Death Valley Super Bloom 2016

I was reminiscing today about the Super Bloom at Death Valley in February 2016 that we visited. It was spectacular!! As you would imagine, this is a rarity in the desert due to the harsh, dry climate that it experiences year round. However, conditions have to be just perfect for a Super Bloom to take place. Rain is a key component for the dormant seeds that are under cover of dirt and sand to have a chance at blooming. The process begins when a half inch or more of rain falls, which allows the protective coating that’s on the wildflower seeds to be washed off so they can sprout. Evenly-spaced rainstorms must occur throughout the winter and spring in order for the plants to continue to grow. The next item that is needed is warmth from the sunshine. The seeds that sprout during the cool winter months often stay fairly small until the sun in springtime begins to warm the soil. At this point, they still may appear to not be growing, but underneath the surface of the soil, a nice, strong root system is beginning to thrive. As the temperatures continue to increase, the established plants start to really show themselves by spurting up and start to bloom. If you’re ever in the area and have the time, I highly recommend visiting Death Valley. Even if a Super Bloom isn’t occurring, the area is gorgeous!