By February, my home is devoid of lingering Christmas decorations and most of my forced bulbs are done. At this point, I turn to the outside once again to bring a little bit of spring into the house: I begin forcing various branches from the garden.
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I try to cut branches at least the diameter of a dime in mid afternoon when it’s warmest. I immediately place the branches in warm water with a floral additive. You can also make the floral additive with a little bleach, sugar, and lemon juice. For a half gallon of water, I would add 4 tablespoons of lemon, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon bleach. The closer to the natural bloom time the more quickly branches will force.
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During February and early March, I go out about every seven to ten days for branches. My order of forcing is generally as follows:
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Forsythia (can be started from early January)
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Pussywillow (pictured)
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Red twig dogwood
Ceris ‘Forest Pansy’ (pictured)
Flowering Pear
Flowering Cherry (pictured)
Quince (pictured)
Amelanchier (last year started 28 February)
Crabapple (last year started 6 February and it began to bloom 25 February, pictured)
Bridal Wreath Spirea
Flowering Dogwood
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Related posts:
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Forced Branches: Quince, Crabapple, Willow, Ceris, Dogwood, and Forsythia
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Cut Flowers, Branches and Foliage: Bringing Early Spring into the Home
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Forced Branches and Bulbs: Forsythia, Hyacinth, Tulips, Muscari and Crocus
Heirloom Gardener 
It is nice when you can put in some spring into your home earli in the year.I`ts make the time inside more hopeful.Ken
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Very handy information. We have an apple tree I would like to take some stems off so this is perfect timing. Thanks.
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I cut a few snipets from the forsythia and put them in a bud vase and was rewarded by their bloom a couple of days ago. You have so many subjects to force. Great winter activity!
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You have given me a project to brighten all of our moods at my house – the past week has included not only the worst ice storm within recent memory in this part of Indiana, but also 5 days in hotel due to power outages and such – in short, we could use a little spring. So it’s off with the clippers I go tomorrow!!
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Gardeness,Best wishes–I look forward to seeing your apple blossoms.-Heirloom Gardener
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Librarianinheels,Oh no, that’s terrible. I hope you get electricity and can get back in your home soon.-Heirloom Gardener
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Librarianinheels,Oh no, that’s terrible. I hope you get electricity and can get back in your home soon.-Heirloom Gardener
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Wow, there is so much effective info above!
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