Crops of Kingsley Plantation

These crops are grown each year in the demonstration garden.

 
Image of sea island cotton bud. Background is out of focus

Sea Island cotton was the cash crop at Kingsley Plantation from the 1790s until the American Civil War (1860-1865). Valued for its long, silky fiber, the plant liked the sea island climate of Fort George Island and other sea islands from Florida to South Carolina. This cotton had to be worked entirely by hand to protect the long fibers.

 
Image of indigo plants

Indigo was the original cash crop of Fort George Island, where Kingsley Plantation is located. The green leaves and stems produced a rich blue dye that was highly valued throughout the world. The banana-shaped pods are the seed pods, and the plant also produces small pink flowers.

 
Image of okra bloom. Background is filled with plants

The plantation was self-sufficient, so all food needed for the planter's family and the slave community was grown here. Okra is one example of a crop with African roots that became a staple of southern cooking. Other provisional crops included beans, potatoes, peas, sugar cane, squash, gourds, and many more.

Return to History of Kingsley Plantation.

 
Visit our keyboard shortcuts docs for details
Duration:
3 minutes, 4 seconds

Join Ranger Luke as he tours the summer demonstration garden at Kingsley Plantation.

Last updated: May 14, 2024

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

12713 Fort Caroline Road
Jacksonville, FL 32225

Phone:

904-641-7155

Contact Us