FRequently Asked Questions

General Questions

Our typical growing season lasts from approximately late May through early October. Sunflowers typically bloom early July through early October. Check social media for the latest updates on what’s in bloom.

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.

Yes! During the growing season, we have a farmstand on Tuesday and Friday evenings from 5-8pm. You can drop by to purchase fresh flower bouquets at your convenience. 

We typically offer three types of flower bouquets at the farm stand.

Large wrapped: $25

Small  jar:  $20

5 Stems of Sunflowers: $12.50

(not including tax)

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.

Yes! Flowers may be pick up from the farm during our scheduled pickup times which will be listed on the website, social media or in your order confirmation. All flower orders are pick up only unless otherwise noted in your order confirmation.

To ensure you are getting the freshest blooms possible, we do not currently ship any of our flowers.

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.

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.

We do not rent the farm for special events such as weddings, receptions or parties.

Photography

Yes! We encourage you to take pictures while you are here and to share them on social media. Please tag us on Instagram and Facebook to help spread the word!

#rootedresplendencefarm

We do not allow drones at the farm.

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-Cut flower session. The photographer will need to purchase a ticket for the U-cut flower session. You will need to work around other individuals in the fields and cannot “reserve” an area.

We do not allow any props to be brought to the farm.

U-Cut Flower Harvesting Tips

  • 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.
  • 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.

You bet we do!

  1. Use a clean vase/container….so clean you would not hesitate to drink from it.
  2. Place your flowers in clean cool water. You can add flower food if you desire.
  3. Place flowers in a location away from direct sunlight and ripening fruit (ethylene gas produced by ripening fruit hastens bloom opening).
  4. Change your water every 2-3 days and cut the bottom of your stems again.
  5. Most importantly, don’t forget to soak in those beautiful blooms!
  • 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 brining emergency mediations with you.

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 300-foot rows that are 2 feet apart. Sunflower stalks are tough and scratchy. If you ever detasseled corn, you know the feel. We recommend long pants if you plan to roam deep into the sunflower fields.

Insect repellant may be especially helpful in the evening hours depending on weather. 

You may wish to bring sunscreen but please don’t spray it around the plants, buildings or other guests.