Best Sunflower Fields in North Carolina: Triad, Triangle & Charlotte (2026 Guide)
Last updated: 2026 | By Sarah Marchwiany
If there’s one flower season that takes over Instagram every summer, it’s sunflowers. Tall, bright, and dense enough to disappear into, sunflower fields are the single most photographed bloom of the year — family photos, maternity shoots, senior portraits, and engagement sessions are a genuinely common sight in NC sunflower fields every July. Unlike tulip season’s brutally short window, sunflowers give you a much longer stretch to plan your visit, but peak bloom at any individual farm still only lasts about a week or two before the flowers begin to droop in the summer heat.
This guide covers the best u-pick sunflower fields across North Carolina — organized by region so you can find the closest field to you, whether you’re in the Triad, the Triangle, or the Charlotte area — along with when to expect peak bloom, what makes each farm worth visiting, and how to time your trip for the fullest, most photogenic fields.
Looking for flowers in other seasons too? See our complete Pick Your Own Flower Farms in the Triad guide for tulips, lavender, zinnias, and more throughout the year. Want tulip season specifically? See our Best Tulip Farms in the Triad guide.
Sunflower Farms in North Carolina Map
Pick Your Own Sunflower Fields
Triad Area Sunflower Fields
Dogwood Farms – Belews Creek
- Website: https://www.dogwoodfarmsbelewscreek.com/
- More updates on the Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dogwoodfarmsupick
- Located just outside Winston-Salem, Dogwood Farms offers stunning sunflower fields with u pick sunflowers during late August.
- Admission fee is $12 per person. $5 for 65 and over. Veterans and kids under 7 are free.
- There is a fee of $1 per stem for sunflowers. Cosmos, Zinnias and Poppies are $6 for a dozen.
- Photography fee is $25 per hour.
- ***PETS ARE ALLOWED ON A LEASH***
Firefly Farm – Hillsborough
- https://fireflyfarmnc.com
- This family-run farm allows visitors to walk through the farm from flower patch to flower patch. You may see the horses, miniature donkeys, goats and chickens.
- The cost is $25/ticket. This is not a ”per person” price. You may share the ticket with friends or family. You will be able to harvest enough flowers to make several arrangements.
- U-pick hours during May through mid-September on Wednesdays through Saturdays 9 am through 9 pm.
Dewberry Farms – Kernersville
- https://dewberrymanor.com
- Dewberry Farms opens their popular U-Pick Sunflower Event on July 2, 2026 and it runs for about two and a half weeks. They plant 17 stunning varieties of bouquet sunflowers in rows for easy walking, with colors ranging from classic yellow to whites and deep reds. Lavender lovers can also enjoy the main lavender field or purchase dried bundles in the farm store. Additional blooms like zinnias, dahlias, gladiolus, and wildflowers are also available for picking. The farm includes charming photo ops, vintage tractors, a small hedge maze, animals, swings, and walking trails. Snacks and meals like pizza, donuts, donut sundaes, and slushies are available in the café. Open daily in two time blocks (8:00am–12:30pm and 4:00pm–8:30pm). No pets allowed, and don’t forget to bring your own clippers and container for flowers.
- Tickets must be pre-purchased online. Adults: $15.00 (includes 3 sunflowers to cut and take home) Children (ages 3–12): $5.00 Children 2 and under: Free
- Additional sunflowers are $1.50 each, zinnias are $0.50 each and dahlias are $2.00 each. You can purchase a 16oz cup for $15.00 and fill it up with flowers.
- 2026 Schedule
- 7/2 5:00 to 8:30
- 7/3,7/4,and 7/5 8:00am to 12:00 and 5:00pm to 8:30pm
- 7/6 & 7/7 5:00pm to 8:30pm
- 7/8 8:00am to 12:00pm and 5:00pm to 8:30pm, 7/9 5:00pm to 8:30pm 7/10, 7/11, 7/12 8:00am to 12:00pm and 5:00pm to 8:30pm
The Fields at Sunflower Trail – Mocksville *NOT OPENING FOR 2026 SEASON DUE TO THE DRAUGHT*
- https://thefieldsatsunflowertrail.com/
- Opening July 11, this family-friendly spot in Mocksville invites guests to walk the trail, snap gorgeous pictures, and pick their own sunflowers. The farm is open Friday and Saturday from 10am until dark, Sunday from 2pm until dark, and Monday through Thursday from 4pm until dark (weather permitting). Bring your own clippers and a bucket, especially if you’re driving a distance. Leashed pets are welcome, and there’s picnic space to enjoy your time outdoors. Be sure to check their Facebook and Instagram for weather updates and closing info.
