Force Branches - How To

It is that time of year when Wisconsinites get the blues.  Yes, I know it has been a mild winter for us, but I still am anxious for spring to get here.

If you are anything like me you need a good pick me up.  One of our floral designers here at Floral Expressions, Cheri brought in an article on forcing branches from the Better Homes and Gardens magazine, edition February 2011. Let me share information on forcing branches.

Make a pencil-thick cutting from your branches 1-2 feet in height from a favorite bush or tree. Immediately place in a clean tepid water bucket, showering the branches off with tepid water. If it is early in winter you may need to place them in a black plastic bag to help rehydrate and wake up your branches. Leave the branches alone in the bag till you see the buds swell. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.

When buds are ready to pop move it into a pretty vase that has been cleaned thoroughly. It is always important to have a clean vase. Bacteria in the water clogs the pores of the flowers, keeping them from taking water up.  Have fun with your adventure.

If you are not one to tackle this or are unwilling to wait for your buds, we can help. At Floral Expressions we already have some curly willow branches that are starting to bud out. If you pre-order we can get you all sorts of pre-forced blooming branches. Give us a call at 920-887-8062 today to place your order.

As for me there are some crabtree and forsythias at my house that are going to get a trimming soon. :)