Forcing Blooms Indoors

Pussy Willow, how to force blooms.

About Forcing Blooms

There is a lot of talk and information about Forcing Bulbs. But, much less is said about forcing flowering shrubs to bloom. This is a fun and rewarding indoor gardening activity to do while you wait for the snow to melt outdoors. Forcing blooms is actually easy to do. It can be done right in the middle of a raging blizzard! This fact is simply amazing, given how easy it is to do. We are about to let you into one of gardening’s best-kept secrets. Are you ready to start coaxing your shrubs to bloom this winter?? Let’s talk about how to force blooms indoors.

How to Force Blooms Indoors in Winter

Forcing blooms indoors is as easy as one-two-three.

  • One put on your jacket and hat.

  • Two, grab your pruning shears or a sharp knife.

  • Three, go out to your favorite flowering bush or tree.

  • Four, look for a branch with buds on it. Cut the branch at a length that is right for the vase you will use.

  • Five, bring the branches indoors and put them in a vase filled with water.

Now the wait begins. Depending upon the flower you are using, you should have blooms in two to six weeks. It’s the warmth that will awaken the cuttings, not sunlight. Once the branch awakens, you can move it to a window to provide some sunlight.

Bushes, Trees and Shrubs You Can Force to Bloom

Many bushes and shrubs are the best candidates. Softwood plants are more likely to work well.

  • Apple
  • Cherry
  • Crabapple
  • Flowering Dogwood
  • Forsythia
  • Honeysuckle
  • Lilac
  • Magnolia
  • Pussy Willow
  • Wisteria

Don’t see it on the list above? Try forcing blooms from your favorite flowering bush or shrub. Chances are, it can be forced to bloom, too!

A side effect of forcing blooms indoors during winter is some of the young branches will root. If they have roots, why not plant them in a container and try growing them indoors until spring arrives and you can plant them outdoors? If spring is several weeks away, it will be a challenge. Your biggest challenge is getting them sufficient sunlight. A gro-light will help.

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How to Grow Houseplants – Indoor plant care

  • Cherry
  • Crabapple
  • Flowering Dogwood
  • Forsythia
  • Honeysuckle
  • Lilac
  • Magnolia
  • Pussy Willow
  • Wisteria

Don’t see it on the list above? Try forcing blooms from your favorite flowering shrub. Chances are, it can be forced to bloom, too!

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