Spring brings some of California’s most memorable flower blooms, from almond blossoms in February and March to jacarandas in May. One of the most dazzling displays we always look forward to is the enormous tulip field in L.A. County’s Descanso Gardens, which is about to pay off this spring. The garden’s volunteers planted over 35,000 tulip bulbs back in January and we can’t wait to see the results of their hard work for 2025.
Most years, the tulips start blooming in February, reach peak bloom in March, and cycle out in April. Descanso Gardens recently shared photos of the first tulips, adding that L.A.’s recent rain should lead to a bountiful bloom this year. Per their latest update, the tulips should reach peak bloom in 2-3 weeks, which lands in the second half of March.
Visit to explore a vivid ocean of colorful tulip blooms, ranging in shades of yellow, hot pink, red, white, and purple. Folks come from all over to see the gardens in their full springtime splendor — in addition to the tulips, you may witness more blooms of peach blossoms, Japanese camellias, cherry blossoms, daffodils, and magnolias.
Most of the tulip bulbs are planted near the entrance and along the promenades. Specimens include the “Crispa” tulips in soft pinks and corals and the red-and-yellow “Greigii.”
Tulips are said to represent unconditional love and can take on different meanings depending on the color. For example, yellow symbolizes friendship, red is for true romance, orange is for appreciation, and pink is for happiness. As you explore the gardens, think about which colors and meanings resonate the most with you.
When is the best time to visit Descanso Gardens to see tulips?
Descanso Gardens shared that the longevity of their tulip bloom is dependent on the weather. A few of the colorful blooms will begin to unfurl in February, but peak bloom is most reliable from mid-March to early April, so we recommend you plan your visit accordingly.
You can make a reservation online to visit Descanso Gardens daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. They offer a free admission day to the general public on the third Tuesday of every month — the next one is on March 18, 2025.
And finally, if you want more tulips, consider checking out the gorgeous field over at Underwood Family Farms in Moorpark. They even let you pick your own.
🌷 Learn more: Descanso Gardens
📍 Location: 1418 Descanso Dr, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Written by Sophie Len and Jamie Ferrell