Carlsbad: Flower Fields will sport new color pattern this year

If you’ve never seen ranunculus, specifically giant tecolote ranunculus, think of something that looks like a showy rose with a swirled and ruffled heart. These blooms are beyond colorful, and for the last 60 years or so they have been the stars of the Flower Fields in seaside Carlsbad.

For the first time in 15 years, the color motif at the 50-acre Carlsbad Ranch will change this spring. “The Flower Fields decided to change the pattern this year to make it more visually appealing and surprise visitors with a new, more beautiful experience,” spokeswoman Cambria McConnell said in an email. A colorist was hired, the seeds were sown and now the waiting begins.

The new motif will include rows of red, orange, gold, yellow, white, rose, pink, merlot, salmon, cafe, flame and mixed colors. Ranunculus, whose shoots are starting to appear, typically bloom for six to eight weeks. The season this year is expected last from March 1 through May 13. Last year, more than 127,000 people visited the fields.

Along with the ranunculus, a cymbidium orchid greenhouse and a sweet pea maze also will be on display. You can’t buy the ranunculus that are blooming, but plants will be sold at the site. On March 1, the fields are open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and admission is $11 for adults, $10 for seniors and $6 for children. Parking is free.

Contact: The Flower Fields, (760) 431-0352