When summer rolls around in Stardew Valley, every farmer has one question: What’s the best summer crop? Summer is one of the most exciting seasons in the game, offering a variety of crops that can rake in some serious cash. But not all crops are created equal. Some grow faster, some sell for more, and others look pretty on your farm. So, let’s dig deep and discover the best summer crop in Stardew Valley for your farm!
Why Choosing the Right Summer Crop Matters
In Stardew Valley, every season lasts 28 days, giving you a limited window to grow, harvest, and sell crops before they wither when fall begins. Choosing the right crop for summer can make or break your farming experience. From making a hefty profit to crafting essential ingredients, the right choice means more than aesthetics.
Summer crops offer many options, but you’ll want to consider growth time, profit margin, and regrowth potential. So, let’s explore some of the top contenders for the Stardew Valley’s best summer crop title.
The Top Summer Crops to Consider
While summer has many crops, some stand out from the rest. Below, we’ll look at the best summer crops based on profitability, growth rate, and versatility in the game.
Blueberries: The Profitable Powerhouse
Blueberries are the clear winner for many players if you’re aiming to maximize profit. Once harvested, they keep producing, meaning you won’t have to keep replanting after the initial growth cycle.
- Initial Cost: 80g per seed
- Growth Time: 13 days
- Harvest Yield: 3 blueberries per bush (with the chance of more)
- Sell Price: 50g per blueberry (without bonuses)
- Regrowth Time: 4 days
Why Blueberries Are the Best: Blueberries might take longer to grow than other crops, but they offer a high return once they’re ready. After the initial 13-day wait, they regrow every four days, and each bush yields multiple berries. Regarding passive income, blueberries are one of the best summer crops in Stardew Valley.
Starfruit: The High-Value Option
If you’re ready to go big or home, starfruit is another contender for the Stardew Valley’s best summer crop title. Though expensive, its selling price is astronomical, making it perfect for those aiming for quick, large profits.
- Initial Cost: 400g per seed (bought at the Oasis)
- Growth Time: 13 days
- Harvest Yield: 1 fruit
- Sell Price: 750g (essential quality)
Why Starfruit is a Game-Changer: Starfruit is Stardew Valley’s most valuable summer crop in single harvests. Even though it doesn’t regrow, its massive sell price compensates for the high seed cost. Starfruit is the ultimate summer cash crop for farmers who have a bit of extra cash and want a high return.
Hops: The Brewer’s Dream
Hops might be the best summer crop for players interested in artisan goods. They regrow quickly and are used to make pale ale, one of the more profitable beverages in the game.
- Initial Cost: 60g per seed
- Growth Time: 11 days
- Harvest Yield: 1 hop
- Sell Price: 25g (essential quality)
- Regrowth Time: 1 day
Why Hops are Special: Hops might not be worth much on their own, but they regrow daily and can be turned into pale ale, a high-value artisan good. This makes hops an excellent option for players looking to make a steady income over time, especially when combined with kegs for brewing.
Corn: The Multi-Season Crop
Corn has the advantage of growing through summer and fall, meaning you won’t have to replant once the season changes. Though less lucrative than blueberries or starfruit, corn provides a reliable harvest.
- Initial Cost: 150g per seed
- Growth Time: 14 days
- Harvest Yield: 1 corn
- Sell Price: 50g (essential quality)
- Regrowth Time: 4 days
Why Corn Is Reliable: Corn might not be the most exciting crop, but its ability to grow in summer and fall makes it a practical choice for farmers who want consistency. It also has a decent sell price and the advantage of producing without constant replanting.
How to Choose the Best Summer Crop for Your Farm
When deciding on the best summer crop in Stardew Valley, it’s essential to consider your current farm setup, budget, and plans. Let’s break it down:
Focus on Profitability
Blueberries and starfruit should be at the top if you’re focused on maximizing gold. With their regrowth cycle, blueberries offer a steady income stream, while starfruit offers massive one-time profits.
Consider Growth Time
Timing is critical in Stardew Valley. Some crops, like hops, regrow quickly, making them ideal if you prefer harvesting often. Others, like blueberries and starfruit, take longer but give a high return once ready.
Think About Regrowth
Crops like blueberries, hops, and corn have a regrowth cycle, meaning you only need to plant them once for multiple harvests. This reduces the time spent replanting, freeing you up for other tasks like mining, fishing, or tending to animals.
Artisan Goods Potential
Some crops are better suited for creating artisan goods, often selling for significantly higher prices. Hops can be turned into pale ale, while corn can be used for oil and tortillas.
CropGrowth TimeRegrowth TimeSell Price (Basic)Best For
Blueberries 13 days four days 50g per berry Steady income
Starfruit 13 days None 750g per fruit High one-time profit
Hops 11 days one day 25g per hop Brewing pale ale
Corn 14 days four days 50g per corn Multi-season crop
Additional Summer Crop Options
While we’ve covered the top contenders, a few more crops are worth mentioning. Even though they might not be the Stardew Valley’s best summer crop, they still have their uses.
- Tomatoes: They regrow every four days and are often needed in recipes.
- Melons: These are high-sell prices and are used in quality crop bundles for the greenhouse.
- Wheat: Snowballs but is more helpful in crafting than selling.
Tips for Maximizing Your Summer Harvest
To make the most of your summer in Stardew Valley, follow these tips:
- Use Fertilizer: Boost crop quality with fertilizers like Speed-Gro or Quality Fertilizer. This increases the chances of getting gold and silver quality crops, which sell for more.
- Plan Your Watering: Summer can be busy, so upgrade your watering can or invest in sprinklers to save time.
- Plant Early: Try to get your seeds in the ground on the first day of summer to maximize your growing time.
Conclusion: What Is the Stardew Valley Best Summer Crop?
Ultimately, the best summer crop in Stardew Valley depends on your goals. For steady income, blueberries reign supreme. For massive one-time profits, starfruit takes the crown. And for those who love brewing, hops are an unbeatable choice.
No matter which crop you choose, summer in Stardew Valley is an exciting time to grow your farm, build wealth, and enjoy the colorful season. So, get out there and plant those seeds—you’ve got a bountiful summer ahead!
By the end of the season, you’ll be swimming in gold, thanks to your careful crop choices, and you’ll know you’ve chosen the Stardew Valley best summer crop for your farm!