Are Sunflowers in Season Right Now? When and Where to See Sunflowers Bloom

Sunflowers are one of the most beloved flowers with their bright cheery yellow petals and tall, stately stems. When they’re in full bloom, fields of sunflowers are a stunning sight. But when exactly is sunflower season? Here’s a guide to when and where you can find sunflowers in their prime across the United States.

When is Sunflower Season?

Sunflower season runs from early to mid summer in most regions. Sunflowers are warm season bloomers that thrive in full sun and hot temperatures.

In the United States, sunflowers begin blooming in June in southern states like California Arizona, Texas and Florida. The season progresses northward into July, August and September as summer heat arrives in northern states.

Here are the peak sunflower blooming times for major US regions

• Southern States: Early to mid June
• Southwestern States: Mid to late June
• Midwestern States: Early to mid July
• Northeastern States: Mid July to early August
• Northwestern States: Late July through August

Some varieties, like mammoth sunflowers, bloom into September or even early October before the first fall frost. Sunflower bloom times can vary slightly depending on weather patterns each year.

Where to See Sunflower Fields in the U.S.

The top sunflower growing states are California, Kansas, Minnesota, North Dakota and Colorado. Here are some of the best places to see fabulous sunflower displays across the country:

California

• Sacramento Valley – Fields scattered throughout the valley surrounding Sacramento bloom June to July. Farms may allow visitors.

• San Diego County – The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch feature spectacular rows of sunflowers July into August.

• Antelope Valley – Extensive sunflower fields bloom around Lancaster and Palmdale in July. Prime spots like Underwood Family Farms allow picking.

Midwest States

• Illinois – Sunflower fields around Morris and Minooka bloom in July and August. U-pick farms like Goebbert’s and Heap’s Giant Pumpkin Farm are popular stops.

• Minnesota – The aptly named Sunflower Fields near Winona bloom with over 400,000 sunflowers late August into September.

• Ohio – Gorman Heritage Farm in Cincinnati has 5 acres of sunflowers that bloom late July through August.

• Indiana – glVertex Sunflower Farm in Bloomington boasts 15 acres of sunflowers in late summer.

Great Plains States

• Kansas – Fields around Lawrence and Wichita burst into yellow blooms in August. Picking is allowed at Grinter Sunflower Farm.

• North Dakota – The Jamestown area produces massive displays best seen late August into September during the annual Sunflower Festival.

• Colorado – Colorado Gators Reptile Park in Mosca transforms into a sea of sunflowers late July through August.

East Coast

• New York – Hurd Family Farm in the Hudson Valley welcomes visitors to their sunny fields throughout July.

• Maryland – Other Barn’s Sunflower Trail near Baltimore immerses visitors in 15 acres of blooms late June into July.

• North Carolina – McKee Farm in Saxapahaw opens their sunflower maze in mid July, with picking allowed.

West Coast

• Oregon – Cascade Sunflower Farm near Salem starts blooming in early July, with an annual festival on July 4th weekend.

• Washington – The Rison Ranch in Sumner hosts a Sunflower Festival in late July when their fields burst into bloom.

Tips for Sunflower Viewing

• Time your visit carefully. Sunflowers only bloom for 1 to 2 weeks in any given spot. Monitor farm websites and social media for real-time updates on conditions.

• Come prepared. Bring sunscreen, hats, water bottles, and insect repellent. Scope out parking availability and restroom access.

• Respect the flowers. Don’t pick without permission, trample or damage plants. Be cautious of bees buzzing around blooms.

• Focus your photos. Zoom in on single sunflower heads rather than wider shots across fields for more impact. Capture visitors posing and interacting.

• Share on social media. Hashtag photos with the farm name and location. Tag the farm if possible so they can share your images.

Sunflower Farms Let You Pick and Play

Many sunflower farms encourage visitors to pick their own blooms as a fun family outing or date activity. You can browse through vibrant rows, clip a few stems and gather a fresh bouquet to display at home.

Sunflower picking typically costs a small fee per stem or bucket. The average price ranges from $1 to $4 per bloom. Some farms provide shears and bags, while others allow you to bring your own garden clippers and containers.

Beyond picking, sunflower farms offer a full experience with photo ops in scenic fields, tractor rides, corn mazes, flower crowns, gift shops, snacks and more. A few highlights include:

• Riley’s Farm in Oak Glen, CA – Pick sunflowers plus explore a “living history” educational farm.

• Dallas Blooms in Dallas, GA – Wander 7 acres of blooms and pick a bucket of sunflowers.

• Greene Acres Farm in Standish, ME – Clip blooms then navigate their sprawling hedge maze.

• Thompson Strawberry Farm in Bristol, VA – Sunflower picking daily after strawberry season ends.

• Littlejohn’s in Walkersville, MD – Enjoy their Sunflower Spectacular with picking, wine tasting and live music.

Grow Your Own Gorgeous Sunflowers

If you’d rather skip the crowds and grow sunflowers at home, it’s easy to start them from seed in early summer. Most varieties take 70 to 100 days to bloom, so time plantings 8 to 12 weeks before your first fall frost date. Here are top sunflower tips:

• Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with fertile soil. Space plants 1 to 3 feet apart depending on mature height.

• Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Keep soil moist until sprouting in 7 to 10 days. Thin seedlings for proper spacing.

• Add compost or fertilizer when planting to encourage strong roots and stems. Side dress growing plants monthly.

• Water sunflowers when top few inches of soil become dry. About 1 inch per week is sufficient.

• Insert stakes around plants to support tall stems once they reach 2 to 3 feet.

• Harvest blooms for bouquets when the backs of flower heads turn yellow-brown. Leave some for seeds.

With their sheer size, vibrant hues and happy disposition, sunflowers create an instant mood boost wherever they grow. Get out and enjoy summer’s most glorious blooms while they’re at their brilliant best!