The term forcing is used to describe the manipulation of plant material such as bulbs or flowering hardwood branches to bloom earlier or at a time other than that occurring in nature.  In other words, we can fool the flowers into blooming when we want.

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. 

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