From Spring to Fall Flowers: Experience the Changing Seasons at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard
At Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard, every season brings something new to discover in Hendersonville, NC—but there’s something especially magical about watching the farm transform from the soft colors of spring into the bold, vibrant blooms of fall.
If you joined us for Tulip Blossom Days, you already know the joy of wandering through rows of colorful flowers, hand-picking your favorites, and soaking in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains. But the story doesn’t end there—it simply changes with the seasons.
A Spring to Remember
Each spring, our tulip fields burst into bloom for a limited-time experience that celebrates the start of a new growing season. Guests stroll through carefully planted rows of bright, cheerful tulips, capturing photos, making memories, and welcoming warmer days on the farm. Tulip season is short and lasts just a few weekends, making it all the more special. It’s a glimpse of what’s to come and a reminder that nature is always moving forward.
The Transition to Fall
After spring tulip picking wraps up, our team begins preparing for the next season on the farm. As summer turns to fall, Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard shifts into another colorful experience with towering sunflowers and vibrant zinnias. It is a natural continuation of the flower-filled moments guests love in spring, just with a completely different look and feel.
From Spring Tulips to Fall Sunflowers and Zinnias
When fall arrives, our flower fields transform into a breathtaking sea of color. Across 10 acres, we plant 10 varieties of sunflowers that bloom in shades of yellow, gold, orange, red, plum, and even white. Thanks to succession planting, new blooms are always on the way—meaning every visit offers something fresh and beautiful to explore.
And it’s not just sunflowers stealing the show. Zinnias add an extra layer of charm with their bright, playful colors and long-lasting blooms that are perfect for creating your own custom bouquet to take home.
New this year, we’re excited to introduce even more variety to the fields, including cosmos, calendula, coreopsis, bergamot, hyssop, asters, and black-eyed Susans—bringing even more color, texture, and beauty to your experience.
A Different Kind of Picking Experience
While tulip season is all about welcoming spring, fall flower picking is about celebrating abundance.
During your visit, you can:
Wander through fields of towering blooms
Pick your own sunflowers and zinnias
Fill a take-home bucket with hand-picked flowers
Capture stunning photos with vibrant fall backdrops
It’s a relaxed, hands-on experience designed for families, couples, and anyone who loves the beauty of the outdoors in Hendersonville, NC.
More Than Flowers
Fall at Stepp’s is not just about flowers. Alongside sunflowers and zinnias, guests can enjoy apples, pumpkins, and other seasonal favorites throughout the orchard. From crisp mountain air to unforgettable views, every visit offers a chance to slow down and enjoy one of the best fall experiences in Hendersonville, NC.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re planning your first visit or returning after tulip season, there’s always something new waiting for you at Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard. Visit in spring for tulip picking in NC, then come back in fall for sunflowers, zinnias, apples, pumpkins, and unforgettable mountain views. Every season brings a new reason to celebrate life on the farm.