Sakura Watch April 26, 2022 - Blossom buds in final stages and bloom to begin in days
Sakura Watch April 26, 2022 - Blossom buds in the final stages and bloom to begin in days! The cherry trees have progressed well, despite the cooler weather and frost warnings over the past couple of nights. The resilience of the blossom buds has once again come through to show how ready they are to tough out both a late snowfall and now dips in temperatures to ensure they can put on a show for Toronto residents as the symbolic official beginning of spring.
Watch for my latest YouTube update or continue reading below.
Stage 4
Today's walk through High Park revealed that nearly all the cherry blossom buds were in Stage 4. This meant the florets were beginning to emerge from the buds, with most having the deep, pink colours on the tips. Some showed more advanced progress with petal tips seen at the top of the florets. Each one will eventually open up into a beautiful cherry blossom, and so far, there has been little evidence of any frost damage from the cooler weather. Here are some photos of the Stage 4 buds and florets:
Stage 5
There were also clear signs of a few trees that have progressed more quickly with Stage 5 buds. This is when the florets are distinctly extended with a long stem out from the buds and can be seen as the last step before an open blossom. Spotted at both the Sports fields and at the bottom of Cherry Hill, these trees will be the first early bloomers to share their gifts in a couple days. Here are photos of the Stage 5 florets:
2022 Bloom Prediction
With the progress seen today, I predict that the first blossoms will begin to open by, or just before, April 28th. The peak bloom, where about 70% of the blossoms are open, will likely start the first week of May, around May 4.
Of course any significant changes in the weather can change these dates by a day or two, but overall this is what I am seeing the signs of as of today. But I will keep checking and updating if anything does change, so keep watching out for future updates.
Keep Park Visits Safe and Clean
Although the mask mandates have been lifted in Ontario, and specifically Toronto, its now optional, and recommended, for visitors to wear a mask when viewing the cherry blossoms while in large crowds. Other ways to stay safe it to visit the park during less peak times such as early morning weekdays. Late afternoon, weeknights and weekends tend to draw the largest crowds. Virtual viewing will also be setup by the City of Toronto.
And also, please respect the park and others when you are out. Dispose of your mask and other items in trash bins, or take them home instead of tossing them on the ground. This helps keep our parks clean and safe.
All COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted
The City of Toronto has lifted restrictions for in-person viewing of the cherry blossoms in High Park for 2022. This year, everyone is once again welcome to walk, run, or bike through the park. However, the park will be closed to motorized vehicle traffic during the peak bloom - so no parking or drop-offs during the peak bloom. Read more details and information posted here and on the City of Toronto website.
City of Toronto - https://www.toronto.ca/COVID-19/
Health Canada - https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada.html
Thank you all for visiting the site. Be careful, be safe, and watch for more updates soon.