Preserving Pussy Willows for Year-Round Use

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:

1. 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).

2. Add two parts boiling water (let it cool 1-2 minutes before pouring) to the glycerin, and stir to combine.

3. 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.

4. Add willow branches to your container with the glycerin mixture.

5. Allow the stems to “soak up” the glycerin mixture for 2-3 weeks. Stems will darken as they soak, and remain pliable.

6. After the preservation process is complete, you can remove the stems from the glycerin and gently wipe with a towel.

7. 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

Growing Peonies with TANGLEBLOOM: The Backyard Bouquet Podcast

In This Episode You’ll Hear About:

• Melissa’s journey to flower farming (00:02:30)

• Starting a flower CSA (00:07:18)

• Transition to agritourism and education (00:14:30)

• Focus on peonies and perennials (00:17:23)

• Agritourism and Glamping (00:22:48)

• Niche Down to Peonies (00:26:11)

• Lessons Learned and Challenges (00:33:00)

• Peony Growing Tips (00:36:56)

• Favorite Peony Varieties (00:42:57)

• Controlling botrytis and other diseases (00:49:08)

• Harvesting peonies and preventing thrips (00:57:52)

• Relocating and dividing peonies (01:02:25)

• Harvesting peonies in the first season (01:03:38)

• Harvesting and Marketing Strategy (01:04:49)

• Peony Course (01:07:44)

The Backyard Bouquet Podcast | Episode 25

Favorite Spring Perennials for Cut Flowers - and Foliage

As we say farewell to winter’s chill and embrace the vibrancy of spring, I’m highlighting three perennial plants that not only make excellent fresh cut flowers, but also wonderful foliage for floral design: Forsythia, Baptisia, and Spirea.

Forsythia: Sunshine on a Stem

Gah, Forsythia – that unapologetic harbinger of spring with its showers of golden blooms. This early blooming shrub is a must-have for any flower farmer-florist.

👩🏽‍🌾 Growing Forsythia is a breeze – they thrive in US Hardiness Zones 5-9 in well-drained soil and full sun, though they can tolerate some shade. Plant them in the fall or early spring for a burst of color when the days start to lengthen. Give them plenty of room to spread out and you’ll be rewarded with prolific fresh cuts for decades!

✂️ Clip stems when the buds are just beginning to show color but haven't fully opened yet. Forsythia is also a great choice for forcing: pick stems a little earlier, before buds are showing color, and watch the magic unfold as the flowers bloom indoors within 4 to 5 days. 

🌿 Long after the blooms have dropped, forsythia can be cut for its foliage to use in floral arrangements. It even holds up well out of water! Come autumn, the foliage turns a lovely shade of reddish-purple, perfect for fall wedding floral design.

🏺 Forsythia has a 7-day vase life.

Baptisia: Double Duty Beauty

If you're in the market for a perennial that's as stunning in foliage as it is in flowers, take a look at Baptisia. Also known as false indigo, this plant boasts spikes of pea-like blooms in shades of blue, purple, pink, and white; complemented by blue-green foliage. Baptisia is darn tough, thriving in poor soil and drought conditions once established.

👩🏽‍🌾 Baptisia is a bit of a slow-grower, hardy in Zones 3-9. Look for liners from your perennial wholesaler if you have a while to wait and want to establish a sizeable patch. Otherwise, grab some quart or gallon pots from your local nursery, or search online to source newer specialty colors. Once established, they require minimal maintenance, making them a favorite among busy flower farmers.

✂️ Harvest Baptisia stems when about a third of the flowers on the spike have opened for the longest vase life.

🌿 For foliage, cut anytime after flowers have faded, cutting low in the plant to reach woody stem.

🏺 With proper care, these beauties can last up to 10 days in a vase.

Spirea: Spring Elegance

Spirea – the epitome of spring elegance with its delicate clusters of blossoms adorning arching branches. This versatile shrub comes in a variety of cultivars, offering a range of flower colors from white to pink to deep rosy hues. Spirea is a breeze to grow, thriving in a wide range of soil conditions and tolerating both sun and partial shade.

Pro tip: Many garden centers now sell compact varieties. Look for the O.G. Vanhoutte Spirea AKA bridalwealth for high production to give you lots of fresh cuts. We find white to be the most versatile for event work.

👩🏽‍🌾 To grow Spirea in Zones 3-9, plant in the fall or early spring in well-drained soil enriched with organic matter. Prune them after flowering to encourage bushiness and prolific blooms the following year.

✂️ When harvesting Spirea for floral arrangements, select stems with half-opened blooms for the longest vase life.

🌿 For foliage, harvest anytime after flowers have dropped and let their graceful, arching stems shine in arrangements and wedding bouquets. 

🏺 Spirea can last 7-10 in a vase with proper care. 

Fast Favorites for a Reason

Forsythia, Baptisia, and Spirea are three of my favorite spring blooming perennials that every flower grower and floral designer should have, for both their beautiful blooms and versatile foliage.

These prolific performers are easy to grow and low maintenance, making them a great choice for both beginners and busy flower farmers alike.

Do you have a favorite way to grow or use these springtime perennial cut flowers? Let me know below in the comments.