Beloved Bluffton area u-pick daffodil farm won’t open for 2026 season. Here’s why
Beloved Lowcountry daffodil farm, U Pick Daffodils, will keep its gates closed for the 2026 season.
The farm has been a longtime favorite for families, photographers and flower lovers alike.
Located at 48 Calhoun Plantation Road, owners Chuck and Diane Merrick announced the decision on Feb. 1 in a Facebook post.
Why the pause?
The Merricks said the decision to close was difficult, but their ages and the upkeep required to operate the farm made opening this season an unrealistic goal.
“I’m 78 now,” Chuck said. “We’re not going to be doing much unless we get a little spring in our step.”
“It’s hard when you realize you’re not 40 anymore,” Diane added.
Whether the farm can open in any given year depends on several factors, including the number of blooms available and weather conditions.
While Chuck said cold temperatures don’t damage daffodils, they can delay blooming – something the farm experienced in 2025. With recent cold temperatures and snowfall, this year’s flowers have not bloomed yet, he said.
Running the farm also requires many helping hands, with the Merricks’ children and grandchildren often stepping in to help bring the springtime attraction to life.
“This year, we couldn’t find anyone to help take it over,” Chuck said.
Despite weather-related challenges over recent years, Chuck and Diane have consistently made efforts to share their blooms with the community. But 2026 will be a different story.
“We just want folks to know how much we appreciate their friendship and support over the years,” Diane said.
History of the farm
The Merrick family has long been involved in farming, frequently selling goods at local farmers’ markets. Popular items include wildflowers, figs and seasonal vegetables.
According to Diane, the land has been used for farming in some form for as long as she can remember. From pigs to turkeys to cows, “it was always something,” she previously said.
The u-pick daffodil tradition began more than 50 years ago, and the farm has expanded over time to meet growing demand.
“We appreciate the support that we’ve had over the years, and we’re going to miss the interaction with everyone, because we’ve always enjoyed that,” Diane said.
The decision to reopen for the 2027 season remains uncertain and will largely depend on the amount of help available, the Merricks said.
Updates about the farm can be found through their Facebook page and website at upickdaffodils.com.
