Monday, February 02, 2009

Calendar For Forcing Branches: When to Cut Various Flowering Branches for Forcing

By February, my home is devoid of lingering Christmas decorations and most of my forced bulbs are done. At this point, I turn to the outside once again to bring a little bit of spring into the house: I begin forcing various branches from the garden.
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I try to cut branches at least the diameter of a dime in mid afternoon when it's warmest. I immediately place the branches in warm water with a floral additive. You can also make the floral additive with a little bleach, sugar, and lemon juice. For a half gallon of water, I would add 4 tablespoons of lemon, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon bleach. The closer to the natural bloom time the more quickly branches will force.
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During February and early March, I go out about every seven to ten days for branches. My order of forcing is generally as follows:
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Forsythia (can be started from early January)
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Pussywillow (pictured)
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Red twig dogwood

Ceris 'Forest Pansy' (pictured)

Flowering Pear

Flowering Cherry (pictured)

Quince (pictured)

Amelanchier (last year started 28 February)

Crabapple (last year started 6 February and it began to bloom 25 February, pictured)

Bridal Wreath Spirea

Flowering Dogwood
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Related posts:
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Forced Branches: Quince, Crabapple, Willow, Ceris, Dogwood, and Forsythia
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Cut Flowers, Branches and Foliage: Bringing Early Spring into the Home
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Forced Branches and Bulbs: Forsythia, Hyacinth, Tulips, Muscari and Crocus

8 comments:

Piondröm said...

It is nice when you can put in some spring into your home earli in the year.
I`ts make the time inside more hopeful.
Ken

Gardeness said...

Very handy information. We have an apple tree I would like to take some stems off so this is perfect timing. Thanks.

Anonymous said...

I cut a few snipets from the forsythia and put them in a bud vase and was rewarded by their bloom a couple of days ago. You have so many subjects to force. Great winter activity!

KBL said...

You have given me a project to brighten all of our moods at my house - the past week has included not only the worst ice storm within recent memory in this part of Indiana, but also 5 days in hotel due to power outages and such - in short, we could use a little spring. So it's off with the clippers I go tomorrow!!

Julia Erickson said...

Gardeness,

Best wishes--I look forward to seeing your apple blossoms.

-Heirloom Gardener

Julia Erickson said...

Librarianinheels,

Oh no, that's terrible. I hope you get electricity and can get back in your home soon.

-Heirloom Gardener

Julia Erickson said...

Librarianinheels,

Oh no, that's terrible. I hope you get electricity and can get back in your home soon.

-Heirloom Gardener

www.avila-3d.com said...

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