As we enjoy the last full month of summer, sunflower season is about to be in full swing — and lucky for us, New Jersey has a handful of sunflower fields and farms. To save you time and effort, we’ve curated a list of nearby sunflower farms to visit. A few of these farms allow you to pick your own flowers for your at-home bouquet and some even feature petting farms, activities for kids, and even mazes. Keep reading for a roundup of four sunflower farms to visit near Essex County, New Jersey.
The History of Sunflowers
Society’s relationship with sunflowers is long and complex. If you’ve ever studied the symbology of flowers before, you might have heard that different plants and flowers and even different colors of flowers symbolize different things. The giving and receiving of flowers have their own language.
For example, you might know that red roses symbolize true love, deep romance, and desire. Comparatively, yellow roses may be just as gorgeous, but their symbology is vastly different, as yellow roses tend to signify friendship. (Though historically, they first symbolized jealousy and infidelity). So, if your S/O gives you yellow roses, you may want to let them in on what the meaning is.
And roses are hardly the only flower with deep-rooted (get it?) symbology. Historically, sunflowers have been thought to symbolize adoration, loyalty, and longevity. They also have a reputation for being “happy” flowers and are given generally during joyous occasions. It makes sense: the word “sun” is literally in the name and the sun is associated with light, joy, and brightness — all symbols of happiness.
Sunflowers are also traditionally given for the third wedding anniversary as a symbol of adoration, loyalty, and strength.
One possible explanation of why sunflowers came to mean what they do now spans back all the way to Greek mythology. The ancient Greek myth of Apollo and Clytie “explains” why sunflowers turn toward the sun — a phenomenon called heliotropism. Heliotropism is the behavior of flower buds facing east in the AM and then following the sun as the earth moves throughout the day. Side note: Maybe if humans were heliotropic, so many of us East Coasters wouldn’t have to take vitamin D supplements or suffer from Seasonal Effectiveness Disorder.
Read More: Berry Picking Farms Near Essex County
Anyway, back to the Greeks: Clytie was a nymph who was in love with Apollo. At the beginning of their relationship, Apollo loved her, too, but it was a short-lived romance as he fell for someone else: Leucothoe. Enraged with jealousy, Clytie tattled on Leucothoe and Apollo by going to Leucothoe’s father. He punished his daughter by ordering her to be buried alive. Brutal, right? But the tragedy doesn’t end there. Clytie thought with Leucothoe out of the way that Apollo would love her again, but Apollo felt Clytie had betrayed him. The story goes that Clytie grieved, wilted, and slowly died. You might be wondering: What on Earth does this have to do with sunflowers? Leucothoe was buried alive, but from the dirt, she grew. Into a sunflower. She loved him, even as flora, and spent her days watching him as he traveled across the sky, moving the sun across it in his chariot. Some story, huh? Tell that at your next dinner party or happy hour.
Sunflower Farms Near Essex County
Now that we’ve totally sold you on all the hullaballoo about sunflowers, it’s time to visit a field yourself. Keep reading to discover nearby sunflower fields and farms to visit within two hours or so away from Essex County, New Jersey.
Alstede Farms | 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester Township, NJ
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Founded in 1982, family-owned Alstede Farms is known for its homegrown local fruits and vegetables, sunflower fields in the summer, and apple and pumpkin picking in the fall. When the sunflowers are in bloom through mid-September, the giant sunflower maze is a must-visit — and while you’re there, pick up a handful of Zinnias and Cosmos — they make for a vibrant bouquet of flowers. Other activities and attractions at the farm include summer camp, pony rides, a petting zoo, hayrides, homemade ice cream, brunches, food festivals, a fully stocked far store, and more. The farm is open 9AM-6PM daily.
Arrowhead Farmstead | 135 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan Township, NJ
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The flower fields at Arrowhead Farmstead are picturesque and host one of the state’s largest flower festivals. Visitors can admire sunflowers and enjoy tasty bites from 11AM to 7PM on Saturdays and Sundays. MG pro tip: Bring cash, as the farm only accepts cash payments.
