Well the snow is mostly gone here, the tulips are starting to peek out of the ground and the days are getting just a little bit longer. Spring is around the corner…….
But it’s not quite enough. I need color – like, an explosion of it – and I’m imagining most of you do too.
It’s so easy to force branches to flower indoors, and you’ll get almost immediate gratification for your efforts – something not usually associated with gardening.
Here’s how to do it:
Sometime in mid to late February – or once the temperature starts to stay above freezing – prune enough branches to fill your vase (make sure you cut enough to make a nice full arrangement without leaving your shrub misshapen). Using a hammer, smash the bottoms of the branches to open them up and allow for more efficient uptake of water.
Place the branches in warm water, making sure that no leaves, buds or branches are submerged below the surface. Place the vase in a warm room with good light. Change the water every few days.
That’s it! In a few weeks you’ll have a beautiful array of flowering branches. Keep in mind that the closer you prune to the shrub’s natural bloom time, the less time they’ll take to open up indoors.
So now that you’re hooked – and I know you’ll be – feel free to experiment throughout the season with other shrubs. Quince, lilacs, cherries and viburnums all take well to this technique and make for a display that’s a refreshing change from the usual cut flower arrangement.
Happy (almost) Spring!
Related posts:
6 Comments
Leave a Comment
Hi! I'm Sheri!
Welcome to my little corner of the web where you’ll find easy, delicious recipes, the best kitchen hacks and simple tips for turning your home into a clean haven that is free of toxins. So glad you’re here!
Sherri, thank you for solving this mystery for me! I have always wondered just how to force forsythia branches. So excited to have an indoor pre-spring spring! Love your blog and will keep peeking in to see what else you have up your sleeve….
Thanks Marcie!
What about pussy willows, should the stem also be smashed to help draw water?
Yes – definitely!
Hi. Do you know if the branches will be ok out of water for a number hours?
I’m flying from Michigan to Arizona and would like to bring cuttings from my forsythia bush with me for my mom.
I have checked and there are no restrictions on bringing forsythia across state lines.
Recently, at TJ I noticed pussy willow and spring flowering branches for sale and they were not in water.
I’m hopeful that if I cut the branches right before we leave and wrap the cut ends in plastic wrap and place them in a cardboard tube for transport they will remain dormant until we get them to her house. Then, we can do the warm water to wake them up.
What are your thoughts on this.
Thank you.
You definitely want to keep the cut ends hydrated. Best method: Wrap the cut ends in a damp (not dripping) paper towel. Cover that with plastic wrap or a zip-top bag. Secure with a rubber band. This keeps moisture in without triggering blooming. Place the branches in a plastic bag or wrap loosely in newspaper and try to keep them cool and away from direct sun/warm temps. When you get home re-cut the stems (about 1 inch up) and place in a vase of lukewarm water. Let me know how it goes!