Flowering crabapple branches declare the coming of spring. You can enjoy the fragrant blossoms a few weeks prior to the tree comes into bloom by forcing divisions inside. Collect crabapple branches in February, once the buds start to swell. The hardiness of crabapple trees varies with the species and cultivar. Most will bloom in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 5 or 4 through 8 or 9.
Cut lateral stems of fresh development which are attached to a principal branch utilizing hand pruners. Choose the ones that have lots of flower buds. Make sure the loss of this stem won’t impact the form of this tree. Cut close the point where the stem attaches to the main branch so you don’t leave a stub.
Fill a large container with room temperature water and submerge the crabapple branches in water. Leave them to soak several hours or overnight.
Stand the crabapple branches in a bucket of water and set the bucket in a cool place for 2 times; warm temperatures in this stage decrease the quality of the flowers. Mist the branches from time to time to help keep the buds moist.
Eliminate the crabapple branches from the water and re-cut the ends of the stems. Scrape off the lower 2 inches of bark on every stem. Change the water in the bucket and put the branches back in the water.
Move the bucket to a place with bright, indirect sunlight. Change the water once or twice a week to stop bacterial growth and re-cut the base of the stems weekly. Watch for buds to open in 2 to 3 weeks.
Arrange the branches in a vase of water. Prepare a floral preservative according to the package instructions and use it to prevent the development of germs and prolong the display. Keep on re-cutting the stems and changing the water at least weekly.