What's Actually Blooming in Spring? A Western PA Flower Seasonality Guide for Brides

Now that we're at the close of this season, it's a great time to reflect on what Spring flowers look like in Pittsburgh and to keep that information in mind for next year's Spring weddings and events. So, If you're planning a spring wedding and dreaming of locally grown flowers, this post is for you - especially if you've fallen down a Pinterest rabbit hole and aren't sure what's realistic for weddings local to the Pittsburgh area.

The honest truth is that if you are committed to locally grown flowers for your wedding, not all the flowers you want will be available. You're not going to get dahlias or sunflowers in April. But what you get as the trade off is the freshest, most beautiful blooms that you know are locally and ethically grown. They are more alive and interesting that imported flowers, and the difference is tangible.

But what can you actually expect to be blooming during the spring months in Pittsburgh? Let's get into it.

Early Spring

Generally, the earliest the flower season starts in our area is mid-late March. Early Spring cut flowers in our area often start slowly with hellebores and daffodils. As we get into April, we get more variety with flower branches like lilacs and tulips start coming to the party.

Spring bridal bouquet with hellebore and ranunculus

Daffodils of many colors and shapes displayed in a white ceramic pitcher

Locally grown tulips

Mid-Late Spring

Usually by the end of April going into May, things are really starting to explode and we have an abundance of Spring flowers. It is my favorite time of year. Ranunculus, anemones, peonies, alliums, poppies, delphinium, snapdragons, phlox, yarrow, nigella, sweet peas... By June, it often feels like an embarrassment of riches.

Bride holding a bouquet of flowers in shades of purple

A bright spring bouquet for a DIY bride

A spring bouquet of peonies and poppies

How to Use This Information

If you're planning a DIY wedding with locally grown flowers, here's how to approach it:

1. Start with your date, not your flower list. Once you know your wedding date, you know your season. Then you can build a realistic vision.

2. Give yourself flexibility within the palette. Instead of "I want peonies, ranunculus, and anemones," try "I want soft, romantic blooms in blush and cream." That opens the door to whatever's at peak beauty on your wedding day.

3. Talk to your local farm early. Your local farmer is your partner in this and is as invested in getting you the best blooms as you are. In Pittsburgh, we are fortunate to have a multiple ways that local flower growers network, so you can ask if your farmer is able to supplement from other local growers in the event that they have a crop failure or need more flowers.

4. Expect some surprises. Using local, seasonal flowers means you need to be flexible with your plan, but it also means you might get something more beautiful than what you originally envisioned.

At Burghblooms, we grow on a reclaimed lot in Larimer and it brings us so much joy to connect people with the best flowers possible for their day. Whether you're after a bucket of stems to arrange yourself or want help thinking through a full DIY plan, we'd love to talk.

Reach out to start the conversation.