If Yolo County had an official flower, it would be a sunflower. In June and July, fields all across the region turn bright yellow when hundreds of acres of sunflowers bloom.
California’s sunflower seed growers have supplied the world with hybrid seeds for many years, most of which are grown for sunflower seed oil. Even though two seed companies recently moved out of state, you’ll still find plenty of Yolo County farmers growing giant, cheerful blossoms.
Sunflower viewing is one of our favorite summer activities at VCE! Here are a few suggestions for how to charge up your own Instagram feed with some solar (flower) power:
Where to See Flowers
- I-80 and Route 113 are great starting points for your flower-hunting adventure. You’ll have better luck seeing the fields up close, however, once you hit the byroads.
- You can often find plenty of sunflowers on the county roads between Winters and Davis and on the outskirts of Woodland. (In fact, Bullseye Farms south of Woodland participates in VCE’s AgFIT program!)
- If you’d prefer a birds-eye view, take a sunrise flight with Yolo Ballooning Adventures. The excursions depart from downtown Winters.
Flower Photography Tips
- If you’re driving on a two-lane road and spot a field that would make a great backdrop for a sunflower selfie, park very carefully and pay attention to fast-moving traffic.
- Remember: Farmers make their living from these sunflowers! Don’t enter the fields and damage economically important crops.
- The golden hour – early evening, before sunset – is usually the best time to photograph sunflowers. Not only will your pictures turn out better, you’ll stay cooler by avoiding the noontime glare!
Want to Bring Sunflowers Home With You?
If you’ve spent the afternoon taking sunflower photos but don’t want to return home without a bouquet, Killdeer Farms in West Sacramento and Park Winters in Winters host pick-your-own-bouquet afternoons on weekends. Spots book up fast, so make your reservation a few weeks in advance.
At VCE, we’re proud of Yolo County’s role in producing this colorful crop – and our agricultural sector in general. Solar power in action!