DC cherry blossoms enter stage 3 of 6, nearing peak bloom at the Tidal Basin
WASHINGTON, D.C. (7News) — Halfway to peak bloom: Cherry blossoms reach stage 3 of 6!
The cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin in D.C. are currently in stage three, according to the National Park Service (NPS), meaning the florets are extended.
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.
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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 first stage of the cherry blossom's peak bloom is the green bud stage, which usually happens about 20 days before the peak. Once stage one occurs, each stage happens about every three to five days. The final stage signals peak bloom, when 70% of the Yoshino cherry trees around the Tidal Basin are in full flower.
7News is a proud partner of the 2025 National Cherry Blossom Festival, from March 20 to April 13. The event is full of weeks of cultural events, parades, and blooming celebrations in the city.