- Admission is $10 per person (kids 5 and under are free), and parking is free. $1 a stem for Sunflower. Wildflowers are also available for six for $1.
- For professional photographers with scheduled clients, there’s a $25 hourly fee on top of standard admission.
Sunflower Fields in Triangle Area
Hill Ridge Farms – Youngsville
- https://hillridgefarms.com
- Sunflower and Zinnia Days return in August. The play park includes a splash pad, waterslide, wagon ride, and tons of play areas. Bring your own clippers; they’ll supply a water-filled baggie or fill your container. The play park closes at 5:30pm Wednesday–Sunday, but the sunflower field stays open until 8:00pm. Closed Mondays and Tuesdays. No pets allowed. Check their Facebook or Instagram for the latest updates or call 919-556-1771. Located at 703 Tarboro Road, Youngsville, NC.
- A visit to the sunflower field is included with play park admission ($18.95 per person; under age 2 free). Military and 65+ $16.95 per person
- If you only want to visit the sunflower field, a $5 Field Pass is available at the Country Store—kids under 12 accompanying an adult with a Field Pass are free. Sunflowers are $1 per bloom or $10 per dozen.
Odom Farming Company (Goldsboro)
- https://www.odomfarmingcompany.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ofcinc/
- Expecting to have sunflowers beginning around July 4, 2026, the summer sunflower field allows visitors to wander through the blooms, explore a sunflower maze, enjoy playgrounds and petting farm animals—no admission 2026, you just pay for what you pick
- You’re welcome to cut your own blooms at $1 per stem
- Bring your camera! Professional photographers pay a $30 day‑rate (no admission fee), and pets are welcome on leashes
Sunflower Fields in Charlotte Area
McLawland Farms (Charlotte)
- https://sites.google.com/view/mclawlandfarms/home
- A quaint 28-acre natural flower farm offering a relaxed, kid-safe atmosphere where visitors can spend 30–60 minutes roaming the fields
- You-pick sunflower sessions run through summer (June–August), alongside dahlias and other blooms. Appointments are free but required—booking opens mid-June for July flower picking
- The farm provides scissors and jars, or you can bring your own mason jar for a $2 discount
- Pricing ranges from $14 – specialty farmhouse jar, $20 – pint jar, $28 – premium quart jar (includes 3 specialty flowers), $38 – VIP jar (includes 5 specialty flowers), ($2 off for bringing your own mason jar!)
Lineberger’s Maple Springs Farm
- https://www.linebergersfarm.com/#/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linebergersfarm/
- Lineberger’s Farm offers u‑cut sunflowers typically in July (2026 expected week of 4th of July) and again in October, with blooms ready for picking across multiple seasons
- Visitors can cut their own sunflowers for about $1 per stem, with no admission fee to enter the fields
Oddie’s Sunflower Field – Salisbury *In full Bloom for 2026*
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Oddies-Sunflower-Field-100057655351467/
- 2955 Oddie Road Salisbury, NC
- Located in Walnut Cove, Oddie’s Sunflower Field is a simple and charming spot perfect for a peaceful visit or photoshoot. There’s no admission fee, though donations are welcome via the on-site box or Cash App ($OddiesSunflowerfield). The field includes rustic photo props like old farm planters and a hay rake, along with tables, chairs, and swings for relaxing. A porta potty is available for convenience. At the entrance, there’s a small vegetable stand (while supplies last) and handmade birdhouses for sale. This is a low-key, family-friendly spot ideal for a spontaneous visit or quiet afternoon among the blooms.
