Can anyone give me an approximate time frame as to when the deserts in Arizona are most likely to be in bloom? I realize that it depends on rainfall, temperature, etc., but just wondering when they usually show some color. Thanks, Geri

The second half of April has been my favorite time for desert bloom, esp. the Sonoran, although it can range mid-March to mid-May.

I'd say early April is fairly safe. The wildflowers can start as early as late February, but generally not until mid-March. The peak color doesn't last more than a couple weeks.

Take a look at this website:
http://www.desertmuseum.org/programs/flw_blooming.html
There are some links on the left side of the page that go in-depth on different locations and perennials vs. annuals, etc. If you pick a certain time to be there and have some flexibility in the areas you'd be able to visit you'll give yourself more of an opportunity to see some peak color.

I don't believe there will be much of a bloom this year. Way too dry.

I would have to disagree with bigtyke. Although having a lot of fall/winter rain is best for spring blooms, the second half of this year has been much wetter than normal. Tucson has an "average" annual rainfall of a little over 12 inches of rain. From January to late June, we had received less than one inch. But from June 28 to now (actually, to September, when our monsoons ended) I recorded a little over 15 inches of rain. I live just on the eastern outskirts of Tucson. And I know for a fact that some higher elevations, like Prescott and Payson got more than that.

If we get good rain in December and January, it should be a great year for wildflowers in southern Arizona.

Thanks to all who responded to my query regarding desert blooms. Planning on being out there sometime in late winter or early spring and hoping we'll see some flowering. Special thanks to the weasel and mikepin. Geri