Latest Bloom Prediction

Updated March 13, 2024

Sakura Cherry Blossom watch SUMMARY

The third episode of Sakura Watch has been posted (Read the latest update here). This week’s visit saw little change from last week, but there were hints of changes to come! A few buds atop Cherry Hill were showing some green colour within the tips, which means they are moving into the next stages of development. If we get warmer weather over the next few weeks, we should see more progress, but that is all we could see today. So, for now, no change in my early prediction.

Also, you can drive and park inside High Park on weekdays, but there is NO ACCESS on WEEKENDS. Remember, it will fill up fast, so you may have trouble getting in and around the park. Plan and try taking an Uber, TTC, or other arrangement to make your visit easier and with fewer hassles.

Don’t shake, break or grab branches

Many people may not realize that when they’re trying to get the ‘perfect photo,’ grabbing or pulling down a branch can break or damage them. Do NOT take a small twig for a ‘souvenir’ as you damage the tree and invite pests and disease to enter the broken areas. It’s like you are getting an infection in an open wound.

Also, do NOT shake the branches to knock off petals prematurely, as it shortens the viewing time for others to view the tree and is an incredibly selfish act to perform that does no good for anyone.

You should take photos without touching the trees, enjoy the sights and smells of the blossoms and leave the park the same way you came to see it. This way, we all can get the chance to enjoy the sakura cherry blossom peak bloom.

Thanks for visiting, and watch for more updates soon!

UPDATE March 13, 2024

Early indications point to a possible High Park blossom bloom in mind-to-late April 2024—more info in the weeks ahead.
— Sakura Steve Prediction

 Past Bloom Dates from 2012 to present

These are the peak bloom dates that I recorded since starting this website in April 2012. Note that in 2016 there was no bloom, with less than 25% of buds flowering. Each year the dates grow to be more unpredictable due to erratic weather changes. Tracking the progress of the buds to blossom is the best way to predict when they will bloom next. Click on a photo to jump to the peak bloom blog post from that year.

2023 Bloom
April 20-28

2022 Bloom
May 5-12

2021 bloom
April 20-28

2020 Bloom
May 3-9

2019 Bloom
May 10-17

2018 bloom
May 7-12

2017 Bloom
April 24 - May 2

2016 BLoom (only 25%)
May 7-12

2015 Bloom
May 5-10

2014 Bloom
May 12-21

2013 Bloom
April 30 - May 6

2012 Bloom
April 10-17

 

PARK VISITOR TIPS

Enjoy your visit to the park and please remember to respect the trees:

  • DON'T shake the branches because when you do, the blossoms fall and leave the trees bare - let the bloom last longer and they'll fall naturally;

  • DON'T climb the trees as you can damage or break the tree branches as happened before;

  • DON'T break off small blooms or branches - the more you damage the trees, the greater the chance they will be open to disease or insects in destroying them;

  • DO take pictures respectfully so everyone can enjoy the sakura // cherry blossoms for years to come;

  • DO keep the park clean by putting waste in its place or even better, only bring in what you are going to take back out with reusable containers.

Thank you all who respect the sakura // cherry blossoms - your care helps ensure that everyone can continue to enjoy them year after year.