Lilacs

The first perennial to make their debut on the farm is usually lilacs, well soon after the apple trees of course. The sight of the gorgeous blooms really makes me excited as it is the introduction to a summer filled floral display that is only just beginning on the farm. And once you bring some into the house, I am absolutely in love, it fills your home with the most beautiful scent.

If you have a lilac in the yard or thinking about purchasing one there are a few things you can do or tips to know to be able to enjoy those lilacs both inside your home and outside. Grab some sharp pruners and cut those babies for a vase arrangement! It will keep your lilac bushes pruned and create nice long slender stems for the following year. This is the perfect time to be pruning, so why not take advantage of that and get some stems in the vase too.

Tips to Harvesting Lilacs

While Harvesting Outside

• Take a bucket of cool water with you.

• Look for blooms that have florets that are about 50 to 75 percent open. Any more open and it will decrease vase life.

• Cut Stems first thing in the morning when it is still cool outside

• Cut stems deep into the bush, about 2 feet and above a leaf node. this will give you more blooms next year with nice long straight stems.

• Remove all foliage

• From the bottom of the stem, cut up the middle of woody stem lengthwise about 2-3 inches to help the stem take up more water.

• Put in water immediately while harvesting.

Flower Conditioning and Design

• Go on into the house and let your stems sit for a few hours in a cool spot.

• If you have Quick Dip I would apply it to the stems immediately and let it sit in a hydrating solution.

• Find the perfect vase, I love using pitchers for long stem floral bunches. I found a gorgeous one at a local store Urban Treasures. I’m sure you will be seeing more of it this summer. I love using pitchers for large bunches of flowers like lilacs, cosmos, sunflowers.

• Keep your beautiful lilacs away from direct light and enjoy the dreamy scented flowers while they are blooming. Vase life is usually 5-10 days.