Tuesday, February 12, 2008

Force the issue with some blooms for indoor winter beauty

Question: I have always wanted to force my forsythia and cherry branches into bloom during the winter. Is now the time and what is the proper procedure?

Answer: Many trees and shrubs that normally flower in early spring can be cut, forced to bloom and brought into your home for a dash of springtime in winter. The best time to begin forcing flowering branches is late January, February and March. It may take up to eight weeks for your buds to open. The closer it is to the natural bloom time the sooner they will open.

The buds of flowering branches form during the previous fall. After about eight weeks of cold temperatures below 40 degrees, they are ready to bloom if provided the right conditions. Carefully cut the branches, 1/4-inch above a bud, from crowded areas of the shrub. Use sharp pruners.

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