Carrigan Farms — Mooresville
- Address: 1213 Oakridge Farm Highway, Mooresville, NC 28115 (flower field west entrance)
- Website: carriganfarms.com Typical bloom window: Flower picking opens mid-June 2026 (inaugural year for the flower field); sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds, cosmos, celosia, and more through summer
- Pricing: $15 per person
- Four time slots per day: 9:30am, 10:30am, 5:30pm, and 6:30pm Booking: Required — reserve online before arriving
- 2026 is the inaugural year of Carrigan Farms’ u-pick flower field — a brand-new offering from one of the most beloved agritourism destinations in the entire Charlotte region. A fifth-generation family farm operating since 1902 on over 300 acres near Lake Norman, Carrigan already draws thousands of visitors for strawberry picking, quarry swimming, apple picking, and Scarrigan Farms haunted events in fall. The new flower field adds sunflowers, zinnias, marigolds, cosmos, and celosia to the calendar.
Howard Family Farm — Harmony
- Address: 250 Crater Road, Harmony, NC 28634
- Phone: (704) 539-4994
- Pricing: $1/Stem
- Website: https://howardfamilyfarms.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/howardfamilyfarm
- Typical bloom window: Fall sunflowers (per Charlotte on the Cheap, sunflowers and pumpkins arrive in fall); also offers tulips and strawberries in spring
- Located in Harmony about 57 miles from Charlotte, Howard Family Farm is a seasonal multi-crop farm offering something for every season — tulips and strawberries in spring, vegetables and flowers in summer, and sunflowers and pumpkins in fall. A great pick for families who want to make a multi-stop farm day combining sunflowers with pumpkin picking in the fall window. Check the farm’s Facebook page for current-season updates before visiting.
Curiosity Farm Flowers — Concord
- Location: Near downtown Concord, NC
- Website: https://curiosityfarmflowers.com/
- Every Friday in July from 6-9 PM
- Weekday Mornings By Appointment Only
- Pricing: $15 Quart Jars
- Curiosity Farm Flowers operates just minutes from downtown Concord and offers spring, summer, and fall u-pick events across multiple flower varieties. Beyond field picking, they offer workshops and flower subscriptions — making this one of the more versatile Charlotte-area flower farms for families who want to go deeper than a single visit. Pre-cut blooms are also available at their corner shop inside Nothing New Vintage in Concord, alongside candles, prints, and nature-inspired gifts.
Flower Farm Crowders Mountain — Kings Mountain
- Address: 513 Bunker Hill Rd, Kings Mountain, NC
- Website: flowerfarmcrowdersmountain.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowerfarmcrowdersmountain/
- A scenic u-pick experience near Crowders Mountain with handpicked seasonal blooms directly from the fields. Located in Kings Mountain — about 40 minutes from Charlotte and roughly an hour from Gastonia — this is a solid pick for families in the western Charlotte metro who want a flower farm with a beautiful natural setting near a state park. Check the website for current season bloom and pricing details.
Aurora Flora — Mooresville
- Address: 169 Judas Road, Mooresville, NC
- Website: auroraflora.net
- Typical bloom window: May through September
- Pricing: Individual cup (20-25 stems): $25; bulk bucket (75-85 stems): $75.
- Tickets required — book online in advance.
- Hours: Weekend u-pick sessions; pre-made bouquets available every Friday at 7pm (golden hour)
- A quarter-acre u-pick flower garden near Lake Norman with a continuous-bloom philosophy — the farm strives to have something beautiful at every visit throughout the season, not just during one peak window. Sunflowers, zinnias, cosmos, and a wide range of colors and textures make this one of the most popular Charlotte-area u-pick flower experiences on social media. The cup-and-shears model (tickets include a souvenir cup and cutting shears) makes for a very easy, well-organized visit. Pre-made bouquets on Friday evenings offer a no-picking option for anyone who wants fresh farm flowers without the full field experience.
Pocket of Poppies — Unionville
- Location: Unionville, NC (Union County)
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pocket_of_poppies/?hl=en
- Typical bloom window: Opens June 2026, open until first frost; u-pick hours posted monthly
- Pricing: $25 Pitcher – Fill it with as many flowers as you can fit , $65 Bucket (when available) , $13 Kids Vase , Dahlias are $1 per stem
- A genuinely charming small-scale u-pick farm in Unionville that operates through the full summer and into fall — making it one of the longest-season options in the Charlotte area. The kids’ vase option at $13 is a wonderful touch that makes this accessible for families who want to involve younger children in the picking experience at an affordable price. Hours are posted monthly on social media rather than as fixed weekly schedules — follow their social accounts starting in May for 2026 season announcements.
