Find a local pick your own farm here!

Sunflower U-Pick Orchards in Southern Illinois in 2024, by county

Below are the U-Pick orchards and farms for sunflowers that we know of in this area. Not all areas of any state, nor even every state, have sunflowers orchards that are open to the public. If you know of any others, please tell us using the add a farm form!

Remember to always check with the farm's own website or Facebook page before you go - or call or email them if they don't have a website or Facebook page. Conditions at the farms and crops can change literally overnight, so if you want to avoid a wasted trip out there - check with the farm directly before you go! If I cannot reach them, I DON'T GO!

PLEASE report closed farms, broken links and incorrect info using the "Report Corrections" form below.

Union County

  • Rendleman Orchards - Zinnias, Sunflowers, pumpkins for sale in the shop or farmstand, pumpkin patch-pick in the field, pumpkin patch- already gathered from the field, farm market, gift shop, restrooms
    9860 State Route 127 North, Alto Pass, IL 62905. Phone: 618-893-2771. Email: info@rendlemanorchards.com. Open: See our web or facebook page for Pumpkin Patch opening and hours. Directions: . Click here for a map and directions. Payment: Cash, Check, Debit cards, Visa, MasterCard, Discover. . . (UPDATED: March 26, 2015)

 

Sunflower Picking Tips, and Information

Sunflowers are a mid-to late summer crop. They need warm soil and full sun.  In most areas, expect sungflowers to be available starting in June, and sometimes continuing into August.  It really depends on when the farmer plants them, the variety and local weather conditions. Farms that offer U-pick or pick-your-own sunflowers are becoming more common.

  • Once picked, quickly get the stems into water
  • Get them out of the hot sun after picking to increase shelf life.  Cool shade is best.
  • Re-cut stems while underwater - once you get home. Making a fresh cut, while the cut end is submerged helps the stem to take up water and avoid a vapor lock.

 

Other Local Farm Products (Honey, Horses, Milk, Meat, Eggs, Etc.)
(NOT pick-your-own, unless they are also listed above)