Each summer, rolling hills of golden sunflowers consume our Instagram feeds. Day trip adventures to sunflower farms are a beloved seasonal tradition for many New Jersey locals. Not only do visitors capture the perfect summer pictures for their social media, they also get to take in the serene beauty of the sunflower bloom and even pick with their own bouquet. But where are the best sunflower farms in NJ? We’re here to help you find the perfect spot for your sunflower photo shoot this summer!
When Are Sunflowers in Bloom in New Jersey?
While sunflower season often varies by farm in New Jersey, the projected sunflower bloom is usually in the months of August and September. These fast growing yellow giants mature in only 80 to 95 days and can grow to be over 16 feet tall. At full bloom, flower heads can reach over 12 inches in diameter depending on the seed. It’s not hard to be mesmerized by sunflower blossoms. In fact, the National Garden Bureau has even declared last year (2021) the year 2021 as the Year of the Sunflower!
Photo by Noah Gypson
Where You Can See Sunflower Farms in New Jersey
There are so many beautiful sunflower farms across The Garden State! No matter where you are in New Jersey, there is a sunflower field nearby ready to be explored this summer! Here is our comprehensive guide to some of the best sunflower fields in NJ.
1. Happy Day Farm — Manalapan, NJ
When it comes to growing the perfect, bright, yellow sunflower, Happy Day Farm knows a thing or two. This popular farm located in Manalapan, NJ opens its sunflower field to visitors from July 3rd to August 14th. Enjoy fresh-squeezed lemonade and shaved ices while strolling through the field and taking in the sea hundreds of yellow sunflowers.
Happy Day Farm encourages guests to bring cutting shears and a water bucket when picking their collection of sunflowers. The farm is open Wednesday to Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and the last entry is admitted at 2:30 p.m. sharp. They have yet to determine their admission price this year, but the farm only accepts cash payments. Children ages one and younger are free.
Happy Day Sunflower Farm | Photo by Johan Anblick
2. Sunset Flower Farm — Woodbine, NJ
Check out Sunset Flower Farm’s sunflower bloom this summer in Woodbine, NJ. The 17-acre farm is home to a variety of colorful flowers year-round, but their gorgeous sunflowers are at their most vibrant each August. This family-friendly farm is a fantastic day trip spot and is a popular attraction for Cape May County locals!
The farm cuts and bundles the sunflowers for you and is open from May through August on Thursday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunset Flower Farm’s Facebook page has all the information you need to help plan your visit!
3. Holland Ridge Farm — Cream Ridge, NJ
Holland Ridge Farm has been cultivating breath-taking flowers for over 100 years. With deep roots in the community, this family-run farm takes pride in its U-pick sunflower season which is just around the corner. This September the farm is welcoming visitors to their sunflower bloom and to pick as many sunflowers as you like. Each stem picked is only $1 and the field is perfect for scenic pictures.
Located in Cream Ridge, NJ and Holland Ridge Farm is open Monday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visitors are no longer permitted into the fields after 5 p.m., so make sure to get there by then to enjoy the view!
4. Alan’s Flower Farm — Chesterfield, NJ
Home to a wide variety of flowers harvested daily, Alan’s Flower Farm is in full bloom all summer. The farm’s sunflower fields are specifically at their peak during their harvest from July to October. Spend an afternoon surrounded by brilliant yellow petals that are bound to lift anyone’s mood. This stunning family-run flower farm is located right in Chesterfield, NJ.
5. Johnson Locust Hall Farm — Jobstown, NJ
During their summer harvest, this farm is full of fun activities for people of all ages, and sunflower picking is a fan favorite! Johnson Locust Hall Farm is located in Jobstown, NJ and is a sprawling 315 acres large. This historic property was built nearly 100 years before the 13 Colonies became independent. Johnson Locust Hall Farm produces eye-catching sunflowers that really do resemble the brightness of the sun.
The sunflower bloom begins in July and continues throughout August and September. Johnson Locust Hall Farm is open Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
6. Dalton Farms — Swedesboro, NJ
During summer afternoons at Dalton Farms, visitors can find themselves lost in rows of bright yellow giants or picnicking at one of the nearby ponds. This picturesque farm is 99 acres large and has family ties extending all the way back to 1790. Dalton Farms is known for having a vast variety of beautiful yellow sunflowers. Sunsets paired with the fields of sunflowers make for the perfect pictures that are definitely Instagram-worthy. Dalton Farms’ sunflower harvest begins in mid-August.
Located in Swedesboro, NJ, Dalton Farms is only 12 miles from the Delaware Memorial Bridge. They are open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.
7. Alstede Farm — Chester, NJ
Alstede Farm is another hot spot for family fun activities year-round. Ranging from hayrides and pumpkin picking in the fall, wine tastings and berry picking in the spring, along with sunflower picking in the late summer months, there is always something to do. Alstede has it all! Located in Chester, NJ, this farm starts welcoming guests to their sunflower harvest in mid-August into September. However, sunflower picking isn’t all Alstede has to offer. From 5 p.m. to dusk during harvest season, enjoy live music, wine, food and snacks under the sunset while overlooking the golden fields of sunflowers.
Alstede Farm is opening every day for picking from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. In order to participate in the pick-your-own program, you must purchase a ticket at the door, however children ages one and under have free entry.
8. Silverton Farms — Toms River, NJ
Priding itself on being locally-run, sustainable, and family-owned, Silverton Farms also is known for its enchanting sunflower fields! This young farm has been around for 24 years located in Toms River, right off the Garden State Parkway. Silverton Farms is open Thursday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Their sunflower harvest begins in mid-August, but check out their website before visiting to make sure they are in bloom!
9. Brodhecker Farm — Sparta, NJ
The magnificent color of these yellow sunflowers is jaw-dropping. Brodhecker Farm is renowned for its vibrant sunflower fields. Located in Sparta, NJ, Brodhecker Farm is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunflower blooms are at their peak in August, but be sure to call ahead before making the trip. Gazing into the endless rows of yellow flowers at dusk truly is another level of golden hour at Brodhecker!
10. Melick’s Town Farm — Oldwick, NJ
For nearly 300 years Melick’s Town Farm has been cultivating local produce and flowers! This historic farm in Oldwick, NJ has its flower fields blooming from July to September, with sunflower harvesting beginning in late July, early August. Take a summer stroll through their gardens and cut your own flowers!
Melick’s Town Farm charges by the stem, but also has pre-made bouquets available for purchase. They are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.
11. VonThun Farms — Washington Township, NJ
Nothing says summer like the blossoming yellow fields of the New Jersey Sunflower Trail at VonThun Farms in Washington Township, NJ. Open from now through Labor Day, the farm welcomes guests to participate in their U-Pick sunflower season, take pictures, and walk through their winding trails. They also have raspberry and peach picking at their Washington Township location and blueberry picking at their South Brunswick location.
VonThun Farms’ New Jersey Sunflower Trail is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on the weekends. Guests are encouraged to purchase tickets online in advance—weekday admission is $9.99 and weekend admission is $12.99. VonThun Farms charges $6 for picking three stems and $3 per stem after that!
Main Image Courtesy of Meg Aprill
About the Author/s
Meg is studying magazine journalism and civic engagement at Syracuse University with a passion for writing and editing. She is a Jersey girl at heart and has a slight obsession with Chai Tea Lattes.
