Spectacular New Jersey Sunflower Festivals You Don't Want to Miss

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First Time Planting a Sunflower

This is one of my favorite times during the summer. Sunflowers can be a beautiful backdrop to any photo. Take a walk in the fields to handpick your own flower to brighten your home. Or if you have a green thumb they are great to grow in your garden. Something I have tried, but we are working at it. You can see below. I will post updates on our sunflower. I think I will plant it in a small space in front of the house next time.

Sunflowers are one of my favorite flowers. They come in many other colors other than yellow. The flowers can be red or purple. The head of the sunflower is a combination of a thousand tiny flowers. In fact, each petal on the circumference of a sunflower is a flower itself. These long, colorful petals are known as “ray florets”.

Maybe it’s the face of the flower and yellow color that put a smile on my face and makes me happy. I used to watch movies on TV on big sunflower fields. I pictured myself running through the tall flowers and getting lost. Now I’m taking my children to the festivals making them smile in the hot sun while I get the perfect photo. Best of all. We are making memories.

How to Plant Sunflowers

If you’re looking to plant sunflowers. Don’t just go into your local store and pick them up and through in-ground. Do some research first. It’s best to do with any gardening. Sunflowers grow best in the sun.

Space seeds about 6 inches apart in a shallow trench between 1 and 2 inches deep. In sandy soil, 2 inches deep is better.
Cover and keep watered until seeds sprout in 7 to 10 days.
When the first true leaves appear (the second set of leaves); thin plants to about 2 feet apart.
Depending on the variety, sunflowers will mature and develop seeds in 80 to 120 days.
If possible, plant sunflowers in a spot that is sheltered from strong winds, perhaps along a fence
Sow a new row every 2 to 3 weeks to enjoy continuous blooms until the first frost.

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SUNFLOWER FIELDS

I had the pleasure of attending Alstede Farms in Chester, NJ last year and had a great time. We took a lot of pictures this day. It was really hot and we didn’t stay as long as I wanted. I suggest getting something cold to drink or trying out some homemade ice cream at the farm. Wear sunblock and proper clothing due to being out in the open fields. I suggest going early in the morning or later in the evening for better weather on hot days. The farm holds events all year. Check out the upcoming events.

https://www.alstedefarms.com/farm-events-calendar/sunset-with-sunflowers-event-2/

Donaldson Farms in Hackettstown, NJ is one of our favorites. The farm has sunset photography tours. We come to pick apples and they have the best strawberries that taste like candy. My husband loves it when I come home and surprise him with a freshly baked apple pie.

https://donaldsonfarms.net/