BLOOM WATCH
PEAK BLOOM
PEAK BLOOM DATE & BLOOMING PERIOD
The National Park Service defines the peak bloom date as the day on which 70% of the blossoms of Yoshino cherry trees that surround the Tidal Basin are open. The date varies from year to year depending on weather conditions. The blooming period is defined as the time when 20% of the blossoms are open until the petals fall and leaves appear. The blooming period starts several days before the peak bloom date and can last as long as 14 days. However, frost or high temperatures combined with wind or rain can shorten this period. Below you will find a comparative record of past bud development. The date listed is when 70% of the buds have reached each stage.
Bloom Stages
STAGE 01
Green Color in Buds
Mid- to late-February to early March
STAGE 02
Florets Visible
Early to mid-March, average 16-21 days to Peak Bloom
STAGE 03
Extension of Florets
Average 12-17 days to Peak Bloom
STAGE 04
Peduncle Elongation
Average 5-10 days to Peak Bloom (frost critical)
STAGE 05
Puffy White
Average 4-6 days to Peak Bloom
Bloom History
| YEAR | STAGE 1 | STAGE 2 | STAGE 3 | STAGE 4 | STAGE 5 | START OF PEAK BLOOM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 | 2/28 | 3/3 | 3/9 | 3/12 | 3/16 | 3/20 |
| 2019 | 3/5 | 3/17 | 3/23 | 3/25 | 3/29 | 4/1 |
| 2018 | 2/25 | 3/15 | 3/26 | 3/29 | 4/1 | 4/5 |
| 2017 | 2/24 | 3/1 | 3/6 | 3/8 | 3/22 | 3/25 |
| 2016 | 3/8 | 3/13 | 3/15 | 3/17 | 3/22 | 3/25 |
| 2015 | 3/18 | 4/1 | 4/4 | 4/6 | 4/8 | 4/10 |
| 2014 | 3/16 | 3/23 | 3/31 | 4/4 | 4/7 | 4/10 |
| 2013 | 3/11 | 3/17 | 3/26 | 3/31 | 4/4 | 4/9 |
Stay in the loop! Visit this page leading up to and during the Festival for updates provided by National Park Service horticulturists who closely monitor bud development and progress towards peak bloom.
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