The Sánchez family has operated their farm, Sánchez Produce, for over 25 years, originally focusing on growing fruits and vegetables before expanding into flower cultivation.
About eight years ago, they began experimenting with growing cempasúchiles for their annual fall harvest and Día de Muertos displays which have since become the farm’s biggest attractions.
The inspiration for the flower-growing project came after daughter Nelly Sánchez visited Mexico, where she saw traditional altars and floral arrangements for the first time. That experience inspired her to bring a similar sense of color, memory, and tradition to her family’s farm in Santa Clarita.
The first few years were a learning process for the farmers, but the past four years have been met with consistent success, thriving blooms now drawing attention from the local community.
The farm is entirely family-run. Nelly and her father, Jesus Sánchez, handle most of the growing process, while her siblings help with harvesting and setup. Mom and Dad remain central to the operation, maintaining its roots as a community and family space. Many friends and neighbors from the area, including long-time locals and friends from Oxnard, also contribute their labor during the harvest season, creating a supportive network around the farm’s activities.
Over the years, Nelly’s dedication has helped transform the family’s agricultural space into a vibrant cultural and artistic project, connecting heritage, community, and creativity through their harvest celebrations.
