If there's one realm where New Jersey shines, it's growing beautiful flowers in all corners of the state. And whether you're into vibrant sunflowers, lively wildflowers or calming lavender, the Garden State's most dazzling summer florals are in full bloom.
You can get in on the action: There are several farms throughout the state where you can cut your own flowers and create a custom bouquet. There may even be some barn animals and farm-fresh products available while you're there.
Did you say sunflowers? Dahlias? Gladiolus? Zinnias? Statice? Cosmos? Snapdragons?
Here are six farms in New Jersey where you can pick your own flowers.
The New Jersey Sunflower Trail at Von Thun Farms in Washington Township, Warren County, features more than six acres of fields with vibrant sunflowers, scenic walking paths, interactive photo opportunities and more.
As you explore the trail, you can pick your own sunflowers for $3 per stem or three stems for $6. Or you can fill a vase or jar with an array of other summer flowers — such as zinnias, marigolds, statice and lisianthus — for $5, $10 or $25, depending on the size of the vase or jar.
While you're there, you can also pick your own berries and peaches, visit the farm animal barnyard, take a hayride around the farm, play games in the activity area or enjoy items from food trucks and craft breweries on select weekends.
Info: The sunflower trail is now open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission starts at $14.99 on weekdays and $16.99 on weekends when purchased online, or $3 more when purchased in person.
Go: 438 Route 57, Washington; 908-689-3761, vonthunfarms.com/washington.
From mid-July through mid-September, you can create your own vibrant bouquet by picking fresh flowers from the massive multi-acre flower field at Alstede Farms. They include sunflowers for $2 per stem, and other varieties like zinnias and cosmos for 75 cents per stem.
The farm also has an extensive list of pick-your-own fruits and vegetables, including strawberries, raspberries, blueberries and tomatoes. And after picking those, you can enjoy farm animals, pony rides, wagon train rides, drink tastings and weekend live music.
Info: The pick-your-own fields at Alstede Farms are open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekdays, and 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on weekends. There is no general admission fee to visit Alstede Farms, but you must purchase tickets to enter the farm's pick-your-own fields, which start at $17.99 per person.
Go: 1 Alstede Farms Lane, Chester; 908-879-7189, alstedefarms.com.
Happy Day Farm's flower picking for the summer season is fully underway. Here you can pick your own lavender bundle for $8; sunflowers for $2.50 per stem; and zinnias and cosmos at two for $1. It's recommended that you bring your own shears if you have them, but you can also borrow a pair from the farm for a $10 refundable deposit.
In addition to the flowers, visitors can pick their own raspberries, blueberries and blackberries throughout the summer season. Admission is $5 per person, and the cost for picked fruit varies by weight.
Info: Happy Day Farm is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cash-only admission is $18 per person for flower picking, including a tractor ride to the fields, and $15 per person for the lavender fields.
Go: 106 Iron Ore Road, Manalapan Township; 732-977-3607, happydayfarmnj.com.
Stokes Farm is one of North Jersey's largest flower farms, and it has long been a popular spot for fresh produce and flowers. The farm is currently offering pick-your-own flowers, where visitors are invited to choose from a variety of radiant flowers including zinnias, snapdragons and cosmos.
Stokes Farm also hosts other events throughout the year. Plus, there's a bakery and garden center at the farm where guests can purchase fresh-baked goods and produce.
Info: Flower picking is open at Stokes Farm every Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 per person and must be purchased online.
Go: 23 Dewolf Road, Old Tappan; 201-768-3931, stokesfarm.com.
At the end of the summer, Dalton Farms will reopen its 99-acre property for pick-your-own sunflowers and zinnias as part of its Tri State Sunflower Festival. You'll be able to pick as many flowers as you'd like, typically priced at $2 per stem or 10 flowers for $10.
After picking your flowers, you can enjoy wagon rides, visit the pumpkin patch, listen to live music and take advantage of all of the photo opportunities. There will also be food trucks, as well as a beer and wine garden.
Info: Opening dates will be announced soon and are based on when the farm's sunflowers bloom. Check the farm's website to see when operating hours and admission prices are announced.
Go: 660 Oak Grove Road, Swedesboro; 856-628-7312, daltonfarms.com.
Holland Ridge Farms is currently closed but will reopen in September with its U-Pick flowers experience and fall festival. One of the largest pick-your-own flower venues on the East Coast, it features more than 50 acres of dedicated flower fields where you can pick as many sunflowers, gladiolus, dahlias and other wildflowers as you can carry. Expect to pay $1 per stem on weekends and 50 cents per stem on weekdays.
Other attractions include farm animals, horse-and-carriage rides, a complimentary tractor shuttle, a bakery and a seemingly endless number of photo opportunities.
Info: Holland Ridge Farms will be open seven days a week from Sept. 10 to Oct. 12. Non-refundable tickets to Holland Ridge Farms are $17 per person on weekdays and $20 per person on weekends. They can be purchased in advance online, and you'll be able to select an arrival time from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Go: 108 Rues Road, Cream Ridge; 609-448-7483, hollandridgefarms.com.
Maddie McGay is the real estate reporter for NorthJersey.com and The Record, covering all things worth celebrating about living in North Jersey. Find her on Instagram @maddiemcgay, on X @maddiemcgayy, and sign up for her North Jersey Living newsletter. Do you have a tip, trend or terrific house she should know about? Email her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Pick your own zinnias, cosmos and more at six colorful NJ flower farms