Bloom Schedule

image of washington monument with cherry blossoms and the words 'April 11-14, 2015' superimposed

Peak bloom in 2015 is expected to fall between April 11-14.

NPSPhoto

Peak Bloom for 2015 is predicted to be April 11-14.
Check this page for updates and follow along on Twitter and Facebook using #CherryBlossoms and #Bloomwatch.

When do the trees typically bloom?
2014 peak bloom occurred on April10, 2014
2013 peak bloom occurred on April 9, 2013
2012 peak bloom occurred on March 20, 2012.

The average peak bloom date from 1992 through 2013 is March 31.
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Historic List of Cherry Blossom Festivals and Blooming Periods for the Yoshino and Kwanzan Varieties.

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
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 trees have reached the designated stage. You may see individual trees reach the designated stage before the date is posted.