Happy Day Farm | 106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan Township, NJ
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Happy Day Farm”s sunflower fields were designed with Instagrammable moments in mind. The team has props and installations throughout the field for photo opportunities such as hanging swings, painted doors, and more. Check the farm’s Instagram account for operating hours, which are weather dependent, but typically Wednesday Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10AM-5PM. Sunflowers and lavender are in bloom from mid-June to mid-August. Happy Day Farms also has fall-themed festivities every year.
Jersey Acres | 65 Eayrestown Road, Medford, NJ
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Jersey Acres is a sunflower-picking haven with various pricing options, typically around $2 per stem. The expansive sunflower fields provide excellent photo opportunities. We suggest bringing a hat and wearing sunscreen, as it can get quite hot and sunny. Call the farm at 856-236-3873 for open hours.
Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm | 2691 Monmouth Road, Jobstown, NJ
Johnson’s Locust Hall Farm providues a true farm experience and is open to the public as well as private events including weddings. Throughout the year, the farm has different attractions and activities. Guests can enjoy hayrides, an animal farm, pick-your-own seasonal crops, and more. The market has some of the best apple cider doughnuts around, but the sunflower field that is open through September is what makes the trip worth it. The farm’s hours are 10AM-7PM Friday, and 10AM-5PM Saturday and Sunday.
The New Jersey Sunflower Trail at Von Thun Farms | 438 Route 57 West, Washington, NJ
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Nestled in a scenic area of Warren County, VonThun Farms is open for the spring, summer, and fall seasons with events and activities for the whole family. The farm market sells homegrown fruits, vegetables, and Angus beef, as well as pick-your-own strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, peaches, apples, pumpkins, and of course, sunflowers. The Sunflower Trail is open from 10AM-5PM daily. The farm also has special events like the Strawberry Festival, and ‘Fall Festival’ weekends.
Snyder’s Farms | 586 South Middlebush Road, Somerset, NJ
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Snyder’s Farm has a sunflower trail where you can pick flowers for $2 per stem. MG appreciates that the team will wrap your flowers for safe travel home. There’s a $10 rental fee for cutting shears, which is credited toward your final purchase when you return them. Don’t miss the fall festival in October as well.
Sunflower Valley Farm | 366 County Road 12, New Hampton, NY
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Sunflower Valley Farm is a must-visit. While adult admission is $5, kids under five are free, making it the perfect family activity to do on the weekend. Admission can be paid by Venmo or cash-only on-site, and includes three free sunflowers (that you get to U-pick). Any additional sunflowers you bring home to fill out that kitchen table bouquet are an additional $1. The website recommends bringing your own cutter or scissors, as resources are limited. The farm is open Friday through Sunday from 10AM to 5PM. Food and drink are available on-site and for the kiddos, there’s a petting farm (but the farm recommends calling ahead to ensure animal appearances are available the day you’re coming), face painting, and a sunflower maze complete with photo opportunities. Leashed dogs are also welcome, so even furry family members can enjoy this outing.
See More: A Guide to Farmers’ Markets in Hoboken + Jersey City
Timberline Farms | 1413 Mays Landing Road, Hammonton, NJ
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Timberline Farms is a two-acre, naturally-grown sunflower field in Hammonton, NJ. This small, family-owned farm takes great pride in its work, maintaining a pesticide-free environment and ensuring that everyone can enjoy the fields safely. Call the farm at 609-666-4920 for open hours.
Ward’s Farm | 120 Bassett Road, Mannington Township, NJ
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Founded in 2012, Ward’s Farm is a cut flower farm specializing in field-grown blooms like sunflowers, dahlias, gladiolus, cosmos, and zinnias, among others. The farm also hosts exciting events, including BYOB date night and Picnic Days: Sips + Sunsets in the Flower Fields. Ward’s is open from 5:15PM-8:15PM on Saturdays, and 11:30AM-1PM on Sundays,