Common Questions
Have questions about our flowers? We’re here to help! Check out our FAQ for everything you need to know about our farm, bouquet subscriptions, and more.
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding our farm and flowers.
Visting the Farm
When are flowers available?
Our typical growing season lasts from approximately late May through early October. Sunflowers typically bloom late June through the middle of September. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates on what’s in bloom.
Where is your flower farm located?
We are located just 15 minutes north of Des Moines, about 2 miles north of Elkhart.
Directions from the Des Moines Metro:
- Take I-35 North to the Elkhart exit (Exit 96)
- Turn right(east) onto NE 126th Ave and travel about 1.5 miles.
- Turn left (north) onto NE 38th St.
- Travel about 2 miles north and turn right (east) onto NE 142nd Ave
- The entrance to the farm is about 250 feet east of the intersection.
Directions from Ames:
- Take I-35 South to the Elkhart exit (Exit 96)
- Turn left (east) onto NE 126th Ave and travel about 1.5 miles.
- Turn left (north) onto NE 38th St.
- Travel about 2 miles north and turn right (east) onto NE 142nd Ave
- The entrance to the farm is about 250 feet east of the intersection.
No matter if you are coming from Ankeny, Johnston, Bondurant, Altoona, Urbandale, Clive, West Des Moines, Marshalltown, Fort Dodge, Maxwell, Nevada, Cambridge or anywhere else in Iowa, we’re your source for fresh from the farm flowers.
Do you offer flowers for weddings, bridal and baby showers or other events?
We provide two DIY flower bucket options for special event flowers such as weddings, bridal showers, baby showers, anniversaries, birthday parties, graduation open houses, corporate gatherings and more. We do not provide custom flower arrangements but will provide recommendations on the best flowers to choose for your event based on the event date, type of event and your preferred color palate.
DIY buckets are a good fit for your next event if:
- You are able to assemble bouquets and arrangements yourself (or with help from friends and family!)
- You are comfortable with seasonal flowers, a variety of kinds, and you don’t need a specific flower at a particular time. (Example: You don’t need to have peonies for your September wedding).
- You are comfortable with an approximate range of colors for your color palette. (Ex: You can use various shades of light pink to dark pink in your bouquets.)
- You are able to be flexible. Due to unforeseen circumstances like crop failure, weather conditions, and bug or animal pressure, we cannot guarantee we will have your particular flower at the exact time needed. We may be able to substitute with other types of flowers. We will know within a few weeks of your event how the flowers are growing, but this may be the time to put your back-up plan into action.
- You don’t need perfection. Although we do our best to harvest the best of our flowers for your event, there may be imperfections on the flowers. Field grown flowers may have bugs hiding, a little nibble off a leaf, and other unforeseen imperfections. It is our policy to give our best, but we cannot guarantee our flowers are perfect.
- You LOVE the uniqueness, vitality, and freshness of locally grown flowers which are grown and harvested in a responsible manner to be good stewards of the land.
The first option is a DIY flower bucket curated and cut by farm staff based on your desired color palate and blooming season. These DIY buckets are available for pickup based on your selected date and time. Having farm staff pick your flowers ensures you get the freshest blooms that are ready when you need them. For more information and pricing on staff curated DIY buckets, click here to send us a message.
The second option is a U-Pick flower bucket. This lower cost option allows you to visit the farm and fill a flower bucket during one of our regularly scheduled U-Pick flower sessions. If you cut flowers at the right stage, most of them will have a vase life of 5-7 days so timing of your event with a U-Pick session is very important. Click Here for U-pick registration information and pricing.
Can I buy flowers at the farm without pre-ordering?
Yes! During the growing season, we offer pre-made bouquets at our farm stand. We will staff the farm stand on Tuesday evenings and Saturday mornings during our U-pick sessions. We also offer a self-service farm stand periodically during the season. Check social media for the latest updates on farm stand hours and product availability.
How much are farm stand flower bouquets?
We typically offer three types of flower bouquets at the farm stand.
Large paper wrapped bouquet: $25
Small mason jar bouquet: $20
5 Stems of Sunflowers: $12.50
(not including tax)
What should I wear to the farm?
Rooted Resplendence is a working flower farm. What you wear is dictated by your personal comfort level.
We always recommend closed toe shoes or sandals.
