Lilacs are one of the most fragrant flowers in the world and they add a touch of elegance to any garden. But did you know that you can also keep them at home to enjoy their fragrance all year long? All you need is a little bit of water and some sunshine. Here’s how to keep lilacs at home fresh.
1. Choose a well-shaped branch from the bush and cut it down to about 20 cm. Try to choose a branch that’s packed with blooms. If you only have a tree, use a few branches if needed. Make sure all blossoms are open. One strong stem will do it, so don’t use too many.
2. Prepare a container filled with water and let it sit in the sun for about an hour so that the chlorine evaporates. Fill the container to leave 4-5 cm between the surface of the water and your lilac stem.
3. Carefully place the cutting in the water at a 45-degree angle, towards the side of the container. Keep the blossoms underwater.
4. Place your lilac cutting in a sunny spot indoors or outside and monitor it daily for freshness.
5. Once you see buds starting to appear on the stem, move your cutting to brighter light to encourage blooming within 2-3 weeks. When your lilacs are on the verge of wilting, give your stem a little snack by adding some sugar to the water. This will give it just enough energy for another day of beauty.
6. Keep checking on your lilacs daily and enjoy their intoxicating fragrance! Make sure you change the water every 4-5 days so that bacteria won’t grow and harm your plant.
That’s it! Enjoy your lilacs at home and share the fragrance with those around you. If you live in a cold region, bring them inside during the winter so they don’t freeze. Remember to have them much as possible to encourage blossoming.
