Cherry Blossom Watch Update: March 28, 2013

How Washington DC’s famous Cherry Blossoms are doing as of March 28, 2013. With fresh photos taken today.

Photo of Washington DC Cherry Blossoms.
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The cherry blossoms reached peak bloom on March 17, 2024. That's the second-earliest on record.

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Latest Updates on the 2024 Bloom
Peak Bloom Forecasts in Detail

We’re still stuck in a cool and breezy weather pattern. Apparently there may even be the occasional stray snow flurry around the area later today when the clouds move in.

The NPS arborists judged that 70 percent of the florets were extended as of March 26. As you can see from the photos, some of the trees are a bit further along than others as they head into the peduncle elongation stage. That will be followed by the puffy white stage, which is when we start getting out first glimpses of the actual petals. (The pink you can see in the photos isn’t the petals–they start white–it’s a protective layer around them.) You can see examples of each stage here.

Washington DC's Cherry Blossoms Before the Spring Bloom

Washington DC's Cherry Blossoms Before the Spring Bloom

Washington DC's Cherry Blossoms Before the Spring Bloom

Washington DC's Cherry Blossoms Before the Spring Bloom

Washington DC's Cherry Blossoms Before the Spring Bloom