Sakura Watch, April 23, 2025 – Buds are now in late Stage 4, and the blossom bloom is due soon
Sakura Watch, April 23, 2025 – Buds are now in late Stage 4, and the blossom bloom is due soon, as witnessed on this beautiful sunny afternoon in High Park. The temperatures are pretty warm for today and tomorrow, and have helped propel the Sakura cherry blossom buds to progress into the late Stage 4. Overall, if this warming trend continues into the weekend, we can expect the development pace to pick up by a day or two. Read on to see my observations, thoughts and updated prediction dates below.
Watch the YouTube video update below.
Well into Stage 4
The buds are loving the warm, sunny weather and are showing signs of Stage 4, with the florets now emerging from them. Each floret can easily be identified by its distinct pink head, which will eventually open up to reveal the delicate blossom petals. The next Stage 5 is when the florets extend out of the buds and reveal their tiny stems, known as ‘peduncles’, that will extend about 1-2 cm and signal that the blossom is ready to open in a day or two. Here are some photos showing the advanced Stage 4 progress from today’s visit. Note the florets’ distinct dark pink tips and shape indicate the flowers they hide within:
Full Bloom vs Peak Bloom
In my video, I touch on the subject of the terminology I reference in my blossom updates. I often get asked what I mean by the first blossom's opening, the full bloom, and the peak bloom. I use these terms to help you have as much time as possible to enjoy the blossoms, so allow me to explain.
First Open Blossoms - The first blossoms opening are just that: when I see the first few actually flower. Usually, there are far fewer than 5% of any flowers visible on the trees at this stage, and the first date of my prediction usually aligns with the first time we can expect to see open flowers on the trees. Of course, they would be very sparse and hard to see, but once they start, it won’t be long until more open up in the following days.
Full Bloom - Full bloom is when the trees have at least 75% open blossoms, which, in my opinion, are already beautiful enough to enjoy truly. However, there is still room for the trees to develop even fuller, plus an added benefit is that you can also notice some of the other blossoms are closed, which helps keep them protected from wind and rain. Traditionally, most Japanese Sakura forecasts wait until the blooms are closer to 90%, but that leaves less time for us actually to enjoy them. I believe the perception of the tree canopy at around 75% begins to look full enough to extend the amount of viewing enjoyment for a few days longer.
Peak Bloom - Peak Bloom is when the trees have reached 90-100% of open blossoms and look their fullest. This is the ultimate Sakura Hanami experience, but depending on the weather, it can be short-lived. Once all the sakura cherry blossoms are open, they are vulnerable to winds and rain, which can knock down the petals. If the weather cooperates, you can enjoy this stage for about a week or even up to 10 days (although it's rare, but it has happened).
My Bloom Prediction
Looking at the 14-day forecast, temperature swings will continue over the coming weekend, with a couple of days above 20°c, including the 29th. This will be followed by temperatures levelling out as May begins, and we should start to be in the full and peak bloom stages by then. Considering these observations and data, my prediction timeframes will adjust slightly.
I predict we should see the first blossoms open as early as April 28th, followed by a full bloom starting around the end of April and continuing through May 1st, with the peak bloom lasting until about May 9th. Weather changes may adjust these dates by one or two days.
So, as we get closer to the sakura cherry blossom bloom, I’ll be keeping a closer eye on the progress, so watch for new updates soon!
Do Your Part to Help the Trees from Damage
As much fun as it is to get up close to enjoy the cherry blossoms truly, there are some who take it a bit too far and cause damage to the tree that can lead to irreparable harm so the trees can not protect themselves from insects and disease and eventually die. This leaves us with less mature trees to enjoy, so please, if you really want to enjoy the blossoms for many years to come, you need to do your part to help protect the trees and prevent any harm to them:
Don’t pick or break off any blossoms
Don’t pull down, shake or break off the branches
Don’t climb, sit or stand on the trunks or branches - the mature trees are very old and not strong enough to support the weight and stress of people, even small children!
Don’t leave any litter IN or around the trees - it’s so sad to see people putting their garbage in the hollow trunks of the older trees, which invites animals and other insects to nest inside and cause internal damage.
DO take photos without harming the trees
DO enjoy the blossoms and respect their immediate surroundings
DO remember that respecting the trees from root to branch will help everyone to enjoy the blooming trees for many years to come
Donate to Support The Cherry Blossoms
The City of Toronto now accepts donations to help maintain existing trees and plant future ones. See this link for details.
Read more details and information on the City of Toronto - Cherry Blossom Website
Thank you all for visiting the site. Be careful, be safe, and watch for more updates soon.