When will the sunflowers bloom and when is the event?

Our 2023 event will be July 22-30. We plant our flowers in hopes that they will be in peak bloom for the event. Mother nature is unpredictable and sometimes the peak bloom may be a little early or later depending in the weather. Please check the Sunflower Status before you plan your trip. It is very difficult to know exactly when the field will bloom. The peak bloom lasts for about two weeks.

What are your hours?

Sunflowers for Wishes hours are from 10am-8pm. Ice cream shop hours are 11am-9pm.

Where do I park?

We have parking at the ice cream stand, but it fills very quickly. Additionally we open a large field for you to park in. All busses must park in the field on Route 201. Busses cannot unload passengers at the ice cream stand parking lot. We do not expect your vehicle to get stuck in our fields but if you do for whatever reason you will be responsible for calling and paying for towing.

How much is admission?

There is no admission fee for the walking field that is nearest to the ice cream building. The admission fee to the cut your own field is $3 per person. 

Can I pick sunflowers?

Please do not pick the sunflowers in the walking field. These are left standing for everyone’s enjoyment. Beginning 2020 we transitioned to cut your own sunflowers in the cutting field only. There is a $3 per person admission donation and a $3 per flower fee.

Do you sell the sunflower seeds?

No we do not. The sunflowers are harvested while the seeds are still immature.

Do you have cutting shears available?

Yes we do! Please do not bring your own cutting tools. We will provide them for you. Any tools or knives will not be allowed into the field. Our volunteers will sanitize your shears after you are done using them. Please use extreme caution when cutting the sunflowers as the shears are very sharp.

Do I have to buy sunflowers or can I just come and look?

 You are welcome to simply come and enjoy the sight. We do this event as a benefit for the Make-A-Wish Foundation so any donation or purchase is appreciated. Please respect the privacy and boundaries of those living and working on the farm by keeping out of marked areas and off of cropland; and by parking in designated spaces and adhering to visiting hours. Never open any closed gates, or enter barns. Anyone not respecting our guidelines will be asked to leave the farm.

Are there bathrooms available? 

Yes, there are port-a-johns available, most of which are handicapped accessible.

Is the event handicap accessible?

There is limited handicapped parking available near the ice cream stand and there are handicap port-a-johns available. This is a working farm so although we are accessible it is not always easy to maneuver. The farm is not paved, it can be uneven, rocky, and muddy if wet. Service dogs are welcome.

Will there be food, or can we bring a picnic?

We have our delicious farm fresh ice cream, of course! You are welcome to bring your own food, however, please stay out of the farm fields when picnicking. There are places around the ice cream stand where you can toss a blanket down and enjoy a picnic. Space is limited. There are also several picnic tables available. Please be respectful and place all trash in receptacles. 

Can I take pictures?

That is one of the best parts. We do have some guidelines that we ask you follow.  Photo sessions are only available during event hours, and are not available after the event has ended.

Are pets allowed?

Well behaved dogs that will not bother the farm animals are allowed.  

What should I bring and wear?

We are a working farm. We open our fields for this event and fields are uneven and rocky. There are walking paths through the main sunflower field. Please choose appropriate footwear for your visit. Sturdy shoes or even rain boots are a good choice as the fields can get muddy. Bring a bucket with some water for your sunflowers (leave in the car) for the ride home. 

How do I care for my sunflowers?

Try not to leave your flowers in the sun for too long especially mid-day. Keep them in a bucket of water for the drive home to ensure freshness.  

How to keep your cut flowers blooming as long as possible: We cut flowers early in the day when the sun isn't as hot. Put them in water right away and keep out of the hot sun. Don't leave them in a hot car. When you get them home, sunflowers will do best with indirect sunlight and the cooler it is the longer they last. Sunflowers drink a lot of water so check the water level daily and change it if it gets cloudy. Adding flower food will not prolong the blooming time.

My sunflowers are droopy, can they be saved? Yes, well as long is it wasn't for a couple days! Sunflowers are tough, get them fresh water right away and out of direct sunlight. They should perk up within a few hours. 

Can I bring a stroller or wagon?

Yes, This is a working farm so although we are accessible it is not always easy to maneuver. The farm is not paved, it can be uneven, rocky, and muddy if wet.

Can I volunteer?

Of Course! We recommend reaching out Make-A-Wish of CT directly.

How do I contact you with questions?

If you still have questions after reading through our website, email is the best way to reach us. We receive so many calls and emails that it is difficult to respond to everyone in a timely manner, which is why we created this FAQ page. Once we open for the season, our phone line tends to be very busy, and we will not be able to answer emails during the day. If you want to know if we are open or how the flowers are doing you can check our Sunflower Status and call a pre-recorded message at 860-376-4081 

You only have this event for 9 days at the end of July, what are you doing the rest of the year?

We are a working farm and we make our own ice cream which is available from March 1 to October 31. We also raise beef cattle, and have a corn maze in the fall.