February
Forcing Flowering Branches
Get a head start on spring by forcing branches from a spring flowering bush or tree (flowering quince, forsythia, dogwood, etc.)
- Cut branches from the bush or tree.
- Smash the end of the branch with a hammer.
- Place in water indoors.
- Watch for blooms to form.
- Students predict what will happen and record observations daily.
- Discuss factors that cause the branches to bloom early.