Imagine showing off a display of spring-flowering branches in your kitchen long before they’re typically ready to bloom outdoors.

There is a way to make it happen. The secret is to carefully expose tree and shrub branches to the indoor heat of your home, “forcing” them to blossom early.

Start by gathering the branches you want to force. Look for branches less than one-half inch in diameter with numerous flower buds — flower buds are generally larger and rounder than the smaller, narrow leaf buds.

Using a sharp pruning tool, cut one or more branches 12 to 18 inches long from your tree or shrub. Cut about one-fourth inch above a bud or branch to avoid leaving a stub, and be careful to maintain the shape of the plant.

Prepare your cut branches to absorb water by cutting slits on the ends or gently opening the base of the stems with a hammer.

Remove all leaf and flower buds from the part of the stem that will be submerged, then place in a tall container with about three inches of warm water.

Keep the branches in a cool, dimly-lit location — a basement could be ideal — and change the water daily to prevent the growth of bacteria or fungi.

Spray the buds twice a day to keep them from drying out and move the branches to a lighted room when they begin to flower. At that point, they can be placed in a vase or decorative container — keep them in a cool spot, bright but not in direct sun, and you may enjoy your flowering display for up to two weeks.

This year’s unseasonably warm spring has caused some plants to blossom earlier than usual, especially early bloomers like forsythia and pussy willow, but there are many other choices to try such as Rhododendron or Lilac (Syringa).

Be aware that, the closer it is to the plant’s normal outdoor flowering period, the less time it will take to force the cut branches indoors.

For more information on forcing spring-flowering trees and shrubs, visit https://go.osu.edu/forcebranchesspringflowering

For a detailed list of 36 spring-flowering shrubs and trees than can be forced, visit https://go.osu.edu/floweringshrubsandtrees.

Hixenbaugh is an Ohio State University Extension Master Gardener Volunteer in Mahoning County.