Unusually Warm Winter Causes Early Plant Blooms in Colorado

Daffodils, trees blossoming a month ahead of schedule due to warm, dry conditions

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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Colorado's unusually warm and dry winter has caused plants and trees to emerge from dormancy much earlier than normal, with daffodils budding and trees blossoming in mid-February - about a month ahead of their typical spring bloom. Local horticulture experts are advising residents on how to care for these early bloomers and warning that the dry conditions could impact plant health later in the year.

Why it matters

The early emergence of plants is an unusual and concerning sign of climate change, as warmer winters disrupt the natural cycles plants rely on. This could have broader impacts on local ecosystems and agriculture if the trend continues. Residents also need guidance on how to properly care for plants that may be vulnerable to late frosts or continued dry conditions.

The details

Members of the Horticultural Arts Society in Colorado Springs have noticed daffodils budding and trees blossoming in mid-February, about a month earlier than normal. The head grower at Rick's Garden Center said they've seen spring bulbs already turning green, which is highly unusual for this time of year. Experts are advising residents to use simple frost covers and be diligent about winter watering to protect the early bloomers from potential cold snaps or drought.

  • In mid-February, some trees in Colorado were already blossoming.
  • Daffodils were budding and about to bloom in mid-February.

The players

Barb Valentine

President of the Horticultural Arts Society.

Emma Seibert

Head Grower at Rick's Garden Center.

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What they’re saying

“Definitely the plants are coming up. A lot of the flowers a month early.”

— Barb Valentine, President, Horticultural Arts Society (KOAA)

“Evidence right here. We've got spring bulbs that wouldn't normally be turning green.”

— Emma Seibert, Head Grower, Rick's Garden Center (KOAA)

The takeaway

This unusually early plant blooming is a concerning sign of climate change disrupting natural cycles, and residents will need to take extra steps to protect their gardens from potential late frosts or continued drought conditions this year.