Cherry Blossom at the Brooklyn Botanical Garden in New York 2025

The Japanese believe that the cherry blossom symbolizes the beauty and frailty of life. New York City annually celebrates Japanese culture in spring when the cherry blossom trees are in full bloom. Those for whom viewing cherry blossoms has become an annual tradition can visit the Brooklyn Botanical Garden.

Best Time to Visit

The cherry blossoms in the garden bloom from late March or early April through mid-May. Botanical garden staff highlight that each cherry tree blooms for about a week, but they do not flower simultaneously. Instead, the various species and cultivars bloom in succession, creating a staggered display of blossoms. The earliest cherry trees typically bloom alongside the daffodils, and within about four weeks, the remaining trees reach full bloom. The blooming period can vary depending on temperature, precipitation, and other weather conditions, which also influence how long the flowers last.

Special Events

Previously, the Sakura Matsuri, the Garden’s annual cherry blossom festival celebrating Japanese culture, was a key event for visitors. Traditionally held in late April, it featured a rich program of cultural events. However, it was canceled in 2020 due to COVID-19 and has not returned. In its place, the Garden now hosts Weekends in Bloom, a series of events in April and early May to celebrate the cherry blossom season.

Where to Find Blossom Trees

Cherry blossoms can be found throughout the Brooklyn Botanic Garden, offering picturesque views during the season. Early in the bloom period, the elegant weeping higan cherries (Prunus pendula ‘Pendula Rosea’) frame the pond at the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, creating a serene and beautiful scene.

The Cherry Cultivars Area, located just west of the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden near Cherry Walk, showcases a dozen different cherry varieties. This area provides a unique opportunity to observe diverse blossom shapes and staggered bloom times. Notably, Prunus × incam ‘Okame’, the first cherry to bloom at the Garden, marks the beginning of hanami, the cherished tradition of cherry blossom viewing. For a full experience, stroll through Cherry Walk, Cherry Esplanade, and Osborne Garden, where vibrant blossoms and the fragrant aroma of spring fill the air.

Schedule & Tickets

When Brooklyn Botanic Garden is in bloom, its open hours are typically from 8 am to 8 pm Tuesday through Thursday and from 8 am to 6 pm Friday through Sunday. The Garden is closed on Mondays.

Visitors can buy tickets at the following prices: adults—$22, seniors (ages 65+) and students (ages 12+) with valid ID—$16, children under 12 are free. Proof of eligibility is also required for members and affiliates with free tickets.

More About the Brooklyn Botanical Garden

The Brooklyn Botanical Garden spans 52 acres (21 hectares) in the heart of Brooklyn. Designed by the Olmsted Brothers, the garden is home to over 14,000 plant species and attracts more than 800,000 visitors annually.

The Brooklyn Botanical Garden was founded in 1910 with botanist Charles Stuart Gager as director and officially opened on May 13, 1911. It was originally called the Original Native Flora Garden, and its collection featured native plants, including wildflower beds.

Over time, the Botanical Garden evolved and was updated with various plants that could be seen in the Japanese Hill-and-Pond Garden, Rock Garden, Lily Pool Terrace, Cherry Walk, Shakespeare Garden, Cranford Rose Garden, Rose Arc Pool, Magnolia Plaza, and other fascinating places. BBG inspires people of all ages through the conservation, display, and enjoyment of plants to interact with nature and respect the environment.

The garden is open throughout the year, showcasing plants that represent every season, alongside indoor tropical gardens and bonsai collections. It also offers a range of seasonal public programs, including special events celebrating cherry blossom season and a winter light trail.