Forcing Branches in February and March

When we are all starting to get tired of winter’s grays and we are craving some color to liven up our homes, we can bring spring indoors by forcing some blooms from shrubs and branches.  In addition to the winter distraction provided by bulbs like paperwhites, amaryllis or tulips, we can look for flowering shrubs to bloom indoors as an economical alternative.  Most of the plant material one would use to force may be in your own yard.  

Many ornamental trees and shrubs set their buds during the previous growing season.  The buds must have a period of dormancy, usually about six weeks of cold temperatures.  The buds will come out of dormancy after two to three weeks of exposure to indoor warmth.  By February, most species have had enough dormancy to be suitable for forcing. 

Forsythia is commonly available and easy to force.  Choose branches that are about ½ inch or less in diameter and cut to size to fit your water filled container.  Other choices of flowering trees can include magnolia, Bradford pear, redbud, pussy willow, or fruit trees such as cherry and crabapple.  If the tree branches are greater than ½ inch in diameter, it is advisable to slit the stem in half, about an inch up the stem to allow more of the stem to take up water. Similar to cut flowers, one may add floral preservative, and stems should be cut under warm water.  A cut bucket of branches can be kept in a cool space of 45-55 degrees until it begins to show color or they can be arranged right away and watched in the home as the buds swell and pop open.  

 

Cherry Blossoms

Since the stems are in water for weeks, there is another benefit, because rooting may occur during the forcing period.  If the rooted branch is wanted for a new plant, cut it to 6-8 inches in height, then pot individually and keep moist.  If you have more than you need, member plants will always appreciate the new shrubs for the plant sale, and you will have your contribution done early! 

Tara Hoffmann