Wildflowers are already blooming in parts of the Anza-Borrego desert following unusually heavy rains, and experts are predicting another “super bloom” similar to the one in 2017.
Sand verbena, desert sunflower, brown-eyed evening primrose and lupine are now blooming in the Borrego Badlands, which can only be reached with a four-wheel-drive vehicle.
“There is still a beautiful bloom taking place east of Borrego Springs, in the Borrego Badlands, where December rain has given us an unusual winter bloom,” according to the Anza-Borrego Desert Natural History Association.
Other areas where blooms are appearing are Coyote Canyon and Buttes Pass.
“With almost four inches of rain since July, we anticipate widespread bloom of flowers in late February and early March,” according to experts at the Anza-Borrego State Park.
The park has set up a wildflower hotline at 760-767-4684 for information about the bloom and traffic.
The rain is also promising to make the annual Flower Fields in Carlsbad especially spectacular when they open on March 1.
“We’re excited to see that the fields have been responding very well with the recent rains in our area. The gentle, steady water, combined with intermittent sunshine bodes very well for germination and the growth of our Ranunculus plants,” said General Manager Fred Clarke.
