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!