Forsythia

Since we are in zone 4 we are somewhat limited with our options for blooming branches. Forsythia is a perennially reliable crop for us and we do quite well with it. All of our branches are two years worth of growth, not harvested every year, so there is considerable branching, generally heavy stems, loads of flower buds. We will force these to the point of green or perhaps yellow petals visible in the bud but not yet open. In colder times of winter we don not force to such an open stage as they will be more protected from cold temps in a more immature stage.