Dynomite Farm FAQs

Dynomite Farm is a private, appointment-only u-cut flower farm in Santa Cruz, CA. These are the questions we hear most often from people who are new to the farm, curious about memberships, or looking to grow dahlias at home. If you don’t see your question here, reach out at 831.281.8363.

Ready to visit? Book a U-Cut Experience or become a member and save on every visit.

Is there a flower farm near Santa Cruz where I can pick my own bouquet?

Yes, and we’d love to host you. Dynomite Farm is a private, appointment-only u-cut flower farm in Santa Cruz, CA., where you come out to the field, choose the flowers that speak to you, and cut your own flower bouquet by hand. Because we’re appointment-only, you get the field to yourself — no crowds, no rushing, just flowers and the sounds of the farm around you.

When is dahlia season, and when can I pick dahlias near Santa Cruz?

Dahlias are our signature flower and we grow a florist grade flower. Our dahlias bloom reliably from early July through early October here in Santa Cruz. Peak season — when color, variety, and stem length are all at their best — runs from late July through early September. If you want to time your visit around dahlias specifically, that late summer window is the sweet spot. We grow 425+ dahlia plants and 100+ unique dahlia varieties across our 19 raised beds. There’s always something amazing in bloom.

How do I book a U-Cut Flower Experience at Dynomite Farm?

All visits are private and by appointment only, booked through our website at dynomitefarm.com. You’ll choose your date and time, and reserve your spot. Walk-ins aren’t something we’re able to accommodate; however, check the calendar on our website. We accommodate Same Day booking if we have space. Booking takes just a few minutes, and we send you a confirmation and everything you need to know before you arrive. We’d love to have you visit and cut our florist grade dahlias!

What makes Dynomite Farm different from a regular flower shop or florist?

A florist sells you a finished arrangement. You look at flowers in a clear glass refrigerator. We grow competitive and florist grade flowers and you come cut them yourself. You’ll stand amongst a thousand blooms (literally) and choose the color, size and form of flower that speaks to you. It’s an entirely different relationship with flowers than you’ll find in a shop.

Are there family-friendly farm experiences near Santa Cruz?

Our U-Cut Flower Experience is wonderful for families who appreciate a slower, hands-on visit. As part of our homestead, we have a dozen egg laying chickens. Children often enjoy tossing chicken scratch to the chickens. All visits are private and appointment-only and intentionally low-key. This isn’t a petting zoo or a tourist attraction; it’s a real working farm that opens its gates to people who want to connect with flowers and experience a working flower farm and homestead.

What flowers are grown at Dynomite Farm besides dahlias?

Dahlias are our main event (July through September), but the cutting garden includes ranunculus in the spring (April), along with seasonal companion flowers and foliage that change throughout the year. The farm operates on a seasonal rhythm, so what’s available depends entirely on what’s thriving at the time of your visit. We always share what’s in bloom before your appointment so you know what to expect.

Can I bring a friend or family member to my flower farm appointment?

Absolutely. Our U-Cut Experience is designed to be enjoyed by all; those cutting flowers and those simply joining as companions on an outing. You can add a Companion Pass at checkout for guests joining you in the field. Check the booking page for details and companion options (cutting flowers and not cutting alike). We’ve had bridal parties come and cut flowers and baby showers and all sorts of guests.
If your group is more than 6, please email me in advance; support@dynomitefarm.com

Does Dynomite Farm offer flower farm memberships, and what do members get?

We have three membership tiers — Supporting, Patron, and Benefactor — each designed for a different level of farm connection. Depending on your tier, membership includes reserved U-Cut visits throughout the season and companion passes to bring guests. Members get early access to booking windows and our Dahlia Tuber Shop in the fall. You can explore all tiers and join at dynomitefarm.com. Memberships open each November for the following season.

Do you sell dahlia tubers, and can I order them online?

We do! Every fall after the growing season wraps, we dig, divide, store and list our dahlia tubers for sale through our online Dahlia Tuber Shop. Sales typically run November through April. Members get early access so become a Supporting member for early access and best selection! Our tubers come from healthy, well-tended plants, and we include growing notes with every order. If you’re in zone 9b or a similar climate, our selection is chosen specifically for what performs well here.

Can I buy a gift card for a flower farm experience as a gift?

Gift cards are available through our online shop at dynomitefarm.com and can be applied toward U-Cut Experiences, memberships, or dahlia tubers. If you’re looking for a gift for someone who loves flowers, or just wants something genuinely different, a U-Cut Flower Experience tends to land better than anything that comes in a box or through the mail. Gift cards don’t expire and can be used at their pace, on their schedule.

How much does a U-Cut flower experience cost?

Our private U-Cut Flower Experience is $59 per person and includes a full field container of blooms to cut and take home. Members enjoy discounted pricing and multiple visits per season. Gift cards are available if you’d like to give the experience as a gift.

Do you offer ranunculus U-Cut experiences?

Yes. Ranunculus season is in April and we open the field for U-Cut visits during that window. Sign up for our newsletter at dynomitefarm.com to stay up to date on our opening dates for ranunculus and also dahlias.

Where is Dynomite Farm located?

We are at 2331 Mattison Lane, Santa Cruz, CA 95062, in the Live Oak neighborhood — about 3 miles from downtown Santa Cruz and 2 miles from Capitola Village. On-site parking is available. Exact directions are included in your reservation confirmation.

Is Dynomite Farm dog-friendly?

For the safety of our flowers, chickens, and residents, we ask that dogs stay home for U-Cut visits. Service animals are welcome.

Can I host a private event or group experience at Dynomite Farm?

Yes! Our private format makes Dynomite Farm a lovely setting for small group get togethers, bachelorette outings, and special occasions such as baby and bridal showers that include cutting beautiful flower bouquets. Email support@dynomitefarm.com to discuss dates and pricing.

How long does a U-Cut visit take?

Plan on 90 minutes with most of that time in the field. There’s no rush; we’d rather you take your time choosing the perfect flower than hurry. Most guests cut for a while, wander, and leave with a full container.
Please be sure to bring a container for your flowers! (We have a backup container in case you forget.)

What should I bring or wear?

Bring your own container or bucket to carry your flowers home; we provide snips and a field container for cutting.
Wear closed-toe shoes you don’t mind getting a little dusty, and bring a hat and water on warm days. Sunscreen is always good to have. Mornings in Santa Cruz, California can be cool. Dress in layers.
Everything else is here.

What’s the difference between a U-Cut Experience, a Join a Friend pass, and a Companion Pass?

The U-Cut Flower Experience ($59 per person) reserves your private time slot and includes a field container of flowers that you cut.
A Join a Friend pass ($59) is a link you share with anyone you’d like to join you during your cutting date and time. This lets someone pay their own way and cut alongside you.
Our Companion Pass ($18) is for someone who wants to join you in the flowers, but not cut their own bouquet. Children under 12 are free.

Yes, and we’d love to host you. Dynomite Farm is a private, appointment-only u-cut flower farm in Santa Cruz, CA. where you come out to the field, choose the flowers that speak to you, and cut your own flower bouquet by hand. Because we’re appointment-only, you get the field to yourself — no crowds, no rushing, just flowers and the sounds of the farm around you.