Categories: Lifestyle

What we know about the cherry blossom blooms in Toronto amid cold weather

Image via fotografiko eugen/Shutterstock

We’ve gotten a recent spurt of cold weather (yes, I am also upset about it) in the city, and it has us all asking the same question: “Will this affect the cherry blossom blooms?” Have no fear; we have answers. Cherry blossom season is quickly approaching in Toronto, and while the weather has been unpredictable, Sakura Steve has an update.

Steven Joniak, also known as Sakura Steve, monitors the progression of the High Park cherry blossoms each year, and his latest post indicates that the back-and-forth weather is actually on par with what the blooms go through this time of year.

“The buds now appear larger, rounder, and healthier and have moved on to Stage 2, where we can now see the bright green and yellow tips emerge. As rain also continues to dominate the forecast, it is a vital part of the development cycle and will help keep things on track for a normal end-of-month blooming schedule,” Joniak details.

“The buds are well into their stage two progress as indicated by fuller, rounder shapes and prominent bright green and yellow tips emerging from each bud. As April begins, this is what I expect to see at this time of year,” he continues.

Stage two is one of six stages of a cherry blossom’s life span, and if things keep going this way, we can expect to see the blooms in their final (peak) stage at the end of April or start of May.

Once the blossoms have reached their peak, you can expect them to last anywhere from four to 10 days.

Last year’s peak bloom lasted from April 20 to 28, as well as 2023’s peak. In 2022, the blossoms were in peak bloom from May 5 to 12.

Here’s hoping some normal weather holds up and that cherry blossom season comes sooner rather than later! Check out our map of where you can spot cherry blossom blooms in Toronto before you head out.

Thanks for keeping us updated, Steve.

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