CARLSBAD The Flower Fields

Open March 1 - May 10, 2020, 9 a.m. -6 p.m.

5704 Paseo Del Norte
Carlsbad, CA 92008
(760) 431-0352
theflowerfields.com

$18 Admission
$16 Age 60+ years
$9 Age 3-10 years
$39 season pass

CALRSBAD, CALIF. — While old-timers in nearby Encinitas lament the loss of poinsettia fields, and Lompoc on the Central Coast misses its flower fields during the annual Flower Festival, Carlsbad's tradition continues annually with acres of yellow, pink, red, orange or white ranunculus for the public to see daily between March 1 and early May. The blooming hillside was given the unofficial name, the  flower fields,  by Carlsbad's residents, who began to consider it part of the local heritage. The name stuck, and was officially called The Flower Fields in 1993. Today, more than 150,000 people visit the fields each year. Through a joint venture between Carltas Co. (the land division of the Paul Ecke Family) and prominent grower Mellano & Co., The Flower Fields is the only ranunculus grower in the world that allows visitors to walk the fields to experience the flowers up-close.

ABOUT RANUNCULUS:

• Appearing in multiple layers of delicate, crepe paper-thin petals, the flowers look like origami masterwork
• Grow best in South & Western U.S. where winters are mild
• Top states for growing are California, Nevada, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, and Louisiana
• Plant in location in location with full sun, and well drained soil
• Most often grown from tubers, a jumbo planted in October yields approx. 35 flowers in March
• Cut flowers last approx. 7 days in water
• Most often grown as annuals

CARLSBAD, CALIF. -- Carlsbad Flower Fields are open to the public each spring around March through early May. The commercial enterprise charges a fee to wander through the fields of ranunculus and other flowers, located along the slope of a hill near the Carlsbad Outlet and Legoland California.

Those who stop will be glad to learn that Carlsbad in San Diego County is part of the massive flower and nursery industry that makes San Diego County the top growers of plants and flowers. Coming in #9 of all California commodities, Flowers and Foliage in San Diego comprise 50% these products in the state.  See California ranks of San Diego flowers & plants.

Edwin Frazee, a long time flower grower in San Diego County,  grew ranunculus overlooking the ocean and Highway 101, close to motorists traveling between Los Angeles and San Diego. A popular, unofficial, tourist attraction took root around 1993 when Frazee sought to retire. He contacted Paul Ecke, Jr., of the famed Poinsettia farms, who formed a joint venture with grower Mellano and Company. They decided that the tremendous interests in seeing the colorful flowers could be made into a tourist attraction, and  important way to keep the ranunculus fields financially viable.

The Flower Fields came into being and began developing its attraction with special events, including a sunrise Easter service in the fields.  More than  150,000 visitors each year tour the fields and attend special events.  The Flower Fields entered into a retail agreement with Armstrong Garden Centers to manage the retail store where you can buy quality flower-related products and gifts.