SF’s Rare Stinky “Corpse Flower” Nighttime Bloom (Conservatory of Flowers)

The Conservatory of Flowers in Golden Gate Park has announced that one of their super smelly “corpse flowers” is just about ready to bloom. And that means it’s going to start smelling like rotting flesh. Nice!

June 17, 2026 Bloom Update:

Scarlet, the Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum) has a bloom growing rapidly in the Conservatory of Flowers.

Let the countdown begin—we expect Scarlet to bloom within the next 5 to 7 days, the bloom will be incredibly brief, typically lasting two days. Scarlet last bloomed in July 2023, nearly 3 years ago. Relive the incredible bloom here.

Witness the Bloom

Once Scarlet blooms, we will announce it via social media and email and tickets will go live. In addition to regular daytime hours, we will have special After-Hours access from 5-9pm. All visitors should reserve timed entry tickets online in advance and special After-Hours tickets will be required for after-hours entry.

Visit the Conservatory of Flowers at 100 JFK Drive in Golden Gate Park, open Tuesday to Sunday from 10am to 4:30pm. Tickets are free for San Francisco residents with ID, while tickets for non-residents are $15 for adults, $7 for youth (ages 12-17), students and seniors and $3 for kids 5-11.

What’s the best way to follow Scarlet’s growth? 

• Find fresh Corpse Flower updates on Instagram, Facebook, and on our website. 
• Visit the Conservatory of Flowers to observe Scarlet’s fascinating transformation leading up to this notoriously pungent event. 
• Watch the live stream.

The flowers usually take 7-10 years to bloom for the first time, and then can re-bloom every 3-5 years thereafter.  The smelly bloom only lasts a day or two.

 

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Why does the bloom stink?
The scent is a deception device that tricks pollinators into thinking the plant is rotting organic matter. These pollinators – carrion beetles and flies – lay eggs on decaying animals so their larva can feast when they hatch. The bloom heats up on the first evening to further disperse the odor.

Here’s a timelapse video from 2018 of the giant corpse flower.