December 4th is Saint Barbara's Day. It is an old Christmas tradition to cut the Barbara branches on this day. Here's how to treat them properly for beautiful blooms just in time for Christmas morning.
How do I treat Barbara branches for beautiful flowering?
Cut branches of the cherry tree on December 4th and place themin lukewarm water. The next day, place the Barbara branches in a vase with fresh water in a warm, bright place. Change the vase water twice a week.
What do I have to consider when treating the Barbara branches?
The branches need exactly21 days of warmth, imitating spring. During this second period the beautiful flowers develop from the buds. It is important to cut the branches exactly on St. Barbara's Day so that they bloom in time for Christmas. Make sure that the branchesare not in front of a heater or are exposed to hot heating air. Otherwise the buds will suffer heat shock and the buds will fall off. Also remove the short shoots on the lower branch so that they do not stand in water.
How do I treat Barbara branches without frost?
The plants in Germany are adapted to the local seasons. Many species require a few days of frost to sprout in spring. The so-called cold germs protect themselves from early flowering with a hormone. Only through the cold stimulus does the hormone break down and allow the plant to bloom. If there was no frost at the beginning of December, you shouldput the Barbara branches in the freezer for two days to simulate the required cold.
Which plants do you treat as Barbara branches?
Traditionally you cut acherry branchon St. Barbara's Day. The cornelian cherry, a local dogwood species, is also suitable. Numerousearly bloomers (e.g. forsythia, ornamental currants, hazelnuts, almond trees, ornamental cherries or blackthorn) also bloom in time for Christmas with the right care. The flower buds of apple and plum branches require a stronger cold stimulus and should be stored in the freezer for a few days if the temperatures are insufficient. For conservation reasons, do not cut branches from nature. Only use trees from your own garden or from the trade.
How do I treat dried Barbara branches?
If the interface of the branch is already dry,cutfresh and place it in fresh water. Due to the temporary interruption of the water supply at the dry interface, it is possible that the flowers will open with a delay or not at all. Avoid drying out by placing the Barbara branches in water immediately after cutting.
Tip
Arrange and decorate the branches for Christmas
If you combine different trees with each other, you get different flower colors and interesting accents. It will be especially Christmassy if you decorate the branches with straw stars, self-made stars or pendants.
