Jacobsburg State Park

Appalachian Trail Hike

Appalachian Trail

Autumn Reflections

The easiest flowers to force are the spring bloomers such as the spring bulbs and flowering trees and shrubs such as forsithia, cherry, and lilac.

In the case of the bulbs - tulips, daffodils, grape hyacinths, and true hyacinths must be exposed to periods of cold (stratification) for 10-16 weeks (depending on the kind of bulb.)  This can be achieved outdoors in winter, or in a refridgerator for those living in warmer regions.(Paperwhites do not require any cold treatment and can be encouraged to begin sprouting immediately after purchase.)

  After the cold treatment, the bulbs can be brought into indoor temperatures and lightly watered. Care must be taken not to over-water forced bulbs at any time as they are prone to rot.  Sprouts should appear within a few weeks.

To force hardwood branches to flower, choose branches that have many visible buds.  Cut the branches on a day when the outdoor temperatures are above freezing.  Put the branches in a deep container with water in a warm room.  The branches should blossom in a week or two.  When the flowers appear, move the arrangement into a cooler room to prolong bloom. 

This diminutive plant is hardy in my zone 6 region.  This particular clump is growing in a friend’s garden, and in full bloom now; a wonderful addition to the early spring garden.  This plant is a fine companion to the more common spring flowers such as crocus, snowdrops and early daffodils.  

Iris reticulata are easy to cultivate, requiring little more that the occasional division, as do their full-size relatives.  Care should be taken when removing mulch in the early spring to avoid damaging the tender, new growth as these little plants emerge.

I am pursuing a degree in Horticulture and Landscape Design

so be looking for discussion of all things so related.