How to Grow Lilacs in the Deep South

Lilacs require cooler temperatures to bloom. Growing these beautiful bushes in the deep south can be a difficult, but not impossible task.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Soil Test Kit
• Lime (as needed)
• Lilac Seeds or Starter Bushes

1. Lilacs do not like acidic soil. The deep south tends to have soil that leans toward the acidic side. Test your soil and adjust the pH to an alkaline level before planting your seeds or started Lilac bushes.
2. Plant them in the shade. Lilacs will flower the best in colder temperatures. The key is to plant the seeds or bushes in a place that gets a lot of shade in the summer. You will want to protect the plants from the direct heat during the hottest of months. In order to bloom, lilacs will need at least 2 to 3 hours of direct sunlight a day.
3. Create a movable garden. To solve the problem of shade versus sun and heat verses cold, try building or buying a movable garden. Small garden boxes with wheels on the bottom allow the gardener to move the bush into the shade during the hottest hours and back out into the sun when the time is right.

Tips & Warnings

• Always check the soil for acidic pH levels before planting.