|
ForcingSpring Bloom |
By Carl Wilson, Horticulturist with Colorado State University Cooperative
Extension, Denver
Bringing a touch of the spring-to-come indoors during the depths of winter can give a
welcome boost to anyone’s mental outlook.
Forcing bloom on woody branches works best when done about 6 weeks before a plant’s
natural bloom time. In mid-January, you can cut branches of the earliest blooming plants
like Nanking cherry, forsythia and witch hazel. In early February you might try redbud,
native plum, aspens or birch for their pendulous catkins, and even red maples for their
colorful winged samaras and young leaves. By late February, consider apple, crabapple,
cherry and plum. To scent your room, you can try late forcing of lilacs or honeysuckle.
Prune a 1 to 2 foot long length of branch. Note that a 1-to-2 year old stem will usually
have the most flower buds. The flower buds are generally fatter and more rounded than leaf
buds. You can even cut a few open to look for the miniaturized flower parts inside.
Submerge branches in room temperature water overnight. Recut the ends using a slanting cut
the next day. Cut slits from the cut up the branch for several inches to promote water
uptake. Place in a vase of 65 degree water in a bright room away from heaters and direct
sun. The brighter the room, the better the quality of bloom. Flowers should appear in a
few weeks. If it doesn’t work the first time you try a plant, cut branches a few
weeks later and try again. Misted flowers and catkins can last for up to a week in a cool,
60 degree room. Branches with leaves may last longer.
Photograph courtesy of Judy Sedbrook.