Our sunflowers are planted in up to 300-foot rows that are 2-3 feet apart. Sunflower plants are tough and scratchy. If you ever detasseled corn, you know the feeling. We recommend long pants if you plan to roam deep into the sunflower fields.
Do you offer delivery service?
Yes! Local delivery is available. Pricing for delivery is based on the order size, frequency and other factors. Please contact us for information on delivery options.
How do I pick up flower orders or subscriptions at the farm?
Flower bouquets included in your subscription may be pick up from the farm during our scheduled farm stand hours which will be posted on social media. All other flowers order will have pick up instructions in your order confirmation email.
Do you ship flowers?
To ensure you are getting the freshest blooms possible, we do not currently ship any of our flowers. We encourage you to support a local grower in your area.
What happens if a U-pick session or special event is canceled?
In the rare event an event is canceled due to weather, you may use your ticket for a future session. If you are unable to reschedule, please contact us for additional help.
Can I bring pets to the farm?
We do not allow pets on the farm.
Service animals which are defined as a dog that has been individually trained to do work or perform tasks for an individual with a disability are allowed.
Emotional support, comfort, therapy or companion animals are not considered service animals and are not allowed.
Can I rent the farm for weddings or other events?
We do not rent the farm for large special events such as weddings or receptions.
Small group outings such as birthday parties, corporate team building, school field trips and other outings are available. Contact us for details on creating a special event for your group.
Do I need insect repellant or sunscreen?
We often have a gentle breeze that keeps the bugs down but it’s better to come prepared. Insect repellant may be especially helpful in the evening hours depending on weather.
You may wish to bring sunscreen during the day.
Please don’t spray either of these around the plants, buildings or other guests.
Are there bees at the farm?
- Yes! We love our pollinators and they love our flowers! These pollinators include bees and wasps, so please be alert and aware of their presence when picking your flowers.
- Avoid sudden movements or swatting at bees. Simply move your hand slowly toward the flower and they usually fly away.
- You may gently shake a stem and the bees generally move on to another flower.
- Most bees in our fields are not overly aggressive and you should be able to move freely with them.
- If you have allergic reactions to bee stings, we suggest bringing emergency mediations with you.
Do you have restrooms available?
Yes! We have one accessible restroom for use by customers of the farm.
Flower Harvesting and Display Tips
What is the best way to cut flowers?
- Cut deeply – Follow the flower stem down toward the base of the plant and cut just above a set of leaves. Leave 3-4 sets of leaves on the base of the plant.
- Cut the stem at an angle which allows for more surface area so the flower can drink better.
- Remove leaves and foliage from the bottom of the stem that will be underwater. This will help prevent bacteria from growing in the water.
What is the Zinnia wiggle test?
- Wiggle the zinnia stem at about 6 inches from the top to determine if it is ready to cut. If it flops around and is not firm, it is not ready. This strategy can work for many other flowers as well.
Do you have any tips to make my bouquet last longer?
You bet we do!
- Use a clean vase/container….so clean you would not hesitate to drink from it.
- Place your flowers in clean cool water. You can add flower food if you desire.
- Place flowers in a location away from direct sunlight and ripening fruit (ethylene gas produced by ripening fruit hastens bloom opening).
- Change your water every 2 days and cut the bottom of your stems again.
How do I know if a sunflower is ready to be picked?
Sunflowers can typically be picked as soon as the head begins to open and you can just start to see petal color in the center. They will fully open in about 24-48 hours and will last a week or more when cut at this stage.
Sunflowers that are cut when fully open will typically only last a few days.
Sunflowers are heliotropic which means they follow the sun each day. So, if you pick a sunflower in the afternoon, any open flowers still facing east have fully matured and will not last as long as those facing west.
Photography
Can I take pictures at the farm?
Can I fly my drone at the farm?
For the safety and privacy of other guests, we do not allow drones during regular U-pick hours.
If you have reserved the farm for a closed photo shoot, drones may be used if discussed in advance.
Can I rent the farm for photography sessions?
Exclusive Use: You may rent the flower fields at the farm for private photography sessions such as engagements, senior pictures or weddings. Please contact us for pricing and details on these exclusive events.
Non-Exclusive Use: You are welcome to take pictures during a U-Pickflower session. The photographer will need to purchase a ticket for the U-pick flower session. You will need to work around other individuals in the fields and cannot “reserve” an area.
Can I bring props to the farm?
Props are only allowed during exclusive use sessions, and all props must be approved by farm management prior to use.
No props are allowed during public access hours.