How Long After Being Cut Do Forsythia Open?

Cutting Forsythia

• A forsythia branch can flower at any time during late winter beginning about eight weeks after the flower buds first form. Long branches, about 18 inches in length, provide the most flowers and look the most striking in an indoor arrangement. When cutting the branches, make the cut just above a bud so the forsythia bush doesn't have a bare tip when it does bloom naturally. Make the cut at a 45-degree angle and keep it in a bucket of water until you bring it indoors.

Preparation

• If temperatures are below freezing when you collect the branches, the buds may open prematurely indoors, resulting in a poor show. Submerging the stems in cool water overnight allows them to thaw and awaken more slowly. Once thawed, you can use any tall bucket or vase for forcing the branches. Fill the vase with 100 to 110 degree Fahrenheit water and dissolve a packet of floral preservative to prevent decay. Alternatively, make your own preservative by combining 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon sugar and ½ teaspoon bleach per quart of water.

Forcing

• Arrange the branches in the bucket or vase once the water is ready. During the initial forcing time, the forsythia doesn't require direct sunlight. Keep the vase in a 60 to 65 degree Fahrenheit location and replenish the water and preservative solution when the water level drops. The buds usually begin to swell and open within a few days, reaching full bloom within two to three weeks of beginning the process.

Care

• Forsythia branches require only minimal care once the flower buds open. Keep the water level constant. Change out the water if it becomes discolored. Some branches may finish blooming before others. Removing these promptly from the vase once they finish blooming helps prolong the life of the remaining branches. Avoid displaying the forsythia in direct sunlight and maintain the cool temperatures throughout the flowering period. Forsythia can remain in bloom for two weeks or more.