With a little bit of gloomy weather ahead for the weekend, I think we could all use a glimmer of hope, and don’t worry – I have one. Cherry blossom season is *almost* here, with Toronto’s resident cherry blossom expert Steve Joniak, aka Sakura Steve, providing another update on when Toronto can expect to see those glorious blossoms around the city.
Here’s the good news in Steve’s latest update: Despite a little snow and cold weather, the buds are still progressing well.
“Snow on the ground hasn’t hurt the progress of the Sakura trees, but this is normal for this time of year, and the buds remain healthy and well-formed. This winter has been more seasonal, with cold temperatures and plenty of snowfall, which has kept the trees on a better, more predictable path,” shares Joniak.
Currently, the cherry blossoms are in stage one of progression. There are six stages, as Joniak outlines here:
- Stage one: Buds begin to show a bronze colour.
- Stage two: Buds change to green colour.
- Stage three: Buds swell, and florets are visible.
- Stage four: Buds continue to swell, with florets emerging.
- Stage five: Florets turn pink and begin to extend.
- Stage six: Blossoms open with white petals.
Joniak also adds that while it’s still a little early to give an exact time on when to see fully bloomed cherry blossoms, his early prediction of between late April and early May remains.
And while cherry blossom season in Toronto is very exciting and draws in large crowds, Joniak also reminds everyone that it comes with the responsibility of respecting the blossoms. This means no climbing the trees, no picking the blossoms, no littering, and no pulling at the branches.
Cherry blossom season, we shall (somewhat) patiently wait for you here in Toronto.
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