The first bloom of 2015 has arrived officially today (March 10th), kicking off the spring season here in southern Iowa. To what plant does this prize go to? It goes to Snow Crocus which opened up in today’s sunshine. Snow or (Species) Crocus bloom much earlier than standard Crocus you see in most stores, but they’re also much smaller as their flowers are only about the size of a dime. These are about a week later than usual for this species. Compared to last year’s first bloom, we are just off a day, but last year, it was Snowdrops that bloomed first. This warmth certainly has caused a very fast progression in the garden, every evening brings a new surprise – each time I check, I see more spring bulbs are coming up! Tulips and Daffodils are up about 2″ tall now and growing very quickly. I have also heard reported that Snowdrops were in bloom around Des Moines as well as Cedar Rapids. If you’re in northern Iowa, your bulbs may be just starting to come up, however I haven’t received reports of blooms in that area as their snow cover continues to linger.

Today also brought something else great for the first time – 70 degree highs! The high here in Cumming, just southwest of Des Moines, was 71.F and officially at the airport in Des Moines it was 70.F, which interestingly was the same day as last years first 70 degree highs. The highs for today are below:

South & Central Iowa
Cumming 71.F
Des Moines Airport 70.F
Osceola 69.F
Perry 69.F
Pella 69.F
Creston 68.F
Chariton 68.F
Ames 68.F
Boone 68.F
Knoxville 68.F
Newton 66.F
Marshalltown 63.F

Elsewhere Around Iowa

Shenandoah 73.F
Sioux City 73.F
Omaha/Council Bluffs 71.F
Lamoni 68.F
Ottumwa 68.F
Spencer 67.F
Fort Dodge 66.F
Keokuk 64.F
Mason City 63.F
Waterloo 62.F
Iowa City 61.F
Cedar Rapids 60.F
Decorah 59.F
Ouad Cities 56.F
Dubuque 52.F