There’s something magical about walking through a field of golden sunflowers, their bright faces all turned towards the sun. In recent years, Pick Your Own (PYO) sunflower farms have blossomed in popularity across the UK – and it’s not hard to see why. They’ve become the ultimate late summer family day out, perfect for taking photos, bringing fresh flowers home and an opportunity to connect with farming in a new and joyful way.

Why sunflowers?

Sunflowers are more than just a beautiful crop – they’re hardy, quick to grow, and thrive in our late summer climate. Traditionally, many UK farms have focused on growing cereals, vegetables or soft fruits such as strawberries and raspberries for PYO. But in the last few years, farmers have been planting sunflower fields as a way to diversify their businesses and welcome the public onto the farm in a fun, accessible way.

A family-friendly day out

From young children darting between the tall flower stems to couples posing for golden-hour photos, PYO sunflowers have become a favourite outing. Many farms now offer extra touches too – from tractor rides to sunflower mazes, cafés, and play areas – making it a whole day’s experience. For many families, it’s also a chance to learn where their food and flowers come from, while supporting local farming.

The business of diversification

For farmers, sunflowers aren’t just about brightening up the countryside – they’re part of a diversification strategy that helps farms stay financially resilient. As traditional farming incomes face challenges from fluctuating markets and changing policies, PYO sunflowers (like pumpkins in autumn or strawberries in summer) provide an additional income stream. Check out Harry’s Farm below in the Cotswolds, as he describes September on the farm and growing sunflowers:

They also build stronger connections between farmers and the public. When visitors come to a sunflower field, they’re not only picking flowers – they’re seeing farming up close, asking questions, and often leaving with a deeper appreciation for the work behind the land.

Did you know? 

• Sunflowers turn their heads to follow the sun in a process called heliotropism (though mature flowers usually face east).

• They’ve been grown for thousands of years – first domesticated in North America around 3000 BC.

• A single sunflower head can contain up to 2,000 seeds.

• Sunflowers are brilliant for biodiversity – providing food for pollinators and birds.
  

A growing tradition

Much like PYO pumpkins, which have become a staple autumn tradition, sunflower fields are fast becoming a regular part of the British summer calendar. They’re joyful, photogenic and rooted in the farming story – a way to connect people to the countryside while supporting farm businesses.

So next time you see a sign for a local PYO sunflower farm, why not stop by? You’ll get a bunch of sunshine to take home, make memories with your family, and play a small part in supporting British farmers!