On average, DC’s cherry blossoms bloom around the last week of March into the first week of April. But it varies from year to year based on weather conditions, so it can also be a little before or after that period.
If you are looking for an expert to discuss this year’s bloom, please consider Rachel Canalichio, Wilbur Harlan Greenhouse Manager at George Washington University.
Rachel has been the Manager of the Harlan Greenhouse for over 5 years. She has a Certificate of Ornamental Horticulture from the University of Maryland's Institute of Applied Agriculture, and a master’s degree in agriculture with a concentration in Plant Science from Virginia Tech.
Rachel believes, this year will depend on if we get another cold snap. “If not, we could have a very early festival and we might be seeing damage to the flowers and reduced blooms if a cold snap damages the new buds.”
Prior to joining the Biology Department, Rachel was a Greenhouse Technician with the Maryland Parks and Planning Commission. She is also an adjunct professor at GWU, where she teaches Biology of Horticulture
Please contact GW Media Relations at GWMedia
gwu [dot] edu (GWMedia[at]gwu[dot]edu) or 202-994-6460 to speak with Rachel.
-GW-