How to Force Forsythia Branches to Bloom Indoors

Forsythia is one of the most vibrant bloom displays on a landscape shrub. They are used in many yards for their burst of color and planted to make an impact. Many people do not realize that they can bring these displays inside the home as well. By learning how to force a forsythia branch to bloom indoors you can have some of the same impact that others have in their yard in your home or office. Whenever a new shrub or tree is making a splash on the market for its incredible flowers, I am there getting ideas on bringing those blooms inside by forcing the branches to flower indoors. Here is how you can learn to do it too.

• Start cutting branches from late December to early January. The branches may look dead and lifeless but you are going to see blooms within two to three weeks after you force it.
• Sharpen the blades on your garden shears, scissors, or pruners so that you can make a very precise cut on the stem.
• Cut the branches in different lengths so that you can design them best in the vase once you are done. Always cut branches that have buds on them, removing the buds that are going to be under the water line of the vase.
• Smash the stem end with a hammer or slice it once or twice with the knife. Do this after you are done cutting the branch and place it in a bucket of warm water.
• Keep adding to the warm water until you are done with the stem collection.
• According to Garden for the House, place the branches in water with a drop or two of liquid bleach.
• You will need to change out the water every few days to keep it fresh, which will keep down the threat of fungi or algae growth.

To keep a varied display of flowers blooming, cut them at different times. A collection done every week can give you blooms popping out at various times throughout the spring and into the early summer. I like to add different shrubs and tree branches in to the mix of forsythia for different colors and textures to be blooming.

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Source:

Garden for the House: Forcing Forsythia