There’s nothing quite like that heavenly scent of lilac to let you know spring has officially arrived! It’s so tempting to snip a few branches and bring that fragrance indoors, but lilacs have a bit of a reputation for wilting the second they hit a vase. Don’t worry, though—if you follow a few simple pro tips, you can keep those beautiful blooms looking fresh for much longer.
How to Cut Lilacs the Right Way
If you want your lilacs to last, timing is everything: always head out to the garden in the morning. This is when the stems are fully hydrated and at their strongest, which is crucial if you aren’t putting them in water immediately. Make sure you’re using a sharp knife or a clean pair of pruning shears to get a clean cut. You can find more detailed info on how to prune lilac blooms right here.
Once you’ve made your cuts, try to get them to their destination as quickly as possible. If you’re traveling with them, keep the branches in a cool, dark spot away from any drafts. Whatever you do, keep them out of direct sunlight! Intense sun is a lilac’s worst enemy and will cause those delicate petals to go limp and wilt in no time.
Prepping Your Lilacs for the Vase
As soon as you get your lilacs home, it’s time to get them settled. First, I recommend stripping off all the leaves. I know they look pretty, but removing them ensures the branch sends all its energy and water straight to the flowers instead. Give the stems a fresh diagonal cut; if the branches are particularly woody, you can even use a sharp knife to split the bottom of the stem an inch or two. This opens up more surface area for the branch to “drink” up water.
Here’s a little insider secret: dip the very ends of the stems into hot water for just a few seconds before putting them in the vase. This helps open up the pores and clears out any sap that might block water intake. After that, they’re ready for a vase filled with fresh, room-temperature water.
Keeping Your Bouquet Fresh
Over a few days, the water in your vase can get a bit cloudy as bacteria starts to grow. This is a surefire way to kill off your flowers early, so make sure you’re changing the water regularly. Every time you change the water, give the stems a quick trim to keep those “straws” open and working perfectly.
Finally, think about where you place your bouquet. Lilacs love a spot that’s cool and protected from drafts. Try to keep the room around 68°F (20°C) if possible—anything much warmer will cause the blooms to fade fast. Curious about exactly when lilacs bloom so you can plan your next bouquet? Check out this article for all the details!