Bloomin at Wise Acres — Indian Trail
- Address: 4701 Hartis Road, Indian Trail, NC 28079
- Website: https://www.wiseacresorganic.com/
- Pricing – $3 per person field fee (Ages 3+). Included: Use of shaded picnic patch, playgrounds, animals, scavenger hunt, and photo flower fields. No rides. U-cut sunflowers 2 stems for $1 or fill your vase for $18.50. U-cut dahlias $2/stem or $18.50 for 10. Please bring a vase or bucket.
- Wise Acres Organic Farm is one of the most distinctive Charlotte-area farms on this list — USDA Certified Organic and operating with a genuine farm-to-community philosophy. Beyond u-pick sunflowers, the farm offers blueberries, strawberries, and pumpkins in season, and The Green House store adjacent to the farm sells pre-picked flowers (and berries) without a reservation, alongside ice cream, local items, and snacks. A food truck sometimes appears on-site as well, making this an easy afternoon destination that goes well beyond just picking. Reservations are required for u-pick experiences — check their Facebook page for current season dates and booking.
Sunflower Fields in Western NC – Mountains & Foothills
Justus Orchard – Hendersonville
- https://justusorchard.com
- While primarily known for its apple picking, Justus Orchard is a full seasonal destination for families looking to spend a fun-filled day outdoors. During late summer and fall, you can pick apples, blackberries, peaches, Asian pears, or pumpkins depending on what’s in season. Kids will love the Adventure Playground complete with slides, swings, climbing walls, and sandboxes. Apple cider donuts, fried apple pies, and apple cider slushies make snack time a treat. On weekends, families can ride the Cow Train, launch apples from the Apple Cannon, and bounce to their heart’s content on the Giant Jumping Pillow. Shady picnic spots and mountain views add the finishing touch to a perfect day at the farm.
The Never Ending Flower Farm – Barnardsville
- https://theneverendingflowerfarm.com
- Just north of Asheville, this beautiful farm offers dreamy views of sunflower rows backed by the Blue Ridge Mountains. Hours: Daily from 8am-8pm. No reservations needed!
- They have a $25 32oz Plastic Cup & $75 3 gallon bucket. They also have the glass vases (same as last year) but these will be an additional $3 to purchase the vase.
Flying Cloud Farm – Fairview
- https://flyingcloudfarm.net
- Located just outside Asheville in Fairview, Flying Cloud Farm offers a peaceful and scenic u pick flower experience from mid-June through October. While their focus isn’t solely on sunflowers, they often have beautiful varieties available, alongside zinnias, cosmos, and more. It’s a wonderful family-friendly outing where kids can learn about pollination and spot butterflies among the blooms. For larger orders, it’s best to make an appointment in advance. This no-frills farm is a perfect place to slow down, soak in the mountain air, and bring home fresh, seasonal flowers. Find them at 1860 Charlotte Hwy, Fairview, NC 28730
- Guests can fill a cup for $10 or a bucket for $25, with cups and small scissors provided.
- flyingcloudfarmnc@gmail.com.
Biltmore Estate (Asheville)
- The Biltmore Estate transforms into a summer sunflower paradise, with two stunning bloom waves lining the mile-long road from the historic house to Antler Hill Village. First wave: typically in early July, Second wave: around Labor Day (early September)
- Access is included with general estate admission ($55–75; $76–96 for house access)
- Families can visit Antler Hill Village, which includes a playground, Farmyard, ice cream shop, and Farmyard animal experiences
Sunflower Fields in Eastern NC – Coastal & Surrounding Areas
Trask Family Farms – Castle Hayne
- https://traskfamilyfarms.com
- Trask Family Farms boasts the largest sunflower field in North Carolina, complete with a sunflower maze open in June. Located just outside Wilmington, the historic farm is bursting with color from spring through late fall. They grow over 60 varieties of specialty cut flowers using sustainable methods, with blooms peaking in late spring through July, taking a short break in August, and picking back up from September through October. U-pick flowers are available by the container—purchased in their on-site barn store—and you don’t need to buy a container if you’re just picking sunflowers.
