What stage are D.C.’s cherry blossoms in? Tracking the buds to peak bloom.

D.C.’s magnificent cherry blossoms draw more than 1.6 million visitors to the Tidal Basin each spring. Anticipation builds as the buds progress through a six-stage bloom process on the way to peak bloom.

On Wednesday, the bloom process officially began. Fueled by four straight abnormally warm days in the 70s and 80s, the blossom buds reached their first stage: green buds, the National Park Service declared.

LET’S GO! Small green buds are appearing on the Yoshino cherry trees, marking the 1st of 6 stages on the way to peak bloom. / Learn more: https://t.co/Yd0Z1y1FHD #Cherryblossom #BloomWatch #WashingtonDC pic.twitter.com/dNzuGKrYXy

— National Mall NPS (@NationalMallNPS) March 11, 2026

The bloom process started later than usual after much colder-than-normal weather from December through February. Often, the cherry trees reach the green bud stage earlier, in late February or the first week of March.

Last year the buds got off to a late start as well, also reaching Stage 1 on March 11. But, propelled by warmer-than-normal weather, they accelerated toward a March 28 peak bloom. The 17-day progression between the first and last stage was among the fastest on record.

With cooler conditions expected during the middle part of March this year, the bloom process will probably unfold more slowly, with peak bloom expected between the end of March and the first week of April.

NPS declares peak bloom when 70 percent of the Yoshino cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin are open.

Peak bloom typically lasts three to seven days. Cool, cloudy and calm weather helps preserve the blossoms, while heat, wind and rain can shorten the display by knocking petals from the trees.

Stages of peak bloom

Here are the stages of bloom, according to the Park Service:

Stage 1 — Green buds: The first visible sign that the flowering process is underway: Small green buds appear. (current stage, reached March 11)
Stage 2 — Florets visible: Individual flower structures or florets become visible within the bud.
Stage 3 — Florets extend: The florets lengthen as the bud swells.
Stage 4 — Peduncles elongate: The small stems supporting the blossoms lengthen.
Stage 5 — Puffy blossoms: Buds look swollen and pale, as if they’re about to pop.
Stage 6 — Peak bloom: 70 percent of Yoshino blossoms open.

Peak bloom predictions

Several local organizations made projections for this year’s peak bloom — they all fall within an nine-day stretch from March 30 to April 7. Here are the forecasts: