Bloom Watch

Peak bloom was observed on March 25, 2016.

The Peak Bloom Date and Blooming Period

The peak bloom date is defined as the day when 70% of the Yoshino Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis) blossoms are open. Peak bloom varies annually depending on weather conditions. The most likely time to reach peak bloom is between the last week of March and the first week of April. Extraordinary warm or cool temperatures have resulted in peak bloom as early as March 15 (1990) and as late as April 18 (1958).

The Yoshino trees typically bloom for a period of several days. The length of the blooming period depends on weather conditions. Cool, calm weather can extend the length of the bloom, and a rainy, windy day can bring an abrupt end to the ephemeral blossoms. A late frost can prevent the trees from blooming at all.

Forecasting peak bloom is almost impossible more than 10 days in advance. The cherry trees' blossom development is dependent on weather conditions, which are inherently variable. National Park Service horticulturists monitor bud development and report the status of the blossoms. The following table shows bud development data for Yoshino cherry trees, the most common trees in the park.

Year	Green Buds	Florets Visible	Extension of Florets	Peduncle Elongation	Puffy White	Peak Bloom
2016	Mar 8	Mar 13	Mar 15	Mar 17	Mar 22	Mar 25
2015	Mar 18	Apr 1	Apr 4	Apr 6	Apr 8	Apr 10
2014	Mar 16	Mar 23	Mar 31	Apr 4	Apr 7	Apr 10
2013	Mar 11	Mar 17	Mar 26	Mar 31	Apr 4	Apr 9
2012	Feb 29	Mar 8	Mar 12	Mar 14	Mar 15	Mar 20
2011	Feb 28	Mar 9	Mar 16	Mar 19	Mar 22	Mar 29
2010	Mar 14	Mar 19	Mar 21	Mar 23	Mar 26	Mar 31
2009	Mar 3	Mar 12	Mar 18	Mar 23	Mar 27	Apr 1
2008	Feb 19	Mar 11	Mar 17	Mar 18	Mar 24	Mar 26
2007	Mar 5	Mar 20	Mar 25	Mar 27	Mar 28	Apr 1
2006	Feb 28	Mar 13	Mar 14	Mar 16	Mar 22	Mar 30
2005	Mar 7	Mar 22	Mar 31	Apr 3	Apr 4	Apr 9
2004	Mar 4	Mar 12	Mar 15	Mar 22	Mar 27	Mar 31

*Please note: Dates reflect when 70% of the Tidal Basin cherry tree buds have reached the designated stage. You may see individual trees reach the designated stage before the date is posted.