Bloom Calendar at Gusenbury Fields: When to Visit for Lavender, Wildflowers, Zinnias, Dahlias & Sunflowers

Hello from Gusenbury Fields Lavender and Flower Farm in Whitsett, North Carolina! We’re a small, family-owned farm tucked in the heart of Guilford County, where rows of fragrant lavender meet vibrant patches of wildflowers and colorful cut-flower gardens. Whether you’re planning a peaceful U-pick visit, a photography session, or just want to wander our fields with family, knowing when things are in bloom helps you time your trip perfectly.

Our bloom times can shift a week or two depending on spring rainfall, summer heat, and those classic North Carolina thunderstorms, so we always recommend checking our website or Facebook page for the latest updates before you head out. Here’s your friendly guide to what’s flowering when at Gusenbury Fields.

Provence Lavender: Our Signature Early-Summer Showstopper

If you’ve ever dreamed of strolling through fragrant purple fields that smell like summer in Provence, our Provence lavender (Lavandula x intermedia ‘Provence’) is the star of the show. This beautiful hybrid variety is famous for its long, fragrant spikes and rich aroma—perfect for fresh bundles, dried bouquets, and those dreamy wedding arrangements we create on request.

At our farm in North Carolina, Provence lavender typically begins blooming in late May and stays in glorious full bloom through June. The peak display usually lasts about 4–6 weeks, depending on the weather. By the end of June we harvest the remaining stems for fresh-cut bundles and drying, so the window is short but spectacular. This is the ideal time to visit for that classic lavender-field experience—bring your camera, your senses, and maybe a picnic blanket!

Wildflowers & Summer Cut Flowers: Zinnias Light Up July and Beyond

Once lavender season winds down, our wildflower meadows and cut-flower gardens take center stage with a riot of color that carries us through the hottest months. Our native and naturalized wildflowers (think cheerful black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, and other NC favorites) start painting the fields in early summer and keep going strong.

One of the most popular additions? Zinnias! These bright, long-lasting beauties begin blooming reliably in early to mid-July and continue right up until the first hard frost (often into October or November here in the Piedmont). Zinnias are true cut-and-come-again champions— the more you pick, the more they bloom—so our U-pick visitors love filling buckets with hot pinks, sunny yellows, fiery oranges, and every shade in between. Pair them with our wildflowers and you’ve got the perfect summer bouquet that lasts for days in a vase.

If you’re visiting in July or August, you’ll find the fields buzzing with bees and butterflies, and the air filled with that fresh, summery scent that only a flower farm can offer.

Fall Magic: Dahlias, Sunflowers & the Last Hurrah of Color

As the days shorten and the air turns crisp in September and October, our late-season stars steal the spotlight. Dahlias explode into bloom in the fall, bringing big, bold, dinner-plate-sized flowers in every imaginable color and shape. From elegant whites and soft pastels to dramatic deep reds and vibrant bicolors, dahlias are a favorite for autumn arrangements and wedding bouquets.

Right alongside them, our sunflowers add tall, cheerful golden accents. While some varieties bloom earlier, our fall sunflower patches hit their stride in late summer through early fall, creating those iconic “sunflower field” moments that make for unforgettable photos and happy U-pick memories.

Together, the dahlias and sunflowers turn our farm into a golden, glowing tapestry that feels like the perfect send-off to the growing season. It’s a wonderful time to visit—crowds are lighter, the light is softer, and the colors are absolutely breathtaking.

Come Experience the Seasons with Us!

No matter which month you choose, Gusenbury Fields has something blooming just for you. Late May through June for that signature Provence lavender magic… July and August for zinnias, wildflowers, and endless summer color… and September–October for the dramatic dahlias and sunflowers that close out the year in style.

We offer U-pick experiences, fresh bundles, dried lavender products, and limited photography sessions throughout the bloom seasons. Keep an eye on our website (gusenburyfields.com) and Facebook for exact opening dates, hours, and any special events—we can’t wait to welcome you!

Until then, happy planning, and we’ll see you in the fields soon.

With purple (and colorful!) wishes,

The Gusenbury Fields Family

Whitsett, North Carolina