How did drought this summer affect the sunflowers at Thistleberry Farm?

SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- Now that it’s October, many of us are looking for ways to get in the fall spirit, and local farms and orchards are helping with just that. Thistleberry Farm in South Bend has been open on weekends since early September, but as of yesterday, visitors can stop by any day of the week.

The farm has plenty to offer including a 15-acre corn maze, pumpkins for purchase, apple cider donuts, and much more. Something more recent, their sunflower field opened just last Tuesday and is already off to a great start.

There are 6 acres packed with blooming cosmos, zinnias, and of course, sunflowers, for you to come see, photograph, and pick.

It costs $8 to get into the field, then if you want to take some home, you’ll pay 50 cents per stem for zinnias and cosmos, and $1 per stem for regular sunflowers. For those of you looking for something a little fancier, specialty sunflowers cost $2 per stem. If you want to take home nothing but pictures, the sunflower field is adorned with props for you to create the perfect photo.

Hurry out, though - the sunflowers are only available for a short time. “You’re not gonna get more blooms out there than this. And then they only last for a little over a week probably, commented Dave Frushour, one of the co-owners of the farm. “Through this coming weekend we’ll say, I think that’s safe. After that, we’ll see.”

Like most other plants and crops, the sunflowers felt the effects of the dry stretches we had during the growing season this year. Not only did the sunflowers bloom later due to the dry weather, but they also grew in on the shorter side, only around 4 feet.

As far as how the blooms are expected to do going forward, the upcoming cool down shouldn’t be an issue. Cooler overnight temperatures can actually help the sunflowers to look even better.

As long as we drop don't below freezing, the flowers will be good to go. Lucky for us - and the flowers - there are no freezing temperatures in the 10-day forecast, and on average, the first Fall freeze doesn’t happen until mid-October.

You’ve still got some time to check out the sunflowers before they’re done for the season, but even if you miss out on the blooms, there’s still plenty more to enjoy through the end of the month. You can find more information about the farm's attractions, hours, and costs on their website.