The “helianthus annuus,” more commonly known as sunflowers, are a symbol of happiness, and of summer. They are interesting flowers that adore the sun, moving to face its warmth in the day and rotating to welcome the sun when it rises in the morning. There are a few farms in and around Ottawa that allow you to pick your own to take this symbol of joy, home with you!
Though the bloom period of Sunflowers depends on a variety of factors, you can visit them from late July to late August in Ontario, but are best visited mid-August.
Sultan Farm Sanctuary
The anticipated bloom date is mid-August 2023
8520 Flewellyn Rd, Ashton – Ottawa
By Donation; Suggested donation amounts are $5 per person or $20 per family.
Green Corners Farm
Green Corners has planted sunflowers for you to pick this summer season. A mixture of various non-hybrid varieties and the second section of Sunrich Summer Orange. Over the next several weeks ProCut Brilliance, Firecracker, ProCut Horizon, Sunrich Lemon Hybrid, and ProCut Plum will become available.
August 2023
Green Corners, 1259 York’s Corners Road, Ottawa
$3 to $20
Fields of Gold
Offering walks through “literal fields of gold,” Fields of Gold Farm is a stunning place to visit the remarkable sunflowers! Run and operated by a local couple, they have made the location one of a kind and very memorable. Book a private tour, stroll through the fields, take loads of photographs in a private pod, and bring home fresh cut flowers.
July 26 to August 24, 2023
17650 Strathmore Road, Monkland, North Stormont
Varies starting from $15.
La Belle de Coteau-du-Lac
La Belle de Coteau-du-Lac is a lovely fruit, vegetable and flower farm. Get your chance to experience the unique “garden sun,” where you can wander at your own pace amongst the sunflowers. There are over 40 varieties of sunflowers, which includes captivating colours including yellow, red, black, white and cream! You can take pictures, pick your flowers and even have a relaxing picnic in the sunflowers fields with products grown right on the farm!
August 18 to September 4, 2023
75 Rte 201, Coteau-du-Lac, Quebec, 90 minutes from Ottawa
varies, starting at $13. Children under 3 go free.
Central Experimental Farm
This large farm is a must-do when it comes to enjoying the cheerful sunflowers. Central Experimental Farm has a small acreage of sunflowers growing happily, and they encourage visitors to appreciate the flowers, reflect in nature and pose for a few pictures, too!
2023 – TBA
Merivale Rd/Baseline Rd, Ottawa
Free