(KGTV) — Rains that have pummeled San Diego County could mean large and beautiful wildflower blooms a bit ahead of schedule in Carlsbad and Anza Borrego this year.
As storm systems have moved through the region this winter, rainfall showering Carlsbad Flower Fields and Anza Borrego has prepped soil for large wildflower blooms, according to officials from both areas.
Steady rainfall has already helped a few flowers bloom in Carlsbad, according to Fred Clarke, with the Flower Fields.
"The rains have been perfect for us. They have been overall gentle and steady which is ideal for germination and growing of the Ranunculus plants," Clarke said. "We are seeing the plants develop a bit faster with a few lonely flowers being spotted in the fields of green already. It is looking like a spectacular year is in store for The Flowers Fields, good germination make for a spectacular bloom."
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Out in Anza Borrego, the rains are likely to bring large blooms.
"Thanks to the rainfall our state received during the last couple of months, California’s state parks may have large wildflower blooms this spring," Jorge Moreno, with California State Parks, said in a statement. "Currently, there are parts of Anza-Borrego Desert State Park and Ocotillo Wells State Vehicular Recreation with wildflowers in bloom."
Moreno added wildflowers typically bloom in the eastern part of the state park. The park's website offers up-to-date information regarding blooms here.
Moreno did caution, however, that changing weather, such as frost, heat, and wind, tend to make predicting wildflower blooms impossible.
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While both flower destinations are seeing spot flowers begin to bloom here and there, traditionally, wildflower blooms occur from late February to early April, hitting their peak in mid-March.
The early blooms spell good news for locals and visitors who plan to take some time to stop and smell the flowers or dabble in some photography at the two locations this spring.
Wherever visitors may head, they're reminded not to pick flowers at either location and if traveling to the desert, visit the state parks website for safety tips and directions.
