Things are starting to bloom in Salt Lake, but spring weather can be unpredictable. Lingering cold streaks and snow storms makes us wonder how our newly sprouted flora friends choose when to blossom.
In the Wild
Utah is home to gorgeous wildflowers. Species like Mountain Bluebell and sego lilies (our city flag’s emblem) typically begin to bloom in March, with the season lasting into September, depending on weather and elevation. Columbine, paintbrush, and iris bloom in the summer months.
🌸 Most importantly, when will the cherry blossoms on Capitol Hill bloom? Soon! If the weather stays warm, the blossoms will arrive sometime between late March and early April, and last between 4-10 days.
If you want to catch the cherry blossoms at peak bloom, here are a few signs to watch for:
- Fat, round, green buds. This is the first stage of impending bloom.
- Swelling buds with florets. Once the florets are visible, peak bloom is around 14 days away.
- Fluffy white blossoms. When the Sakura blossoms begin to open, peak bloom is 4-6 days away.
Want to learn more about cherry blossoms? Our friends in Toronto have a great guide to cherry blossom tracking.
For more floral fun, check out what’s blooming at Red Butte Garden and mark your calendars for the Tulip Festival at Thanksgiving Point.
It’s gardening season! (Koh Sze Kiat / Getty)
Home Gardens
Planting at home is a game of cat-and-mouse, depending on the last spring frost. Once the soil is dry, you can seed hardy varieties like onions, radish, and spinach, and plant asparagus and Brussels sprouts.
Semi-hardy plants like beets, potatoes, and carrots can be seeded in late April — about two weeks before the last average spring frost. This is also a good time to plant cauliflower.
Are you ready to start gardening? Here’s a guide to how to start an urban farm.
