Van Gogh hoped his paintings of orchards in bloom would sell well because they would appeal to many people. He experimented with his painting technique by sometimes using thick, rough brushstrokes, or even by leaving areas of canvas completely unpainted. Van Gogh was the most satisfied with this painting, which together with The pink peach tree and The pink orchard formed a triptych.
On April 13, 1888, in a letter to his brother Theo, Van Gogh drew the three paintings of blossoming trees, arranged together as a triptych.