Toronto's cherry blossoms will be at their peak next week. How long have they been around?

Digital writersWeather Network

date of publication April 16, 2024, 1:35 p.m

Visitors are warned not to pull branches or shake trees

Cherry blossoms in Toronto's High Park are expected to peak next week, with at least 75% of the buds open by April 24, according to flower enthusiast Stephen Joniak.

“By Monday (April 22), we should see about 5-10% of the blossoms open, meaning loose random blossoms will open and scatter among the Sakura branches,” Joniak writes on his Sakura Watch blog. “With some sunny days and double-digit temperatures, we'll start to see some rapid improvement throughout the week.”

Joniak says flowering has accelerated due to warmer-than-normal temperatures in early April.

“Every day, more flowers open depending on the weather—the warmer and sunnier the weather, the faster they open and bloom,” Jonyak says.

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People are encouraged to visit the park and other places in the city, but they are asked treat the flower with respect.

“How long they last again depends on the weather and the people,” Joniak explains. “Rain and wind will knock the flowers off early, but warm and calm weather will help the flowers last longer. Another risk is people pulling branches or shaking trees – see my tips below to avoid damaging trees or letting others disrupt the event.”