Due to unforeseen difficulties with the sunflower crop this year, Tuttle Orchards has announced that their Sunflower Meadow will not open in 2024. Instead, visit the farm for whimsical sunflower-themed photo ops, an expanded U-cut flower garden, fun in the FarmYard, and so much more.
One year, all of the kids in my daughter’s class were given a sunflower seed and a paper cup with dirt. In theory, if they planted it at home, about the time it would bloom, it was time to go back to school. Our sunflower didn’t make it past the first week of splash pads and pool parties, but the Sunflower Meadow at Tuttle Orchards indicates that it is indeed back-to-school time. Check out their sunflowers before they stop blooming!
Sunflower Meadow at Tuttle Orchards
About 3 acres of sunflowers spring from the ground each summer at Tuttle Orchards. Paths throughout the blooming garden will take you on a whimsical adventure through knee-high and waist-high golden flowers. Soak up all the end-of-summer beauty with your family.
And the photos. Oh, the photos! Don’t forget your cameras. Professional photographers are even welcome if you want to book that family photo session. Just be sure to take a look at the farm’s photography policy before you go.
You’ll likely run into some friendly bees and possibly some not-so-friendly mosquitoes. You’ll want to bring a bug repellant of some sort. I love that Mother Nature decides how the sunflower trail will look each year. The first year that I visited, they were high above my head. This year they are about the size of my baby.
Once the flowers start to bloom, you’ll want to rush to Tuttles for this fleeting experience. The sunflowers are typically at their brightest and most beautiful for a short period of approximately two weeks. I recommend calling ahead to be sure you’ll still be able to catch those gorgeous golden blooms.
U-Pick Sunflower Meadow
You can also cut your own colorful zinnias and other blossoms in the wildflower cutting garden. Purchase a container for a flat fee and fill it with as many stems as it will hold. Both the sunflower and wildflower u-pick experiences require paid admission to the Sunflower Meadow.
Other Tuttles Attractions You Won’t Want to Miss
The FarmYard includes a kids’ play area that will be open at the same time as the Sunflower Meadow. This adorable farm feature is open with limited hours throughout the summer and daily during the fall harvest season. Kids can get out some energy at the barn slide, straw maze, pedal tractors, toddler area, and more. Toddlers age one and under play for free!
Tuttle Orchards’ farm cafe will also be open during the sunflower season. Enjoy a lovely lunch after your stroll through the Sunflower Meadow. Apple Cider Slushies are ever-popular and perfect for cooling off if the day happens to be on the warm side. You can also peek in the Farm Store to stock up on fresh produce or local products to take home.
Come back later in the fall for harvest season! U-pick apples and pumpkins at Tuttles Orchards are an Indianapolis tradition. Between the crops, farm store, FarmYard, wagon rides, and grill, you can turn your day into the quintessential fall farm experience.
The Important Stuff
The sunflower crop can be a bit unpredictable, but Tuttle Orchards predicts they will open for the season on September 3 this year. Keep an eye on their website and social media for important announcements as the flowers grow over the summer.
Admission to the Sunflower Meadow is $10/person for the 2024 season. This fee also includes all activities in the FarmYard, like the corn maze, wagon rides, the kids’ play area, and more. Children 1 and under are free.
U-pick flowers are $20-35 per bouquet, depending on your chosen container size. The price includes the jar and any flowers you fit inside.
Once the flowers start blooming, don’t wait to get out to Tuttle Orchards to visit the Sunflower Meadow! Surround yourself and your kids with bright, sunshiny petals, and snap all the photos your family will tolerate. The stroll through the sunflowers is an experience you won’t want to miss.
The Indianapolis area is full of u-pick flower farms.
Pick your own blackberries at Wild Blackberry Farms.
