Here's How You Can See Those Iconic Pink Cherry Blossoms
Winter might not be over yet, but one of the earliest signs of spring is when the cherry blossoms bloom. The pop of pink and white clusters is so stunning that people travel from all over the world to see them. Just like Oklahoma’s famous redbud trees, the ornamental cherries are flowering trees that bloom towards the end of winter and act as a symbol of renewal. Their colorful, sweet-smelling blossoms are hard to miss—but if you don’t act fast, you actually might just miss them!
The cherry blossom season doesn’t last long; in fact, you only have about a month to see them. One of the most famous places to see the cherry blossoms in America is in Washington D.C., around the national monuments where over 3,000 trees were first planted in 1912. The trees were originally a gift of friendship from Japan, where they’re referred to as “sakura.” Though many people simply snap a few photos when they see the cherry blossoms bloom, in Japan, the flower holds a special meaning. It’s customary to take part in a centuries-old tradition known as “hanami,” which is to picnic under the trees. But even if you can’t make it to Washington D.C. (or Japan, for that matter!), there are other places to see cherry blossoms, too, including one state that’s known as the “Cherry Blossom Capital of the World.”
Whether you’re visiting a cherry blossom festival or simply looking for an idyllic spot for your next picnic, the sight of a blooming cherry blossom tree is truly a marvel. So how can you see one? And is it possible to have your own cherry blossom tree at home? Read on for everything you need to know about the cherry blossom season, including when it starts. Here’s a hint: It’s sooner than you might think!
When is cherry blossom season?
You already know that cherry blossom season takes places in early spring, but predicting the exact dates for peak bloom isn’t so easy. According to the National Park Service, the peak bloom occurs when 70% of the cherry blossoms are open, but it’s nearly impossible to determine more than 10 days in advance! It all depends on the weather, of course, but you’ll most likely see peak blossoms between March and April (which also happens to be the same time for cherry blossom season in Japan).
“Cool, calm weather can extend the length of the bloom,” the National Park Service says, “and a rainy, windy day can bring an abrupt end to the ephemeral blossoms.”
The trees only bloom for about two weeks so you’ll want to see them while you can. Luckily, the National Park Service has a dedicated bloom watch to keep you updated on the 2024 dates for peak cherry blossom season.
Where are the best places to see cherry tree blossoms?
Washington D.C. might be the first place that comes to mind. The city hosts an annual Cherry Blossom Festival that includes a parade, kite festival, family-friendly spring activities, and fireworks show.
But other cities have cherry blossoms, too, including New York’s Brooklyn Botanic Garden, Portland’s Japanese American Historical Plaza, Boston’s Charles River Esplanade, and the Dallas Arboretum. You can also catch a Cherry Blossom Festival in Nashville, or head to Macon, Georgia, which is known as the Cherry Blossom Capital of the World. It gets its name from the whopping 300,000 cherry trees that turn the whole city pink!
Can you grow cherry blossom trees?
Yes! If you want to experience the blossoms in your own backyard, there are several varieties of cherry trees that can grow in hardiness zones 5 through 8, just be sure to find a sunny location with well-drained soil. The best time to plant cherry trees is in early fall. While the ornamental trees don’t produce fruit, the cherry blossom petals are actually edible. Many Japanese teas and treats are made with pickled cherry blossoms. Just note that the seeds, stems, and leaves are toxic for pets!
You Might Also Like
