Sunflower fields in the Netherlands and Europe

A field of blooming sunflowers is one of the finest sights of summer, and you rarely have to travel far for it. Across Europe, fields and cutting gardens are full of Helianthus annuus, from a fortress town in Groningen to the Valensole Plateau in Provence. This page gathers spots you can visit and puts them on a map. If you want to understand how such a field grows, read the growing guide; if you want to know which varieties you will come across, see the species and cultivars.

The map

Click a pin for that field's details: region, status, best month, access and the source. The colour of the pin shows the status.

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When they bloom

Sunflowers bloom in summer, but the exact timing depends heavily on how far south you are. In north-west Europe the peak bloom runs from mid-July to late August; in a cool, wet year it shifts back by one to two weeks. Around the Mediterranean — Tuscany, Andalusia, the hinterland of Toulouse — the fields are often at their best already in June and early July, because sowing happens earlier there and the summer is warmer. So plan a visit around the bloom month in the table, and remember that fields can move from one parcel to another year to year: a farmer rotates the crops. You can read more about the influence of temperature and day length on flowering under the biology of the sunflower.

Bloom time by country and region

Where are the sunflowers in Europe?

Yes, Europe has a lot of sunflowers. The largest areas in the world are in Ukraine and Russia, which together produce more than half of the world's sunflower seed (FAO). Within the EU, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, France and Spain grow the most. In France the fields are mainly in the south-west and west (Occitanie, Nouvelle-Aquitaine) and in the centre. There are fewer in northern France, where it is often too cool for an oil crop. Spain's largest area is in Castilla y León in the north, including around Burgos. The second big area is Andalusia in the south, around Seville and Córdoba. In Italy the well-known fields are in Marche, Umbria and Tuscany.

In the Netherlands the sunflower is not a major farm crop. What you see is mainly pick-your-own gardens, field margins, wildlife strips and show gardens. So Dutch fields move from year to year. Check the source in the table before you go.

Sunflower fields in Flanders and Belgium

Belgium has few real sunflower farms either. In Flanders you mostly find pick-your-own fields, flower strips along arable land, and sunflowers in green-manure or game-cover mixes. Like in the Netherlands, they bloom from mid-July to late August. The table lists Damme (along the Damse Vaart) and the Hageland. Looking for a field closer to home, on the coast or in the Kempen? Ask the local tourist office about pick-your-own gardens, because these fields move every year.

Why do the fields look brown and "dead" in July and August?

Drive through France, Italy or Spain in late summer and you pass miles of black, drooping heads. These fields have not dried out or failed. They are ripening for harvest. An oilseed sunflower blooms for only two to three weeks. Then the ray florets drop, the heavy head bends down and the whole plant dries to brown. The farmer leaves it standing until the seed is dry enough to thresh. In the south that is from late August; further north, in September and October.

So spent sunflower fields are harvested. A combine threshes out the seed. Most of it goes to the oil press, and the pressed cake becomes animal feed. A smaller part is sold as snack seed or birdseed. To harvest seed yourself, see harvesting.

All fields at a glance

Map not working, or would you rather have an overview? Below are all 25 fields with region, country, best month, access and source.

Visiting respectfully

Almost every sunflower field you come across is someone's crop or land. A few simple rules keep the fields beautiful and accessible — including for whoever comes after you.

A blooming field is also not a backdrop but a living system: it is full of bees, bumblebees and hoverflies pollinating the flowers. Walk quietly along the edge and you will not disturb them. Read more about those pollinators at bees & biodiversity, and about what happens after the bloom — the ripening and harvesting of the seed — in the harvest guide. Heading out with children? You will find fun looking-and-doing tips on the kids' page.

Frequently asked questions

What season are sunflowers in the Netherlands?

In the Netherlands and Belgium, sunflower fields usually bloom from mid-July to late August. In a cool, wet year or after late sowing this moves back by one to two weeks, sometimes into early September.

Are there sunflower fields in Europe?

Yes. Ukraine and Russia grow the most sunflowers in the world. Within the EU the largest areas are in Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary, France and Spain, and Italy has well-known fields in Tuscany, Umbria and Marche.

When do sunflowers bloom in France?

In southern France (Occitanie, Provence), fields bloom from late June to late July. In the west and centre (Charente, Centre) they bloom from July to early August. After that, the heads ripen and turn brown.

Where are the sunflower fields in Spain, north or south?

Both. Andalusia in the south, around Seville and Córdoba, blooms in May and June. Castilla y León in the north, including around Burgos, blooms in July. There are also many fields in Castilla-La Mancha (Cuenca).

Why are sunflower fields brown and drooping in July and August?

These are oilseed sunflowers ripening. After two to three weeks of bloom, the ray florets drop, the head bends down and the plant dries. The farmer harvests once the seed is dry enough to thresh.

What are spent sunflower fields used for?

They are harvested for seed. Most is pressed into sunflower oil, and the pressed cake goes into animal feed. A smaller part is sold as snack seed or birdseed.

Sources