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How do you get lilacs to last longer in a vase?

Lilacs are beautiful but extremely short-lived as cut flowers, so timing is key. Harvest stems when blooms are about ¾ open with some buds still forming. To improve water uptake, smash the woody stem ends before placing them in water with floral preservative. Remove as many leaves as possible from the lower stem to reduce water loss. For best results, change the water and preservative daily to keep blooms fresh longer. While lilacs naturally don’t last as long as many cut flowers, these techniques can extend their vase life just enough to enjoy their fragrance and beauty indoors.

Related Videos:
Why has the trunk of my lilac tree split? How can I help it?
Should Lilacs be deadheaded?

Related Resources:
Lilac Care
Lilacs
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  • Home
  • Watch
    • TV Schedule
    • Full Episodes Online
    • How-to and Informational
    • Questions and Answers
    • This Week in the Garden
    • Garden Notes
  • Garden Topic Collections
    • Pruning Ornamentals: How-to and Information
    • Apple Trees: How-to and Information
    • Peach Trees: How-to and Information
    • Tomatoes: How-to and Information
    • Square Foot Garden Blog
  • Resources
    • Soil Testing
    • Extension Publications
    • Gardening Resources
    • Blogs
    • Organic Gardening
    • Articles
    • Privacy
  • Guests
  • Contact Us
    • Ask a Gardening Gardening Question
  • Search