Del Mar - Encinitas - La Jolla - coastal San Diego real estate

Carlsbad flower fields

The 50 acre flower fields are open to the public March 12 through May 8. Although the coastal cities of Encinitas, Carlsbad and Leucadia used to be covered in flowers during the summer, this is one of the last ones around due to commercial development.  The fields specialize in growing Tecolote Ranunculus flowers, specifically for their bulbs which are sold to nurseries and people worldwide.  The farm is a year round operation to grow the bulbs, but it is only open to the public in the summer when they are in bloom. After the spring blooming season ends and the farm is closed to the public, the flowers are allowed to dry and die, with the bulbs storing up energy. Then in mid-summer, workers dig up the bulbs to be distributed for sale in nurseries and garden centers. Soon after, the planting begins for the next cycle of life.