The fleeting beauty of cherry blossoms, or sakura, inspires many people to seek ways to bring these delicate flowers into their lives. Purchasing options differ significantly depending on whether the goal is to secure cut material for immediate enjoyment or to invest in a living tree for long-term cultivation. Finding these flowers requires consulting specific types of vendors that specialize in either fresh-cut branches or established nursery stock.
Sourcing Cut Cherry Blossom Branches
The search for fresh, cut cherry blossom branches is highly governed by the calendar, as their natural availability in most regions is confined to a brief window in late winter or early spring. These ephemeral branches are typically harvested just as the flower buds begin to swell, a process known as forcing, which coaxes them into bloom indoors. For consumers seeking this material, the primary sources are high-end retail florists and regional wholesale flower markets.
Wholesale suppliers can sometimes offer imported branches outside the local season. These stems are sourced from regions with earlier bloom times or from specialized growers who use controlled environments to manipulate the flowering cycle. Expect the highest availability of fresh branches between February and April, with prices reflecting the intensive labor and transport involved in their out-of-season procurement.
Fresh-cut cherry blossom stems, such as Prunus serrulata or Prunus x yedoensis, are sold in bunches of three to nine stems, often measuring three to four feet in length. When purchasing, look for plump buds showing slight color, which indicates they are ready to open once placed in water. The short vase life of the flowers, averaging ten to twelve days with proper care, contributes to their premium cost and demand.
Some online floral distributors may also offer these branches, shipping them directly from the farm to the consumer. This direct-to-consumer approach is often utilized for bulk orders intended for large events or weddings. For year-round decorative needs, highly realistic artificial or silk cherry blossom branches are widely available from event supply companies and craft retailers.
Buying Cherry Blossom Trees for Planting
Individuals looking to establish a permanent source of blossoms must focus on buying a living tree of a specific cultivar. The most common species are the Japanese Flowering Cherry (Prunus serrulata), known for double-flowered varieties like ‘Kanzan,’ and the Yoshino Cherry (Prunus x yedoensis), famous for its abundant white or pale pink blooms. These trees are best acquired from local garden centers or specialized tree nurseries.
Local nurseries allow buyers to inspect the tree’s health, root ball, and grafting point before purchase. Alternatively, online mail-order nurseries offer a wider selection of unique or less common cultivars, typically shipping the trees bare-root during the dormant season. When buying online, confirm the seller’s reputation and the tree’s size upon delivery.
The tree’s hardiness zone is a primary consideration, as most ornamental cherries thrive in USDA zones 5 through 8. Planting a tree outside its recommended zone can lead to poor growth or failure to flower. The cherry tree requires a location that receives full sunlight for at least six hours daily and has well-drained soil, since root systems are susceptible to standing water.
Checking the eventual mature size of the chosen variety is important, as some can reach heights of 50 feet, while others maintain a more compact 15 to 25-foot stature. Reputable nurseries provide details on the specific cultivar’s growth habit, including whether it is weeping, upright, or vase-shaped, allowing for appropriate landscape placement.
Related Cherry Blossom Products and Seeds
For those who wish to experience the cherry blossom theme without purchasing fresh branches or a full tree, the most direct alternative to a living tree is purchasing cherry blossom seeds. This approach is significantly more challenging and time-consuming. Seeds require stratification, a process that mimics winter by exposing them to cold temperatures, often in refrigeration for several weeks, to encourage germination.
Even after successful germination, a tree grown from seed may take between seven and ten years to reach maturity and produce its first blossoms. Furthermore, the resulting tree will not be a clone of the parent, meaning the flower color and form are unpredictable. Due to these difficulties, most gardeners recommend buying an established sapling instead of starting from seed.
Beyond planting material, the cherry blossom fragrance and flavor are captured in a variety of commercial goods. Extracts and flavorings derived from the blossoms are used in cosmetic products and specialty food items like teas and confections. These ancillary products are typically found at health food stores, specialty tea shops, and online retailers that focus on Asian-inspired goods.