Nissan: Birkat Ha'ilanot for flowers that are still closed

Answer

The Gemara states[1]:

אמר רב יהודה: האי מאן דנפיק ביומי ניסן וחזי אילני דקא מלבלבי אומר: ברוך שלא חיסר בעולמו כלום וברא בו בריות טובות ואילנות טובות להתנאות בהן בני אדם'.

"Rav Yehuda said: Anyone who goes out during the days of Nisan and sees the trees when they blossom (deka melavlevi) should say: 'Blessed is He who has not withheld anything from His world, and has created in it good creatures and good trees for the enjoyment of human beings.'"

To answer your question, we must first clarify the definition of "when they blossom" (deka melavlevi).

Responsa Beit Hayotzer[2] explains, based on Unkelos' translation of the verse "And behold, the rod of Aaron... put forth blossoms"[3] as "ואפק לבלבין" "and it brought out buds." Similarly, Aruch (Rabbi Natan MiRomi, a Rishon; letter lamed) interprets the term "livluv" as " בלאמע, "flowers." Therefore, the Shulchan Aruch (OC 226:1) wrote, "Trees that produce flowers."[4]

However, Responsa Halachot Ketanot[5] states, "In my explanation on Shulchan Aruch, I proved that livluv includes the flowers, which are the rose [petals], as well as the buds, which resemble grape clusters." This implies that the definition of blossoming is broader and includes both the opening of the petals and the emergence of buds. That is, any renewal in the tree after winter. This is also implied by Rambam,[6] "And one sees trees flowering and buds emerging."

Perhaps the difference between these two interpretations is predicated on the understanding of the essence of this blessing. According to Shulchan Aruch, which requires flowers for the blessing, the essence of this blessing is for the future benefit derived from this tree. This enjoyment can only come about as a product of the flowers, which are the preceding stage of the fruits. Saying a blessing at the time of flowering expresses the certainty that we will merit to enjoy these fruits. However, Rambam, who allows for blessing on flowers or buds, maintains that the blessing is said for the renewal of nature that we see now, as stated by Ra'ah,[7] "And they established this blessing because it comes at a specific time, and it is about the renewal. Man sees dry trees that God causes to bloom."

Conclusion

In light of the above, it's best to say birkat ha'ilanot on open flowers. However, but if one does not have trees with open flowers, it is possible to say the blessing on all of the renewal in nature – all the more so, it seems that one can say the blessing on flowers that have not yet opened.[8]