sunflower season - 2023
It's hard to resist the bold, cheerful charm of a sunflower in bloom. In recent years, sunflower farms and fields have become a late-summer, early autumn destination for the masses. My first trip to a sunflower farm was to the Pope Farm Conservancy in Middleton, back in 2017. I was instantly captivated by it's striking, cheerful beauty. People wandered up and down the paths surrounding the field, taking family photos, selfies, and close-ups of the blooms. Rows and rows of the blooms rising up the hill against a vibrant blue summer sky like a technicolor dream.
In the following years I made return trips. But when the decision was made not to offer sunflower days again, I started looking for other sunflower farms. Fortunately, there are many to choose from. I decided to put together a list of locations in Southeastern Wisconsin, and within a couple hours drive as well. Be sure to check out the websites and Facebook pages linked for more details. Not all fields bloom at the same time. Some are opening in late July, early August; some will open in September. Some offer U-pick flowers, some do not. Pricing structures, photography rules, etc. can vary. Due to weather and field conditions, it's always best to confirm before going. |
Sunflower Bits...
just some random facts about sunflowers ~ They are native to North America as far back as 3000 BC. ~ It takes between 70-120 days from planted seed to bloom, depending on variety. ~ Young, immature sunflowers rotate to follow the sun. Once mature, blooms forever turn eastward, toward the rising sun. Poetic, isn't it? ~ Every sunflower is actually made up of thousands of tiny flowers. ~ Wild birds will feed on the seeds formed in the head of the sunflower. ~ Mature sunflowers can be harvested for the seeds to grow even more sunflowers. ~ Each sunflower can contain as many as 2000 seeds. ~ There are 52 species of sunflowers. ~ Sunflowers are often considered a symbol of love and friendship. |
BUSY BARNS ADVENTURE FARM
September/October 2023 Sunflower Days At The Farm W7675 US Hwy 12, Fort Atkinson, WI |
SKELLY'S FARM MARKET
Tentatively Last Week July, Early August Skelly's Sunflower Experience 2713 South Hayner Road, Janesville, WI |
SHIMON SUNFLOWER FARM
Tentatively Opens Late July, early August Shimon Sunflower Farm - Facebook Page 2575 County Road CC, Slinger, WI |
LANNON SUNFLOWER FARM
Tentatively Opening in July U-Pick Sunflowers and More W204 N8525 Lannon Rd., Menomonee Falls |
THOMPSON STRAWBERRY FARM
August through October Pick Your Own Sunflowers 14000 75th Street, Bristol, WI |
OLD HOMESTEAD ORCHARD
September & October, see Facebook Sunflower Maze & U-Pick Sunflowers 7814 Raynor Avenue, Franksville, WI |
ROOTS & STEMS FLOWER FARM
Tentatively Early to Mid-August U-pick Sunflower Field 11627 Highland Road, Mequon, WI |
GIERACH ORCHARDS
To Be Determined - see Facebook Pick Your Own Sunflowers 9616 W. Bonniwell Road, Mequon, WI |
KELLEY COUNTRY CREAMERY
Tentatively July 24-Aug. 6 Sunflowers Taking Flight W5215 County Road B, Fond du Lac, WI |
JERRY SMITH FARM
Dates To Be Determined Seasonal Activities - Website 7150 18TH Street (Hwy L), Kenosha, WI |
VAN DER BROHE ARBORETUM
Sunflowers Blooming Early August Arboretum Meadows Are Blooming 3800 Lincoln Ave., Two Rivers, WI |
CENTRAL & GREEN BAY AREA WISCONSIN SUNFLOWER FIELDS
HELENE'S HILLTOP ORCHARD
Tentatively September 2 - 17th Sunflower Experience N1189 Quarter Road, Merrill, WI |
REI ENGINEERING with PEYTON'S PROMISE
Sunflower Field Dates To Be Determined Visit their Facebook Page for Updates 4080 N. 20th Avenue, Wausau, WI |
ARNOLD'S STRAWBERRIES
Sunflower Dates To Be Determined Visit Facebook for Details and Updates 343 Wood County PP, Rudolph, WI |
U-Pick Flower Gardens
In the run-up to sunflower season, last summer, I decided to check out some local U-pick flower farms. If you're wanting to have a stunning summer bloom bouquet to brighten up your space, or give as a gift, but you don't have a green thumb, check out these local flower farms.
Some of them offer both U-pick flowers and sunflowers (as well as apple picking in the fall). I ended up returning a few times to satisfy my craving for cheerful arrangements. It was fun to pick just the blooms I wanted. Most offer pre-picked bouquet options as well. As with the sunflower fields, be sure to check out their websites and/or Facebook pages for current field status. Heavy rains, super dry days, among other things, can affect picking dates and hours. It's best to bring your own gloves, clippers, and a vase or container for transporting your blooms home. |
EUGSTER'S FARM MARKET
U-Cut Flower Field Open Now Eugster's U-Cut Flower Field 3865 WI-138, Stoughton, WI |