 Forcing Branches to Bloom Early Indoors
by Ron Stevenson
Even Wiarton Willie couldn't bring good news about the end of this brutal winter. Snow piled skyhigh in our driveways, not to mention the new mountain range that has emerged in the parking lot of the Fergus Sportsplex.
Spring may be just right outside your door. Try bringing a little spring inside. Many of those branches that are swaying in frigid wind could bring a welcome relief.
Guidelines for forcing:
The best time to select branches for forcing is when temperatures rise above freezing. Choose those with many buds that are 1-2 cm in diameter.
Forcing should be done as soon as the plant is out of dormancy.
Using pruning shears, cut branches that have many flower buds. They are much larger than leaf buds. Cut long, individual branches as if you are pruning.
Remember you want the shrub or tree to look presentable when the natural blooming season comes along. Be careful how you make your cuttings. A major pruning will stand out during the regular growing season.
Favourites you might want to try:
Dogwood, Hawthorn, Forsythia, Honeysuckle, Apple, Crabapple, Cherry, Pussy Willow, Spirea, Lilac, Mock Orange, Magnolia, Viburnum,Quince and Redbud
Bring the branches inside, re-cut the stems on an angle to ensure that sap will not block the end. To prevent rot, remove any buds or twigs that will be below the water line.
Like all things in nature, warmth is important. To force blossoms, springtime conditions must be first mimicked but not too much or fast or the blossoms will be stunted and the colour muted.
Arrange the branches in a vase of tepid water. Do not place the vase in direct sunlight. Higher temperatures or direct sunlight will force swelling buds to develop too quickly.
Humidity is very necessary in the blooming process. Occasional misting will prevent drying and normal growth.
To prevent bacteria buildup, change the water every couple of days.
Once the blossoms are out, you can move the branches to a sunnier location. Keep away from heat vents at night.
If Willow branches are used in an assorted arrangement they will assist in the root development of other branches. Willows secrete a hormone called auxin that stimulates spring growth and encourages the development of roots.
Branches that develop extensive root systems can be planted in the spring like a seedling. Branches from Dwarf apple, crabapple and cherry trees will not resemble the parent. Originally, these trees were grafted onto dwarf root stocks.
It may take one to eight weeks for the blossoms to open. The closer to their natural bloom time that you cut the branches, the sooner they will open.
A vase of arranged forsythia branches will keep the winter blahs at bay.
(2009-02-17) |
