One of San Diego’s top signs of spring – rich, colorful blooms – are now on display in Carlsbad at the Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch.
The venue will be open for its first weekend of the season at 9 a.m. Friday. Current conditions in the fields, according to the website: “full of new growth as the ranunculus are blooming throughout the north-end!”
The Flower Fields includes nearly 50 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus, a flower renowned for the large, double-petaled blooms that sit atop tall, straight stems.
“We are honored to not only be a part of the area’s local heritage but to also have our annual burst of color be a part of so many individual family traditions … and photos,” said Fred Clarke, general manager of The Flower Fields.
Current activities, in addition to flower viewing, include:
- Tractor wagon rides
- U-Pick blueberries – seasonal two-acre blueberry patch. Purchase pint baskets for $5 each at the blueberry stand to be part of the picking.
- American Flag of flowers – red, white and blue petunias planted on a 300- by 170-foot hillside.
- The Artist Gardens – favorite paintings depicted in colorful gardens using flowers as an art medium.
- Historic poinsettia display – a 1,500-square-foot greenhouse filled with Paul Ecke poinsettias.
- Demonstration garden – features nine vignettes appropriate for small spaces or for those looking for earth friendly practices.
The history of floral cultivation at the venue stretches back for decades, beginning with Luther Gage, an early settler and horticulturist who settled in the area in the early 1920s.
General admission costs $22 for adults, $20 for seniors and military and $10 for children 3–10. Season passes are available for $46 for adults, $42 for seniors and military and $20 for children 3–10. Children under three get in free. Tickets must be purchased online.
The tractor/wagon rides are an additional $6 for adults and $3 for children.
