California experienced its first super bloom in nearly a decade in 2017. Wildflowers blanketed California's mountaintops and valleys again in 2019 after consistent rains and warm temperatures caused seeds dormant for decades beneath the desert floor to burst open and produce a spectacular display dubbed the "super bloom."
In California, super blooms occur once every ten years in a given area, and they have become less frequent as a result of the drought, but 2017 and 2019 demonstrated that the phenomenon can occur at any time.
This year, most of the state received more than 50% more rainfall than usual, thanks in large part to an atmospheric river that ravaged the state in early January. Although adequate precipitation is required for a super bloom, too much rain and flash flooding could wash away the seeds before they can take root.
There are also other weather and environmental conditions that must occur. Warm temperatures will also be required in the areas prior to the super bloom to help germinate the seeds and promote growth. Dry winds and high temperatures may also impede seed sprouting and plant growth.
Simply put, for a super bloom to occur, environmental and weather conditions must be perfectly aligned.
The California Poppy was designated as the official state flower of California in 1903, and during the 2019 super bloom, the poppy fields at Lake Elsinore's Walker Canyon Trail were so vibrant that you could see them from space.
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