There’s already so much beauty in Southern California with the mountains, hills, and the coast. Now you can add 50 acres of beautiful colorful flowers. The Flower Fields of Carlsbad are a hop-and-skip from San Diego, across the Pacific Ocean and a sight that will have you in awe.The Carlsbad flower fields are located at Carlsbad Ranch and make up one of the most beautiful and productive working flower ranch areas in North America.
The ranch first started in more than 85 years ago when Luther Gage brought ranunculus seeds and planted them in a field. Now nearly 125,000 people visit the fields every year.
My Mom and Me Enjoying the Flower Fields
What are Ranunculus Flowers?
The ranunculus flowers planting begins in the fall when millions of seeds are sown in rows up and down the fields. The seeds are then covered with mulch and compost. These seedlings begin germinating after around four to five weeks. Each plant takes around six months germination to the beautiful blossoms that draw thousands of spectators each spring.
The Carlsbad flower fields feature 80 million blooms during the peak flowering time in the spring. Things don’t stop after the flowers are cut and sold. Workers then begin harvesting the each plant’s bulb which are dried and sorted. These bulbs are then packaged and sent to garden centers around the world. In Southern California they are sold at Armstrong Garden Centers and elsewhere in the United States and in Europe are sold under the name “Easy Grow.”
New Attractions at the Flower Fields
2018 brings a number new sights to behold:
- Renovations and brand new luscious landscaping
- Display gardens developed by San Diego Master Gardeners
- Fragrant sweet pea maze with new pathways
- New greenhouses offering classes for local elementary students and residents
- New picnic area allowing guests to bring in food or enjoy the array of delectable food that is available at The Flower Fields
The Poinsettia Greenhouse
Aside from the new attractions and renovations there are the rose garden, orchids, and even a greenhouse full of poinsettias. The Carlsbad flower fields are open for a few more weeks for you to enjoy the colorful display of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers. The flowers bloom for around six to eight weeks.
Where to Go
The Flower Fields is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. through May 13 at 5704 Paseo Del Norte, Carlsbad, CA 92008.
How Much Does it Cost
Season passes are available but this late in the season I recommend picking up your ticket at the door.
- General admission – $16
- Seniors 60 and older – $14
- Children ages 3-10 – $8
Wagon rides are per person
- Adults – $5
- Children – $3