Amaranth | Amaranth Seeds | |||||
Energy | Health | Selling Price | Tiller (+10%) | |||
Base Quality | +50 | +22 | 150g | 165g | Pierre’s General Store | 70g |
Silver Quality | +70 | +31 | 187g | 205g | JojaMart | 87g |
Gold Quality | +90 | +40 | 225g | 247g | Days to Grow | 7 days |
Iridium Quality | +130 | +58 | 300g | 330g | Regrowth | No |
This purple grain can be used to create Pickled Amaranth through a Preserves Jar, and Amaranth Juice through a Keg.
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Amaranth Artisan Goods |
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Selling Price |
Artisan (+40%) |
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Amaranth Juice |
337g |
471g |
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Pickled Amaranth |
350g |
490g |
While these additional fall crops may offer a different level of profitability than berries, pumpkins, or Sweet Gem Berries, their moderate returns and versatility make them valuable assets to consider.
By diversifying your crop selection, you can maximize your profits, expand your culinary horizons, fulfill community center requirements, and create a thriving and diverse farm in Stardew Valley.
Embrace the opportunities these fall crops present, and let your farm flourish with abundance and success.
Conclusion
Fall is a season of immense opportunity for farmers in Stardew Valley. You can maximize your profits and ensure a successful season by strategically selecting and cultivating the best crops, such as berries, pumpkins, and Sweet Gem Berries.
Consider factors such as growth time, multiple harvests, and other uses in recipes and bundles when selecting your crop. With careful planning and optimization, your fall harvests will be abundant and profitable, bringing you one step closer to fulfilling your farming dreams in Stardew Valley.
