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 the Sunflower Blooming Season?
The sunflower blooming 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 Across 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 Viewing Sunflowers
If you plan to visit sunflower fields, here are some useful tips:
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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.
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Come prepared. Bring sunscreen, hats, water bottles, and insect repellent. Scope out parking availability and restroom access beforehand.
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Respect the flowers. Don’t pick without permission, trample or damage plants. Be cautious of bees buzzing around blooms.
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Focus your photos. Zoom in on single sunflower heads rather than wider shots across fields for more impact. Capture visitors posing and interacting.
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Share on social media. Hashtag photos with the farm name and location. Tag the farm if possible so they can share your images.
Growing 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 growing tips:
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Choose a sunny, sheltered spot with fertile soil. Space plants 1 to 3 feet apart depending on mature height.
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Sow seeds 1 inch deep and 6 inches apart. Keep soil moist until sprouting in 7 to 10 days. Thin seedlings for proper spacing.
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Add compost or fertilizer when planting to encourage strong roots and stems. Side dress growing plants monthly.
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Water sunflowers when top few inches of soil become dry. About 1 inch per week is sufficient.
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Insert stakes around plants to support tall stems once they reach 2 to 3 feet.
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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!
In Summary
The sunflower blooming season runs from early summer through early fall depending on your region. Across the United States, the season starts in the South and moves North as temperatures warm. Prime viewing spots can be found across the country, especially in California, the Midwest and Great Plains states. Sunflowers bloom for a short period, so timing is key. For the full experience, visit a picking farm to gather fresh bouquets. And for easy access, plant your own sunflowers to enjoy at home.
Know Before You Go
We recommend outdoor essentials like sunscreen, hats, bug spray and close-toed shoes.
- Please stay on the paths in the field so as not to trample the flowers.
- Picking or cutting the flowers
- Eating the sunflower seeds – the sunflowers are planted on a former landfill
- Off-leash pets
- Outside alcoholic beverages
- Smoking or vaping
- Weapons of any kind
- Littering
- Drones or other aerial devices. These are welcome on the Big Field only.
- Setting up freestanding tents or large structures
- Unauthorized vending or solicitation
Driving
- Via Western Boulevard: Enter at S. Boylan Avenue or Hunt Drive
- Via Centennial Parkway: Enter at Blair Drive
Parking
- Follow event signs
- See map below for recommended event parking.
Biking or Walking
- Via Rocky Branch Greenway: Enter at S. Boylan Avenue
- Via Centennial Bikeway Connector: Enter at Blair Drive
Well behaved, leashed pets are welcome. Keep pets on pathways and picked up after them.
Indoor restrooms are available at The Stone Houses seven days a week from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm
Accessible pathways at the Sunflower Field will lead from parking located at 1700 Umstead Dr. into the picnic area and sunflower field. Please note, due to the condition and grade of the area, there is some uneven ground under the pathway matting and it is not fully ADA accessible.
Parking: Recommended ADA/accessible parking area is near the Magnolia Room at 1700 Umstead Dr. All paved parking lots have ADA parking paces.
Restrooms: ADA temporary restrooms are located at the Sunflower Field and Magnolia Room. Indoor restrooms are available at The Stone Houses seven days a week from 8:00 am – 8:00 pm and at the Gatekeepers Cottage Visitor Center, which is open Thursdays & Fridays, 9:00 am – 2:00 pm and Saturdays & Sundays, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm.
Currently, portions of Dix Park – including around the sunflower field – have uneven paths and surfaces, and are not fully accessible for all mobility needs. Accessibility is a primary focus for park improvements currently in progress and all planning and development initiative. Learn more about Accessibility at Dix Park.
Planning a visit to Dix Park and have questions about accessibility? Contact us at [email protected] or 919-996-3255
Professional photographers are welcome to have photo shoots/sessions with clients at the Dix Park Sunflower Field, however, a commercial photography permit is required for City of Raleigh Parks. You can apply for an annual permit directly through the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department. This is a one year permit and covers all City of Raleigh Parks. To apply for the permit, please contact Jennie Saponaro with Raleigh Parks at 919-996-4905 or [email protected].
Contact us at [email protected] or call 919-996-3255
About the Sunflower Fields SVG
Update: Dix Parks sunflowers bloom in July. Check back for 2025 updates!
- The Sunflower Field is free to visit
- Dix Park is open 7 days a week, from dawn until dusk
- The Sunflowers usually bloom for two weeks in July.
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Gold Finch, photography by Bob Karp
Check back for details soon for this summers sunflower event. Park visitors can expect a dazzling show of sunflowers, food, beverages, live music, and more!
The Sunflower Field is free to visit and open 7 days-a-week, from dawn until dusk. Click here for our park map featuring parking lots for this program.
Grow SUNFLOWERS from Seed – 120 DAYS
FAQ
What months are sunflowers in season?
What months can you get sunflowers?
Sunflowers bloom from summer to autumn. Depending on the variety, annual sunflowers take 11-18 weeks to flower from seed. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to sow sunflower seed every couple of weeks, so you’ll have a constant supply of cheerful blooms throughout summer.
What is the best season to see sunflowers?
The seasons to visit are mainly November through January. They plant the fields in such a way that at least people see some flowers during these months. The best time to take photos are in the morning. We saw the sunflowers bending down during the noon and nobody can take good pictures.
What month is known for sunflowers?
August is considered the peak growing season for sunflowers, which is why National Sunflower Day is a perfect time to experience the beauty of vast fields of golden awe. Brilliant fields of yellow flowers welcoming the morning sun can be found throughout North Dakota.
When is sunflower season?
Sunflower season falls in August-September in most climates. The peak of the flowers blooming usually occurs in late August to early September. Sunflower blooming season generally aligns with back-to-school and with annual fall fairs and events to mark the start of the harvest season. Sunflower seeds are typically harvested later in September.
Is there an off-season for sunflowers?
While sunflower season is undoubtedly a sight to behold, there is also an off-season when these flowers are less readily available. Typically, the off-season for sunflowers occurs during the colder months, such as late autumn and winter. The shorter days and colder temperatures make it challenging for sunflowers to grow and bloom.
When do sunflowers bloom?
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.
When is the best time to see sunflowers?
Nothing signals the summer like gorgeous yellow fields of sunflowers. As we say goodbye to the cherry blossoms and many wildflowers, we welcome new carpets of bright flowers, such as sunflowers and lavenders. The best time to see sunflowers is between the middle of June and the middle of July, when they are at their fullest bloom.
Where can you eat sunflowers during the peak season?
Sunflower fields and farms are popular destinations during the peak sunflower season. Many farms offer u-pick sunflowers and other activities, such as hayrides and corn mazes, during the blooming phase.
Are sunflowers annuals?
During the sunflower season, sunflower fields and farms come to life with rows of towering sunflower plants in bright yellow and deep red hues. Sunflowers are an annual plant that completes their life cycle within a year. They can be grown from seed in various conditions, including poor soil and drought-tolerant environments.