Hurry Spring Along: Bring the Outdoors Inside

This time of the year I become impatient for that first bit of fresh green or bloom. Since I know I may have to wait another month or more for mother nature, I usually try to do something to push this along. Most years, in addition to forcing spring flowering bulbs in my refrigerator, I force some branches to “come alive” before their time. I like to try many different species. Occasionally the flower buds do not respond to my tender loving care, but almost always there will be foliage for my efforts.

 

Basically, what is done is to hoodwink plant material into thinking spring has come.

 

We provide the warmer temperatures and longer hours of light that trigger the flowering response in spring flowering plants. Known as “forcing”, this process requires very little in the way of time and effort. At this time of year, almost any material can be forced to flower in three to four weeks. The closer to the actual outdoor blooming date, the shorter will be the time necessary for indoor forcing.

 

There are a host of excellent flowering shrubs and tress suitable for forcing for indoor enjoyment. The most spectacular displays are horse chestnut, pussy willow, shadbush, redbud, Cornelian cherry, spicebush, flowering quince, forsythia, spring witch hazel, bridalwreath spirea and magnolia. Fruit trees such as apple, plum, cherry, pear, peach and apricot also make lovely bouquets. Almost any tree or shrub, including oak, birch and maple, will be interesting to watch as it develops leaves indoors. The best time to cut branches for forcing is when outdoor temperatures are moderate, about 49 degrees.

 

When pruning, cut branches on a slant to a length of three feet or less. Select branches that are full of plump buds. Formed last summer, these buds are ready to burst into bloom. Flower buds are often fatter, rounder and sometimes a different shape than leaf buds. Flower buds also tend to be more numerous on younger wood. Choose stems that are less than the thickness of your little finger; they will be easier to arrange later. Use sharp pruning shears for a clean, quick-healing cut. Pruning branches in winter will not harm them, but prune evenly to retain the plant’s balanced shape.

 

Bring the branches indoors and immediately plunge the stems in a deep pail filled with water or into a bathtub with a few inches of tepid water. Leave the branches submerged for a few hours, or even overnight, so the stems and bud scales can take up as much water as possible. This makes the process of bud unfolding much easier for the flower.

 

Next, place the branches in a bucket of water. Adding a flower preservative may help them to last longer. Change the water at least once a week to keep it from becoming fowl. Place the branches in a relatively cool place (60-65 degrees F) to develop. Higher temperatures will cause the buds to develop rapidly, but size, color and quality may be sacrificed. Branches need light for forcing, but not direct sunlight. Heat from direct sun is too intense, and often drying. If you keep the springtime conditions that promote flowering in mind, it will be easy to remember the conditions they need. Occasional misting during this period can be helpful.

 

Witch hazel and forsythia can take as little as one week to come into bloom, flowering fruits like apple and cherry can take up to 4 weeks. And lilacs can take 5.

 

When the flower buds have developed enough to show color, remove the branches, arrange them in a vase and put them on display. Arranging them at this stage allows you the pleasure of watching the flowers open. Arrange the branches with other spring flowering plants like daffodils and tulips, or with green foliage for a stunning contrast. They will last longer if you can move them to a cool location at night.

 

 

Call the UNH Cooperative Extension's Family, Home & Garden Education Center 's Info-Line toll-free at 1-877-3984769 for "Practical Solutions to Everyday Questions." Trained volunteers are available to answer your questions Monday through Friday from 9 am to 2 pm .

By Margaret Hagen, Extension Educator, UNH Cooperative Extension, Hillsborough County