Return of Carlsbad Flower Fields
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 in 2015 with acres of yellow, pink, red, orange or white ranunculus for the public to see daily between March 1 and May 10, 2015. 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. Admission $12, $5 optional wagon ride shown in photo. Call: (760) 431-0352
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
