As part of a girls getaway to The Cassara Carlsbad in San Diego, California, my college bestie and I met up for a flower-filled feminine rendez-vous with the key highlight of visiting the glorious Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch. And part of that experience includes being dropped off by the hotel shuttle right in front of the entrance to the flower fields even though it is walkable from The Cassara. It was still humid, cool and misty, especially for this Phoenician but not enough to need a sweater which worked perfectly for our pretty, flowing dresses and my curly hair. There are 55 acres of Giant Tecolote Ranunculus flowers in various vibrant colors that bloom for six weeks starting on March 1st each year and lasting through Mother’s Day. My gift to my bestie was a break from being a mother and enjoying floating through the fields in what can only be described as a fairytale fantasy. It indeed feels surreal and if I were to do it again, would probably eat a marijuana edible first for even more of a magical experience. It’s legal in California after all! Head up though, The Flower Fields are an alcohol and tobacco-free environment. Pets, bicycles, and drones are also not permitted.
Regardless, the vibrant fields are dreamy and other worldly. The arrival of the flowers each year is nature’s way of announcing Spring is coming in North San Diego County of Southern California. According to the website, “The Fields today are a direct result of nearly 85 years of floral cultivation that began with Luther Gage, an early settler and horticulturist that settled in the area in the early 1920’s. Mr. Gage brought ranunculus seeds to the area and began growing them in his fields next to Frank Frazee’s small vegetable farm in South Oceanside. In 1933 Frank Frazee also started growing ranunculus and introduced his son Edwin to the art of seeding, cultivating and irrigating the pretty but not yet popular flower. At the age of 16, Edwin Frazee quit high school to work full-time on his father’s burgeoning flower operation.
In 1965 he moved his ranunculus along with gladiolus growing operation to the current site, land owned by the Ecke Family of Encinitas. They had previously used the land to grow their poinsettias but in the 60’s they moved all propagation into greenhouses. Paul Ecke Jr. and Edwin were both flower farmers which helped form a strong bond between the two men. When Edwin decided to retire in 1993, Paul convinced him to stay on as a consultant to a new grower to carry on his work. Paul brought in Mellano and Company, another long time flower growing family, to take over the growing of the beautiful ranunculus. Paul Jr. also looked at tourism as an important way to keep the fields financially viable as field grown agriculture had become increasingly more difficult over the years. The stage was set for the enduring preservation and promotion of this enchanting cultural emblem of Carlsbad. Hence, The Flower Fields at Carlsbad Ranch was born!”
Sadly, Paul Ecke Jr. died in 2002 and Edwin Frazee passed away two years later. But the goal to bring people closer to agriculture and keep the ranunculus blooming lives on each Spring. In 1999, The Flower Fields joined forces with Armstrong Garden Centers to manage the retail store where you can buy bulbs today. Tons of parking, an Armstrong Garden Center, special event opps, historical information, floral products and more are available each year. The Paul Ecke Jr. Barn can accommodate up to 200 guests for events, galas and weddings for a truly stunning backdrop.
Today, The Flower Fields represents the perfect synthesis of a robust working ranch and regional tourist attraction. Ample parking, an Armstrong Garden Center, special event opportunities, historical information, and floral products are provided to thousands of visitors each year. Additionally, our Paul Ecke Jr. Barn can accommodate up to 200 guests for events, galas and weddings. You can also volunteer at The Flower Fields for a great way to ground and give back to the community. Check out the Q&A page for any pre-planning questions and enjoy the stunning images below!
Our view of The Flower Fields from the balcony at The Cassara Carslbad which your eyes can gaze upon at any time from the property.Welcome to the The Flower Fields in Carlsbad, California.Immediately to the right when you walk in the gates at The Flower Fields.Flowers abound even at the entrance to The Flower Fields.I look up and there’s a tractor available if you want to take a ride at The Flower Fields, looking back at The Cassara Carlsbad.A little bit about the history and some faces to the names at The Flower Fields.My first vibrant no edits needed Nikon image at The Flower Fields. So dreamy!You really cannot take a bad photo at The Flower Fields.We started playing and spinning around in our dresses at The Flower Fields.Each section had color options to find your favorite shades at The Flower Fields.Best seen from our balcony view, a tribute to the American Flag at The Flower Fields.Flowers planted as the USA flag takes talent at The Flower Fields.Maybe a bright orange is your favorite color at The Flower Fields.Seating and benches are situated for those perfect photos in The Flower Fields. I tried out the yellow flowers here.We fell in love with this blood red hybrid bloom at The Flower Fields.For all the Barbies out there, a pink field of dreams at The Flower Fields.We tried out the white blooms too at The Flower Fields. Each section is roped off and people were being very respectful which was great to see!Had to catch a capture of this stunning beauty at The Flower Fields.It is tempting to want to lay in the flowers themselves I will admit at The Flower Fields and go full Wizard of Oz poppy style!Live music drew us to the stage at The Flower Fields.And then we fell in love with these truly Alice in Wonderland plant pots at The Flower Fields.Garden inspiration for sure at The Flower Fields.These delicate hanging flowers fascinated me at The Flower Fields.A perfectly cute and cozy place to sit and ground at The Flower Fields.My best friend enjoying The Flower Fields brings me joy too.A flower maze for those willing at The Flower Fields.Blooms line the walkways at The Flower Fields.Amazing scents from The Flower Fields.The colors make your eyes feel like this is not real at The Flower Fields.I may have hundreds more photos of these blooms and you will too at The Flower Fields.To make it look like you are in the field, seating is also available at The Flower Fields.Peek-a-boo we see you and the bench too at The Flower Fields.And last but not least, you gotta get on the tractor at The Flower Fields.I felt like I could play all day at this place and highly recommend it to anyone who loves nature at The Flower Fields. Try to go on off peak days if you can so you have less lines and more time to frolic among the flowers like we did!
