How to Grow Lilacs

Lilacs are one of the most aromatic flowers, and by far one of the most beautiful. If you live in the right area you should take advantage of having your own lilacs. The best places to grow lilacs are in the north, especially the northeast. Lilac bushes need a defined winter to chill, so those in the southern states should consider looking into the hybrid kinds of lilacs that are made especially for warmer temperatures. Lilacs also only bloom for a short period of time in the Spring, so you should also consider planting different varieties of lilacs that bloom in different seasons. This way you will have lilacs year around!

There are so many different varieties of lilac, these instructions are for the lilac bush, particularly the Persian Lilac.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• lilac plant
• shovel
• proper soil

1. First make sure you live in the proper climate and have the proper soil to plant lilacs. Lilac plants need a defined Winter season, and grow best in a mild alkaline soil, around ph 7.5. Most soil in the Northeast like New York, Mass and Connecticut have the perfect soil.

2. Find the spot where you wish to plant your lilacs. This spot should be slightly elevated as the roots should not get too wet, and lilacs also need 100% sunlight to thrive.
   Once you find the perfect spot, dig your spot about 1 foot deep, and then about 5 feet apart from the next plant. Most varieties of lilac have around a 5 foot spread.

3. CARING FOR YOUR LILACS
   Lilacs really don't need much care at all. They sustain themselves well, with a little bit of pruning and weeding you'll have yourself a beautiful lilac bush. When you do prune, cut all the way down to where the new bud is showing.

4. You usually will not have to water your lilacs. If you experience a period of drought, water infrequently.

Tips & Warnings

• YOU DO NOT NEED TO FERTILIZE A LILAC PLANT