Best You-Pick Flower Farms in Iowa (2024)

You-Pick Flower Farms in Central Iowa

Iowa Flower Farm, Maxwell

Location: 11520 NE 110th Ave, Maxwell, IA 50161
Website:  https://www.iowaflowerfarm.com

You-Pick flowers start mid-June and run through September.  Bring your own 5-gallon bucket to carry your flower out. Cutters and gloves are provided. 

Willow Flower Farm, Prole

Location:  5119 Harding Street, Prole, Iowa 50299
Website: https://willowflowerfarms.com/u-pick-sub-page

The farm is only open to the public during specifically listed you-pick hours during the month of July. 

Jester Hill Farm, Madrid

Location: 12430 Northwest 128th Street, Madrid, Iowa
Phone: 515-360-9506
Website: https://jesterhillfarm.com/you-pick-flowers

Open on Saturdays starting in July. Bring a bucket or container for your flowers, clippers are provided. 

Bochner Farms, Indianola

Location: 17072 88th Ave, Indianola, Iowa 
Website:  https://bochnerfarms.com/

The farm is not open to the general public – but you can make reservations for a variety of events including you-pick flowers, farm-to-table dinners, and farm tours. 

Minervas Meadow, State Center

Location:  State Center, Iowa
Website: https://www.minervasmeadow.com/

Use their contact form to inquire about you-pick options for flowers and lavender. 

Rose Farm, Norwalk

Location: 7197 43rd Ave, Norwalk
Website: https://www.rosefarmstead.com/the-shoppe

Visit their website for a number of workshops including culinary, art, floral arrangements, and you-pick lavender

Wild Bird Farm, Madrid

Location: Madrid, Iowa
Website: https://www.wildbirdfarmia.com

Three-acre flower farm in Madrid, Iowa offering seasonal flowers. Watch their website and social media accounts for you-pick dates/hours.

Pepper Harrow, Winterset

Location: Winterset, Iowa
Website: https://www.pepperharrowfarm.com/

Pepper Harrow is NOT open to the general public.  It is a working farm and a family home.  You must have reservations, which are available on their website for a variety of events, including you-pick flowers. 

Iowa Lavender, Ames

Location:  25016 Sand Hill Trail, Ames, Iowa
Website: https://www.iowalavender.com/

Iowa Lavender has a handful of public u-pick events each summer. Follow their Facebook page or sign up for their email newsletter to find out about upcoming updates u-pick opportunities.

Walnut Trail Farms, Stuart

Location:  2857 Walnut Trail, Stuart, Iowa
Website: https://www.facebook.com/WalnutTrailFarms

Located in Stuart, Iowa they have been open since 2021.  Flowers are sold by the bucket, and they provide everything for customers –  clippers, carts, buckets, sunscreen, buckets and Floralife packets for customers to take home.   The farm is on a beautiful quiet property surrounded by trees and native prairie.  On site, we have tables and shade canopies for customers to use for picnics or just relaxing and enjoying the views. 

Nunnikhoven Farm, Harvey

Location:  1552 195th Place, Harvey, Iowa
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/NunnikhovenFarm

Located in Harvey, just south of Pella, the Nunnikhoven Farm features tulips in the spring and pumpkins in the fall. During the spring tulip season there are limited you-pick tulip days and there are also prepurchased tulip deliveries available.

You-Pick Flower Farms in Eastern Iowa

Promise and Blossom, Cedar Rapids

Location: 8602 Spanish Road, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Phone: 515-835-8311
Website: https://promiseandblossom.com/little-flower-farm

You-Pick Flower is typically open for specific Saturdays and Sundays between July and September, please check the website and/or call to confirm the dates/times. 

Miss Effie’s County Flowers and Garden Stuff, Donahue

Location: 27387 130th Aven, Donahue, Iowa
Website: http://www.misseffies.com/

Weekly public hours starting in June where you can pick your own flowers!

Barnswallow Flowers, Oskaloosa

Location: 2560 Highway 23, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Website:  https://barnswallowflowers.com/

Female-owned and operated flower farm that is closed to the public, unless you have a reservation or there is a specific public event. Contact them for you-pick packages. 

The Lavender Farm at Sutliff

Location: 1380 White Oak Ave Northeast, Lisbon, Iowa
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/TheLavenderFarmatSutliff/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thelavenderfarmatsutliff/

The Lavender Farm At Sutliff, LLC is open for U-pick tulips, daffodils, grape hyacinths, and Dutch Iris as long as the flowers are blooming.  Field hours are typically 9:30 am to 6 pm, Tuesday through Sunday (closed Mondays), but please check their Facebook page to confirm hours.  Admission tickets can be purchased on-line and flowers that you pick can be paid for in the field.  Discounts for children 16 and under and Seniors. 

Tips for Visiting You-Pick Flower Farms

To make the most of your visit to these delightful you-pick flower farms, keep these tips in mind:

1. Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for walking in outdoor environments. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended for protection from the sun.
2. Bring necessary tools: It’s a good idea to bring a pair of sharp scissors or pruning shears to cleanly cut the flowers.
3. Consider the season: Check with the farms for their availability and recommended picking times for specific flower varieties. Each season brings its own colorful blooms, so plan your visit accordingly.
4. Respect the farm and flowers: Follow any guidelines provided by the farm, such as designated picking areas and rules for handling the flowers. Treat the flowers with care to ensure their longevity and the experience of future visitors.

Caring for You-Picked Flowers

Once you’ve gathered your bouquet of freshly picked flowers, it’s essential to provide them with proper care to ensure their longevity and beauty. Here are some tips to help you care for your you-picked flowers:

1. Importance of Proper Flower Care: Treating your flowers with care from the moment you pick them will ensure they stay vibrant and fresh for longer. Handle them gently to avoid damaging the petals or stems.
2. Harvesting Techniques: When cutting flowers, use sharp scissors or pruning shears to make clean, angled cuts. This helps the flowers continue to take up water and nutrients effectively.
3. Water and Storage Recommendations: Place your freshly picked flowers in a bucket or vase filled with clean, lukewarm water as soon as possible. Remove any leaves that will be submerged in the water to prevent bacterial growth. Keep the flowers in a cool, shaded area away from direct sunlight, drafts, or ripening fruit.
4. Creative Flower Arrangement Ideas: Once your flowers are properly cared for, it’s time to unleash your creativity and arrange them in stunning displays. Experiment with different vase shapes and sizes, mix and match colors and textures, and consider adding foliage or other natural elements to enhance the arrangement. Let your imagination bloom!

Conclusion

Exploring the best you-pick flower farms in Iowa is a delightful way to connect with nature, support local farmers, and bring home a beautiful bouquet of freshly picked flowers. These farms offer an immersive experience, allowing you to connect with the vibrant colors, scents, and beauty of nature firsthand.

Remember, the joy of you-pick flower farms extends beyond the act of picking flowers. It’s about embracing the therapeutic benefits of being surrounded by nature, gaining knowledge about different flower varieties, and fostering a connection to the local community.

So, seize the opportunity to visit these enchanting farms, stroll through fields of blooming flowers, and hand-pick your own bouquet. Take the time to care for your flowers properly, ensuring their longevity and the enjoyment they bring to your space. Share your experiences and favorite you-pick flower farms with others, as we all seek to celebrate the beauty and joy that nature offers.

Now, armed with tips for caring for your you-picked flowers and a newfound appreciation for Iowa’s flower farms, it’s time to embark on your floral adventure. Embrace the serenity, fill your home with nature’s splendor, and let the colors and fragrances of freshly picked flowers brighten your days.

Happy you-pick flower farm exploration!