Cherry blossoms reach stage 4 of 6, moving towards peak bloom

The Cherry Blossom trees have now reached stage 4, also called the Peduncle Elongation phase, according to the National Park Service.

It means we can see the pink buds and that the cherry blossoms are getting closer to peak bloom along the Tidal Basin.

The cherry trees' blossom development is dependent on weather conditions. On average, cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin reach peak bloom between late March and early April, though the exact timing depends on weather conditions. Last year, the cherry blossoms reached peak bloom on March 17.

The bloom unfolds in six stages, according to NPS:

• Stage 1: Green buds appear
• Stage 2: Florets become visible
• Stage 3: Florets extend
• Stage 4: Peduncles elongate
• Stage 5: Puffy blossoms
• Stage 6: Peak bloom!

The final stage signals peak bloom, when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees are in full flower.

7News is a proud partner of the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival, from March 20 to April 13.