Sunflowers are blooming at Raleigh’s Dix Park, but (literally) lower your expectations
Visitors to Dorothea Dix Park may notice some differences this summer.
The lack of rainfall and high temperatures aren’t just adversely affecting North Carolina’s corn crops, they’ve come for the sunflowers, too, The N&O’s Summer Desk has learned.
“Mother Nature throws different things at us every year, so we always have a little variation out there,” Lauren Danforth, the marketing and communications manager for Dix Park told The News & Observer. “The sunflowers are maybe a little shorter this year due to the dryness, but otherwise, the field has grown in, and the flowers are blooming, which they would do in spite of that.”
While Raleigh hasn’t received as much rainfall this year, the Raleigh Parks, Recreation and Cultural Resources Department irrigates the Sunflower Field. Plants are estimated to be, on average, about 3 feet tall this year, Danforth said.
Raleigh Water planted between 80,000-100,000 Black Oil Sunflower Hybrid seeds in early May. Fewer seeds were planted this year than last year, but that’s because different varieties have different planting recommendations, Danforth said.
If you’re planning to visit the Sunflower Field this year (more than 100,000 people typically see the flowers each summer), keep this information in mind.
When to see the sunflowers
The sunflowers are in peak bloom now, Danforth said. They’ll remain in bloom for about a week and a half or two weeks, depending on the weather. Check for updates on the sunflowers on Dix Park’s website.
Dix Park is open daily from dawn until dusk.
“We’re really excited that they’re blooming and really want the community to enjoy it,” Danforth said. “We know that it’s something that folks look forward to all year round.”
Where in the park is the Sunflower Field?
The Sunflower Field is located along Hunt Drive between Umstead Drive and Western Boulevard. The park map shows where the field is.
Do I need to pay to see the sunflowers?
There is no fee to visit Dix Park or enter the Sunflower Field, and no reservations are required.
Where to enter & park
Two entrances to Dix Park lead to the 5-acre sunflower field.
- From Western Boulevard, enter the park on Hunt Drive.
- From Centennial Parkway, enter on Blair Drive.
Public parking is available on weekdays, evenings and weekends.
- Weekdays: There’s a gravel lot at 75 Hunt Drive and a paved lot near the Magnolia Room at 1700 Umstead Drive.
- Weekends & Evenings: Use any parking lot.
Paved parking lots have ADA spaces, and additional ADA spaces are located near the Magnolia Room at 1987 Umstead Drive. From the Umstead Drive lot, visitors may use an accessible path to get to the Sunflower Field. But the park website notes that there is some uneven ground, and it’s not fully ADA accessible.
Pedestrians may enter the park using the Rocky Branch Trail or Centennial Bikeway Connector.
Can I bring my pet?
Well-behaved and leashed pets are allowed in the Sunflower Field. But pet owners should pick up after their pets and keep them on the designated paths.
Can I take sunflowers home?
No. Do not pick or cut the flowers, and do not eat the sunflower seeds.
Can I take pictures in the Sunflower Field?
Visitors are welcome to take pictures of and in the Sunflower Field.
Professional photographers are allowed to have photo shoots in the field, but they must have a commercial photography permit, issued by the City of Raleigh.
Drones or other aerial devices are not permitted in the Sunflower Field.
While wandering around the field, visitors are asked to stay on the paths so they avoid trampling the flowers.
It’s hot as Hades. Where can I hydrate?
There is a water station at the Magnolia Room. Shaded picnic tables and hammocks are available in a grove near the field, as well.
Visitors may bring their own water, and Danforth also recommends hats or umbrellas.
Will there be food at the Sunflower Field?
The park department is tentatively planning to have food trucks, music and Trophy Brewing beer at the park July 13, Danforth said. Details on the plans are expected to be released by early next week.
Are there restrooms near the Sunflower Field?
ADA portable restrooms are located at the field and Magnolia Room.
Indoor bathrooms are at The Stone Houses, open 8 a.m.-8 p.m. daily. There are also indoor restrooms at The Gatekeeper’s Cottage Visitor Center, open 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays and 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
This story was originally published July 5, 2024 at 11:47 AM with the headline "Sunflowers are blooming at Raleigh’s Dix Park, but (literally) lower your expectations."
