Lilac blooms cut from the bush tend to wilt very easily in the vase. Learn how to keep lilacs from wilting, and increase their vase life.

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Lilacs have a tendency to wilt after cutting due to lack of hydration of the blooms and leaves from insufficient uptake of water and nutrients inside the stem.

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Lilac blooms are large, and that’s a lot of flower to keep plump and healthy, even just for a few days in the vase.

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There are a number of techniques that you can use to help keep the lilac flowers looking fresh for much longer.

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The best time of day to pick lilacs is in the morning when they are most hydrated, or later in the day when it is cooler.

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Pick the flowers at the right stage, when one half to two thirds of the blooms are open, and when there are also some buds at the top.

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Cut long stems from the lilac bush, and cut these stems at an angle of about 45° to allow for continued uptake of water.

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Immediately after cutting remove most of the leaves, so that the flowers will more easily hydrate and not have competition from the foliage.

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To add the look of lilac foliage to the vase, pick some stems with just foliage, to add as a filler for your bouquets.

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Make sure that the flowers and foliage are on different stems and not competing for the water uptake.

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After cutting the stems place in a container of water and set aside for several hours in a cool shady area, allowing the stems to condition and hydrate.

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After the period of conditioning, the lilac stems can be further prepared by either smashing or making extra cuts in the bottom of the stems.

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Cutting lilac stems involves making two vertical cuts through the stems on the bottom inch or so of stem, allowing more surface area from which the lilac stems can rehydrate.

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Keep all foliage above the water line, trim regularly, change the water daily, and provide some plant food. This will also help lilacs to last longer in the vase.

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Consider using these techniques to confidently enjoy your beautiful lilac flowers in the vase!

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For more information, see the tutorial!