How to Propagate Lilacs: A Step-by-Step Guide
How to propagate lilacs
Do you love the smell of lilacs in the early spring? If you do, then you'll be excited to learn how to propagate them! Propagating lilacs is a great way to get more of these beautiful flowers for your garden. In this step-by-step guide, we will show you how to grow lilacs from shoots. Let's get started!
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What are Lilac Shoots or Suckers?
“Shoots or suckers are new stems that grow from the roots of existing lilac plants.”
It's crucial to understand what lilac shoots, commonly known as suckers, are before we start propagating them.
Shoots are actually new stems that grow from the roots of existing plants. Lilac shoots typically appear in late spring or early summer.
A lot of people will trim back a lilac sucker, but if you let them grow, they can turn into a new lilac tree! And it is a very easy way to propagate lilacs.
This is how we're going to propagate lilacs.
Lilac Shoots or Suckers
These are the lilac shoots or suckers that I will be propagating into a new lilac bush
The Benefits of Propagating Lilacs from Shoots
There are several benefits to propagating lilacs from shoots. First of all, it's a relatively easy process. All you need is a sharp shovel and some patience!
Additionally, propagating lilacs from shoots is a great way to get clones of your favorite lilac variety. This is because the new plants will have the same genetic makeup as the parent plant.
Finally, propagating lilacs from shoots is a great way to fill up your garden for free!
This is the beautiful lilac bush that I will be taking a shoot from and propagating a new lilac plant.
This lilac is well established and produces beautiful, fragrant blooms each spring.
How to Propagate Lilacs from Shoots
Now that we know what lilac shoots are and the benefits of propagating from them, it's time to get started!
Here's how to do it:
Step One: Wait for Late Spring or Early Summer
The first step is to wait for late spring or early summer. Usually, this is when the lilac bloom. This is when lilac shoots typically appear.
Step Two: Locate the Lilac Shoots
Once it's spring or summer and your lilacs have bloomed take a walk around your lilac bush and look for shoots. They will appear as small, green stems with leaves at the end, protruding from the ground near the base of the main plant. These are the shoots or suckers that you are going to be propagating.
The lilac shoots are growing off the base of the tree below.
Step Three: Dig up the Lilac Shoots
When you find a shoot that you want to propagate, use a sharp shovel to cut it from the plant. To do this, push down with your foot and drive the shovel straight into the dirt, cutting through any suckers in front of you. Try to get as much of the root system as possible.
Digging up the lilac shoot.
It is possible that there are multiple lilac shoots growing from the same root system. If this is the case, you can dig up multiple shoots at once. In fact, I would recommend this! It will give you a better chance of success. Transplanting can always be a gamble based on how well the roots take to their new environment.
Here is the lilac shoot that I dug up.
Step Four: Plant the Shoots
Now, it's time to plant your lilac shoots!
You have two options when comes to growing lilac, you can plant them in the ground or pot them.
I personally planted mine in pots first. My reasoning for this is that it gives the roots a chance to grow and establish themselves before transplanting them into the ground.
The best thing about planting your lilac in a pot is that you can control its environment. I like getting my plants acclimated slowly to their environment so they will stay strong when transferring them outdoors. This will give them the best chance to survive and thrive in their new home.
In fact, after potting my lilac shoot, I decided that I wanted to let my lilac get established and used to its new environment before transferring to reduce the chances of transplant shock. I transplanted it the next spring, and during that time I overwintered it by putting it outside to experience the seasons. To protect the top of the soil in the container from the winter chill, I added leaves.
If you are interested in transplanting as well, here is my process for transplanting lilac shoots.
Here is one of the lilac shoots that I potted after digging it up.
If you're going to pot your lilac, I recommend using a well-draining potting mix. Lilacs need soil that is rich in organic matter and drains well. They do not like to sit in waterlogged soil.
Choose a pot that is at least 12 inches wide and has drainage holes in the bottom.
Fill half of the pot with a high-quality potting mix then plant the lilac shoot and fill in the rest of the pot with soil. Water thoroughly.
Potted lilac shoots need regular watering as they can't absorb water and nutrients from the soil as easily as plants that are growing in the ground.
Be sure to keep an eye on your plant.
If you're planting them in the ground, choose a location that gets full sun and has well-draining soil.
Dig a hole that is twice as wide as the root ball and plant your lilac shoot at the same depth it was growing before.
Fill in the hole with soil and water thoroughly. Be sure to water your new plant regularly. Remember it is a baby and needs extra care!
Here are my potted lilacs shoots.
Step Five: Wait for New Growth
Once you have planted your lilac shoot, all you need to do is wait!
It can take up to two to three years for lilac bushes to mature and start blooming, but it will be worth the wait!
FAQS About Lilac Propagation
What is the best time of year to propagate lilacs?
The best time of year to propagate lilacs is in late spring or early summer when the shoots are just starting to grow.
How long does it take for lilacs to root?
It can take about one to two months for lilacs to establish roots.
What is the easiest method to propagate lilacs?
The easiest method to propagate lilacs is from shoots.
Can you propagate lilacs from cuttings?
Yes, you can propagate lilacs from cuttings. However, it is a little different process to take cuttings from a mature lilac plant.
Propagating Lilacs
There you have it! A step-by-step guide to propagating lilacs. By following these simple steps, you can easily add more lilacs to your garden for free! Just remember to be patient, as it can take up to two or three years for a lilac bush to mature and start blooming. With a little bit of care, you'll be rewarded with beautiful blooms for years to come!
