Dix Park sunflowers are at peak bloom. When to go & where to park
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- Sunflowers at Dix Park have bloomed early, with peak viewing starting Sunday, July 13.
- City officials say storms and lightning may have accelerated bloom, aiding soil nitrogen.
- The flowers are free to visit every day, dawn to dusk. Bring sunscreen and stay hydrated.
Sunflowers are blooming earlier than usual at Dorothea Dix Park, and city officials say now is the time to visit.
The city announced Sunday, July 13 that the popular sunflower fields are already in full bloom, noting the whole field opened up over the past few days.
Why are the sunflowers blooming early?
Recent storms may have triggered the early bloom, according to a social media post from Dix Park.
Lightning can help plants grow, according to the University of Illinois, and the Triangle has recently had lots of it.
Lightning helps break down nitrogen in the air into nitrate, a form of nitrogen that is beneficial to plants, according to the university. The nitrate then dissolves into the rain and soil, indirectly helping the plants grow.
Last year, the flowers reached peak bloom in early July, but heat and drought made the flowers grow to only about 3 feet tall, The News & Observer previously reported.
Dix Park hours, parking
The N&O spoke with Lauren Danforth, Dix Park marketing and communications manager, to learn more about visiting the flower fields this year:
- The sunflowers are free to visit seven days a week from dawn until dusk. The field opened Sunday, July 13.
- Weekday Public Parking (Monday-Friday 6 a.m.-5 p.m.) is in Lot A, located off of 75 Hunt Drive. Evening and weekend visitors can park in any lot.
- Expect heat and strong sun, so bring sunscreen, hats, umbrellas and water to stay hydrated.
- The paths in and around the field have uneven ground and can be muddy. Closed toe shoes are recommended.
- Indoor restrooms are at The Stone Houses and Gipson Play Plaza 8 a.m.-8 p.m. every day, and ADA restrooms are temporarily at the Magnolia Room.
- An accessible pathway will be installed the week of July 14. ADA parking is located in lot near the Magnolia Room, located at 1700 Umstead Drive.
Visit dixpark.org/sunflowers to access the park map online and get more information.
This story was originally published July 14, 2025 at 5:16 PM with the headline "Dix Park sunflowers are at peak bloom. When to go & where to park."