- Open Tuesday through Sunday from 9am to 6pm, this farm is a must-see for flower lovers and families seeking a full day of fun outdoors.
- Admission to the sunflower fields and maze is $10 (free for ages 3 and under). Individual sunflowers picked from the maze are $2 each. They also sell premade bouquets, offer vase arrangements, host seasonal workshops, and feature a produce market.
Other Sunflower Fields (Photography or Viewing Only)
Dorothea Dix Park – Raleigh
https://dixpark.org
Dix Park is home to one of the largest urban sunflower fields in the Southeast. It’s ideal for photos and leisurely walks, but no picking is allowed. This city-owned field blooms beautifully every July.
NC Museum of Art – Raleigh
https://ncartmuseum.org
Each fall, a vibrant sunflower field blooms behind the “Wind Machine” sculpture at the NC Museum of Art’s park campus. While this is not a u pick sunflowers experience, it’s a favorite spot for leisurely strolls, scenic photos, and connecting with nature. The field attracts pollinators, birds, and families alike who come to soak in the seasonal color. Free to visit and stroller-friendly, it’s a peaceful and artsy way to enjoy the beauty of sunflowers without leaving the city.
Why Sunflower Season Is NC’s Most Popular Bloom
Sunflower season earns its popularity for a few clear reasons. It’s the most visually dramatic of all the state’s flower seasons — tall, bright, dense fields that genuinely look different from any other bloom you’ll find locally. It has the widest practical bloom window of any NC flower, running from late June through September depending on the region, compared to tulips’ brutal two-to-three week window. And it’s the single most popular season for photography of any kind — if you’ve ever seen a friend’s family photos or maternity shoot set in a field of sunflowers, there’s a very good chance it was taken at one of the farms in this guide.
When Do Sunflowers Bloom in North Carolina?
General bloom window: Late June through September, with most farms peaking around early-to-mid July in the Triad and Triangle, and timing varying slightly farther south and east depending on planting schedule.
How to time it right: Sunflowers have a notoriously short peak — typically just one to two weeks of truly full bloom before the flowers begin to droop and fade in summer heat. Follow individual farms on Facebook and Instagram for real-time field updates; many post drone photos or percentage-bloomed updates as the date approaches, which is by far the most reliable way to plan your visit.
Morning visits are best: Sunflowers track the sun and tend to face east in the morning, which makes early visits both the most reliable photo angle (you’ll be shooting into open, sun-facing blooms rather than the backs of drooping flowers) and the coolest time to be out in an open field during a North Carolina July.
Tips for the Best Sunflower Field Visit
- Go early in the morning. Sunflowers face east and look their best in morning light, and you’ll beat both the crowds and the worst of the July heat.
- Time it to peak bloom. Sunflowers fade fast once they pass peak — follow farms on social media for real-time updates rather than relying on a fixed calendar date that may not match this year’s weather.
- Take sun protection seriously. Sunflower fields offer zero shade, and a North Carolina summer is genuinely hot. Hats, sunscreen, and water are non-negotiable, not optional extras.
- Want a maze experience? The Fields at Sunflower Trail in Mocksville is the only true sunflower maze in the Triad on this list — plan accordingly if that’s the experience you’re after.
- Bring cash. Most of these farms charge per-stem pricing, and smaller operations may not take cards.
- Wear closed-toe shoes. Sunflower fields can have uneven, sometimes muddy terrain depending on recent rain, even in the heat of summer.
- If you’re planning a photo shoot, check each farm’s photographer policy and fees in advance. Several charge separately for professional photography sessions, and most require or strongly prefer advance notice.
- Verify hours before a long drive. For farms further outside the Triad — including all of the Triangle and Charlotte area options — call ahead or check current social media, since smaller farms can have limited or shifting hours depending on the week’s bloom status.
Sunflower FAQs
Sunflower season in North Carolina is short but sweet—make the most of it with a scenic, memory-filled adventure at one of these local farms. Whether you’re picking your own blooms or snapping the perfect photo among golden petals, it’s a summer outing your family won’t forget.
Looking for more seasonal blooms in the Triad? See our complete Pick Your Own Flower Farms in the Triad guide and our Best Tulip Farms in the Triad guide for what’s blooming earlier in the year. Also be sure to check out The Ultimate Guide to Recreational Farms in the Triad
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