In a cold climate, the first harvest of the year isn’t actually flowers, but…sticks.

(Thanks to Noah Kahan you know what “stick season” is, right?)

Usually in February we harvest the first pussy willows (Salix spp.) for Valentine’s Day sales, or to mix with winter-grown tulips. Thanks to cold winter temperatures, and by growing a few different varieties, we can extend the harvest season through March.

When to harvest Pussy Willows

Pussy willows (Salix spp.) are best harvested just before the catkins are fully exposed. A good stage is when the papery covering starts to easily fall off as you touch the branches. If the catkins are starting to show pollen, they’re too developed for fresh cut use or preserving (but pollinators will appreciate them!).

Can you dry pussy willows?

Since they “bloom” so early, often before flower farmers have a lot of other fresh product, people often wonder if you can dry them for later use.

While you can do the hang-to-dry method used for most everlasting cut flowers, I’ve found it often results in stiff, brittle stems that are hard to transport and design with, as the catkins tend to shed easily when touched.

You know I’m all about keeping things as simple as possible so we can run a sustainable, profitable business. This is one instance where it’s worth taking an extra step in the preservation process.

The result?

Beautiful pussy willow stems that remain pliable for use in floral design, displaying without water, or mixing into dried flower bouquets. By preserving your soft fuzzy willow branches, you can now sell and design with them all year round!

How to Preserve Pussy Willows with Vegetable Glycerin

You’ll need to take a quick trip to your local drugstore or cosmetic supply store (or even grocery store, pharmacy, or herbal product shop) to pick up a bottle of vegetable glycerin. Otherwise, you probably already have everything else you need.

Supplies:

• freshly cut pussy willow stems

• vegetable glycerin

• heatproof measuring cup or glass jar

• spoon

• boiling water

• sturdy vase or bucket

Method:

Pour one part glycerin to a heatproof measuring cup or glass jar (I use a Mason jar with the ounces marked on the side for easy measuring).
Add two parts boiling water (let it cool 1-2 minutes before pouring) to the glycerin, and stir to combine.
Pour the glycerin mixture into a sturdy vase or bucket that will accommodate your willow stems, while allowing the liquid to come up the stems several inches.
Add willow branches to your container with the glycerin mixture.
Allow the stems to “soak up” the glycerin mixture for 2-3 weeks. Stems will darken as they soak, and remain pliable.
After the preservation process is complete, you can remove the stems from the glycerin and gently wipe with a towel.
Carefully store them upright in a dry vase or bucket away from sunlight, or wrap in tissue or kraft paper and store in boxes or bins.
Stems can now be displayed without water, mixed into dried flower bouquets, or used in floral design work.
Preserved pussy willow branches can last 1-2 years if properly stored!

Favorite varieties to grow:

• 'Purple Heirloom' has thin blonde wood and purple-grey catkins

• Japanese Pink 'Mount Aso' features pretty pink catkins

• Giant "Discolor' familiar variety with very large catkins

• Black 'Melanostachys' has dramatic black catkins

Sources for pussy willow cuttings:

Ampersand Bulb Co., The Painted Tulip, Sunny Meadows Flower Farm, FedCo Seeds, White Flower Farm, Morey Hill Farm, Cold Stream Farm